As sit and read through so many cool threads on this forum,my mind starts wandering and I start getting Ideas and I begin questioning my build. I already convinced myself that this build is going to be longer than I though. So if I know Im going to take longer,Why not do it better? I want to re do everything I did on my ch***is. From cab mounts to engine choice. I want to build a new frame using the old(current)on for measurements and just transfer the shell on the "new frame" I still want to use the C20 3/4 front suspension but I want to take a straight truck frame and clip the c20 to it or bolt the c20 to the rails. I want my new frame to be straight like a bus or van frame. This would be cheaper than buying a new donor because i already have another c20 ifs lined up and the flat portion of a flat bed that i can get gor nothing. Plus I want to do a better job at my fab rication. What are the downs to having a straight ch***is in a pick up style coe? I would love to put a ford engine/trans under it,especially a big flattie but I know it will be really expensive to find one and especially to adapt an auto behind it. I dont like sbf!!(ducks) but if i did find a 302/c6 combo ready to go,id go that route just to keep it all ford. This would be an ideal 5 year build. Someone please slap me back to reality.
I'm one of those guys that if somethin aint just so to suit me, it's coming apart. But there's a lot to say about having a roadworthy toy... I can't speak to it as I haven't had one in years! But now that I have a shop 50 ft out the back door, I hope that will change. What's more valuable to you? Making it "right" or driving it on Saturday night? JML
Seth-my two cents. Do what makes you happy. it takes too much time and money to have something your not going to be happy with. PS- stay away from those widowmakers.
Shopdawg. Yes the Im not running the widowmakers...I found some 17.5 ONE PIECE wheels kinda close to me so Im trying to get those....
This is PRECISELY the reason hot rodding is so expensive. Build it twice, it costs twice as much. Want my opinion? Too bad, here it is... FINISH what you started. Get it running, driving and reliable, then START FRESH with a new cab and do it right on your "keeper". You're way too far into this build to start over. Get it done, someone will want to buy it, and you'll have funding to build the next one the "right" way.
I completely understand wanting to go back and fix all that's wrong, and there's nothing wrong with that. But at this point if it's safe just finish it and sell it to fund the next build. Each and every build will improve, your first build does not need to be the Mona Lisa. I really don't understand that old saying. It's not like she's hot or anything...
I learned a lot from building Big Bertha that my new to me 59 GMC will be easier and I am going to do a few things different. Its not the BB is not a dependable and safe driver but there are a few things that bug me. Every time I finish a build...I think...why didn't I .... then I get in and take it for a rip down the road and all is better
We are a sick lot. I have the same issues. We get a lot of satisfaction on building something very nice but fret when it gets a chip in the paint. My car has its flaws and is great fun to drive, but am always thinking about redoing it. I think we strive to be the best we can (or build the best we can) but reality gets in the way.
Any answer to the straight frame question? Im trying to build my '52 chevy coe on a '94 ford f600 straight frame (former flatbed).
vet57air, Ive drooled over your build post many long nights. My girlfriends said a couple times, "your looking at that thing, again?" ive been a busy bee this summer with my current food truck but starting to get the ball rolling on this project soon.
I think im gonna finish this coe then my next project will be bulding a new frame for it. But a lot more detail.
I try to get everything perfect also! I guess this is why I have 8 years in the project and only have a frame and suspension built. It isn't quite that bad, I have the cab wood replaced also. I went with a straight frame from a medium duty International and hung my own fabbed suspension under it. Tandem rears with all 3 axles on air, front rear is air liftable also.
Well I think I "apeaced" some of my sick thoughts by making new brackets and cleaning the ch***is on the coe. The chevy engine vs ford engine debate is still in the back of my head. I have been offered a 1977 Ford 250 custom short bed with a 390 auto for 400. The truck has the twin beam axle on the front. the guy crashed into a 2.5" wall and the p***enger side axle broke off its "mount"?? and ended up under the cab. Im thinking I could use everything from the truck on the coe ie.: rear axle,gas tank,engine,radiator etc. But Im afraid of the gas mileage on the FE. what do you think.
If you want mileage get a Prius! LOL What g***er will get better than 10 mpg in your application? Something fuel injected will be better than a 390, but the 390 is very close to free. What would the payback time be for something fuel injected that you had to pay more for now! If you have $200 in the 390 and trans and (I'm guessing) a grand in any used fuel injected big block with a trans you will have to save $800 of gas to break even. The difference between 10 mpg and 12 mpg (once again guessing) you will save 17 gallons of gas per 1000 miles or roughly $60. 13,000 miles to break even. I drive my rod about 3000 miles a year. A diesel will cost more, but the payback per mile will be bigger. Lots of ways to look at it! I said "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" and chose to use a 2 cycle Detroit Diesel, (6v53) because I like the sound of them. Fuel mileage for me will be 12-15. (I hope)
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