GARAGE TIME!
These holes were from the stock suspension. I decided smooth them out, even though nobody will ever see the difference.
I used some old scraps for filler and welded the holes shut.
I smoothed it out with a 120 grit flap disc on the angle grinder.
The best way to cut a straight line with a torch is with the use of a straight edge.
I used an old 4 foot level and vise-grips to hold it in place. The body hammer was used to break the torched piece loose from the slag.
Cutting away.
Here you can see I've tack welded the plates in place under the truck.
View from under the truck. Those nasty brake lines will be replaced before it hits the road again.
Here's the other side, you can also see my new electric fuel pump.
Front view, still ugly but I'm working on it. The stock front cross memeber was bent up around the edges so I strighted them with the ole dolly and hammer. I also welded all the un-needed holes shut.
Since the long plates didnt reach to the front I had to add a small piece to finish it out.
Some of the best money I've ever spent.
This chop saw also makes things much easier.
For the cross bracing I chose to use 1" x 2" 11 gauge steel. In this shot I've already welded in the 2 main pieces. I had to make the center hole larger because it houses the front universal.
I took careful measurements to make sure these angle pieces wouldnt interfere with anything.
This little puppy is the trans mount I created. Its out of the same 1" x 2" tubing.
Here you can see the trans mount installed. It bolts right to the diagonal bracing.
After I pulled the engine and trans out again, I welded in the rear diagonal bracing. This should add plenty of strength.
I chose Rustoleum Hammer finish for the frame color. It looks like a crackle finish powder coat. Its easy to touch up if needed and looks trick. Looks a little better dont you think?
A shot from under the truck. I went ahead and sanded down the underside of the cab and put on a coat of rostuleum black.
