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Post by akpowerwagon on Mar 14, 2016 18:57:28 GMT -9
So this project started off because I wanted power steering and better brakes on my old crew cab. I spent a lot of time looking into building a crossover power steering but I was a little worried about re-inventing the wheel for this. About the same time the cam flattened out on the front lobe turning my 318 into a v6. Which in turn prompted the thought of screw it, why I am messing with ancient technology on the chassis when all I really give a (xxxx) about is the cool old style body. I spent some time looking around and found a pretty decent first gen cummins truck to be a more modern donor which had all the stuff I wanted to upgrade the chassis and what I hope will be a bitchin motor when I'm done. Attachments:
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Post by akpowerwagon on Mar 14, 2016 19:03:59 GMT -9
Here's the 92' first gen I found for a donor. It had pretty much what I was looking for- first gen chassis with the Dana 60/70 combo on the axles and it was the first year with a intercooler. The truck came with the a518 auto-transmission which I know will need some beefing to stand up to any horsepower but should do adequate once its been addressed for the amount of motor I plan on building. I know a lot of people don't like autos but I like being able to drink my coke and eat a burger while driving so piss off. Attachments:
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Post by akpowerwagon on Mar 14, 2016 19:08:05 GMT -9
Bed removal on the '92. I found leftover 2x6 steel studs from building my shop also make excellent fork pockets when welded to the bed. |
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Post by akpowerwagon on Mar 14, 2016 19:11:00 GMT -9
Removing the front clip and the cab. |
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Post by akpowerwagon on Mar 14, 2016 19:15:13 GMT -9
Got her down to the frame. I've left the motor and transmission in because I will need to check clearances when I set the other body on for mount fitment. Attachments:
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Post by akpowerwagon on Mar 14, 2016 19:21:35 GMT -9
Brought the crewcab inside and thawed it out. In the process of removing the body from it right now. I've been a little busy out of town lately so this is pretty much as far as I've got. I also had some frame inserts and insert jackets made for the section that I'm cutting on the '92 frame to lengthen it to the proper wheel base to fit the crew. Hopefully some progress will be made this week and I can update the thread some more. Attachments:
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Post by Jeremy Narlock on Mar 14, 2016 19:51:02 GMT -9
This is gunna be sweet...... Way to tackle a project like this, can't wait to see it done
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Post by Brook Green on Mar 14, 2016 20:28:00 GMT -9
Subscribing to this one for sure! Keep up the good work!
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Post by Mike Hanzuk on Mar 14, 2016 21:30:52 GMT -9
This is awesome. Something like this is my dream build so I will be following
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Post by megatrek on Mar 20, 2016 14:02:23 GMT -9
Nice! You in fairbanks?
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Post by akpowerwagon on Mar 27, 2016 9:17:42 GMT -9
I haven't been in the shop much this month, work kind of got crazy with spring projects so the Powerwagon has been on the back burner for the last couple of weeks. Last night I picked up and took the step that you can't go back from, I cut the frame. Hopefully tonight I can start welding the inserts in after Easter is over. Pics to come after I clean up and square up my shaky ass oxy cut and lay some weld in.
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Post by akpowerwagon on Mar 27, 2016 9:21:46 GMT -9
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Post by megatrek on Mar 28, 2016 19:29:27 GMT -9
Cool. Love to check it out sometime. I'm just a couple miles from mcpeaks. If nobody has asked yet. I would be interested in the remains of your donor truck.
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Post by akpowerwagon on Mar 29, 2016 15:38:45 GMT -9
So I got the frame cut and the thought has occurred to me "what have I done?". Attachments:
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Post by akpowerwagon on Mar 29, 2016 15:42:45 GMT -9
So here is the insert with the outer jacket that matches up with the frame set on it. Not the best picture but the insert goes into the frame about 6 inches and is tacked on. the exposed part on the other end of the insert should slide into the other side of the frame. Attachments:
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Post by akpowerwagon on Mar 29, 2016 15:46:09 GMT -9
I didn't have a frame rack so I'm putting the thing together on jack stands and pulling it together with straps. The nice part about the insert being such a close fit is it almost self guides itself to the right spot and the outer rail jacket on there stops it at the right length. Attachments:
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Post by akpowerwagon on Mar 29, 2016 15:53:47 GMT -9
So this is how it all looked at the end of the night. Everything together and tacked into place. The fit up looks really good and the measurements I've taken from fixed points on the frame show a perfect 17 1/2 inch stretch on both sides. I was going to go ahead and burn it in but after some consideration I decided to get someone who is a professional welder to do that seeing as this is pretty damn critical that it be done with zero flaws. I will have to wait for this weekend to get him over for it. After that it will be on to setting the 69 body and front clip on the frame to check for body mount placement and firewall clearance issues. |
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Post by Mike Anagnostou on Mar 29, 2016 16:36:23 GMT -9
Looks really clean man. Good work. Seems like a strong design, and looks factory honestly. Can't wait to see it.
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Post by Jeremy May on Mar 29, 2016 17:14:49 GMT -9
Thanks for all the pictures and probably a good call on the welding pro. Hope to see it one day in real life.
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Post by Brook Green on Mar 30, 2016 18:32:28 GMT -9
So I got the frame cut and the thought has occurred to me "what have I done?". LOL, I hate that I love that feeling. That selfie is awesome! (I hate that I just said a selfie was awesome) More updates please! |
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Post by Mike Anagnostou on Mar 30, 2016 22:09:26 GMT -9
Saw it in person myself tonight, this is gonna be a cool rig. The frame stretch is legit.
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JB
New Member
Posts: 12 
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Post by JB on May 6, 2016 12:32:36 GMT -9
Looking forward to keeping tabs on this as it goes towards the final product! Thanks for sharing!
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