‘82 GMC “Junkyard JIMMY” {Build bash Rebuild}

[pblaze725]

The drill press and a file made quick work out of the slot. While I hear most people 86 the support rod, I decided to keep it. I'm not going to cut off the other hole in case some say I decide to revert back to stock.

This support rod will be mounted using only 1 bolt now.

 

[pblaze725]

Next I cleaned up the metal and made a few little gussets and cut the crossmember to length.

Now your caught up.

Today I plan to get out there and drill some holes in the frame and weld it all up.

 

[fourwheelerjeff]

 

[andyblack]

You did right to keep the support rod. Even with your new, stronger crossmember, I'm pretty sure the mounts would break without that rod. I've heard it will even crack the tranny case if you leave it off too long.

 

[pblaze725]

I had to modify (8) of the fab tabs mount to the square tubing.

 

[pblaze725]

Then I set them up like this...

 

[pblaze725]

After practicing a few times I got my welds to improve.

 

[pblaze725]

A few layers of rust kill black, next I build the tubes for the skid plate.

 

[andyblack]

Looks real good. Like a stack o' dimes.

Why no test fit before the final burn in though? I'm sure you measured twice and welded once...

 

[pblaze725]

Looks real good. Like a stack o' dimes.

Why no test fit before the final burn in though? I'm sure you measured twice and welded once...

The fab tabs didn't need a test fit because they get the fab bushing sleeve. The test fit is just making sure the bushing assembly fit between the tabs.
When I get both crossmembeers back in place I will take a measurement on the connecting tubes and tack them in place, then remove the bushings and burn them in.


The adapter mount on the other hand is another story, I made the mount as shown in the previous pics.
I was torn between mounting the adapter high up on the crossmember (flush to the top) or down low (flush to the bottom).

I decided I wanted to mount it up high so I made the cute little gussets, then I didn't like the way my driveline U joints looked so I...











Cut it off to redo it in the lower position to help the driveline angles.

 

[andyblack]

That's understandable. It shouldn't cost too much ground clearance, if any at all.

After you're finished with this little project, I'm ready to see some Texas wheeling pics on this thread. Yee Haw!

 

[pblaze725]

That's understandable. It shouldn't cost too much ground clearance, if any at all.

After you're finished with this little project, I'm ready to see some Texas wheeling pics on this thread. Yee Haw!

That should happen pretty soon. Since I don't have a wingman here I would like to get the winch hooked up before I go on a trail.
I'll be sure to go for a little shakedown run after I get this one wrapped up.


Meanwhile back in the shop:




The crossmembeers are complete.

 

[pblaze725]

Here ya go AB. I do tack and fit before I weld.

 

[pblaze725]

I welded about 1 1/2" at a time and worked my way around the mount.

 

[Deuling]

Looks great buddy

 

[andyblack]

Man that's gonna be some first class stuff! At least you know your tranny/t-case isn't going anywhere. Beefy!

 

[pblaze725]

Thanks fellas




I got the crossmembers mounted and began to work on the connecting tubes that will support the skid plate.

 

[pblaze725]

After a fitted and tacked the tubes I burned them in.

When I get these mounted I plan to add another tube that connects these two together and that will complete the 3 part design.

After that a skid plate gets mounted.

 

[pblaze725]

https://vimeo.com/122587877

Today I cut
The material for the skid plate.



Here's the new view from the rocks perspective.

I tacked it in place with some self tapping screws.
I just need to drill and tap a few holes and put some bolts in it.

I hate drilling holes...

 

[andyblack]

Those rocks don't stand a chance.