1978 K5 Tribute Restomod (402BBC EFI, 205, 3/4 Ton)

[vdamirth]

Images of cab on frame when I purchased it and when I was separating the cab from the frame.

 

[vdamirth]

Here are images from the frame during the process of filling holes and stripping it.

 

[vdamirth]

Lastly, stripped frame before blasting.

 

[imiceman44]

Lastly, stripped frame before blasting.

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I don't think it's trash.
You're right with all the crossmembers removed it's too noodley.
Go for it

 

[vdamirth]

@imiceman44 thanks for your input!

Anyone else have any thoughts. I can try and get some measurements if y’all think it would be helpful. Or some better pics of the areas that may be kinked or twisted.

 

[tarussell]

All those braces, crossmembers and braces are what “limited” the side rail from twisting like a wet noodle.
But even with all in place it was designed to flex - A LOT !

I assume you will bolt those brackets, such as spring hangers and such, back together - might be wise to use bolts a little longer ( something like the T-case crossmember to frame setup ) with a spacer so the bolt can stretch when needed instead of snapping.

Put it all together with the rails supported by stands and take some measurements BEFORE you start tightening anything down first.

 

[vdamirth]

@tarussell yes, I planned to bolt all the parts back on (hangers, shock mounts, cross members, etc). I think most of them come with grade 8 hardware. I can use spacers but I suppose I’d need to get longer bolts.

 

[vdamirth]

I saw this online and had to get it. I have the digital copies but thought having the real deal was pretty cool. $20 well worth it

 

[vdamirth]

So I’ve been prepping all the chassis components for blasting and paint. One thing that is confusing is the spring plates.



So, previously I had noticed the bump stop point and threaded hole for the sway bar link were different on these. So I was going to try and find another 1716 plate instead of the 1746 plate. But now, as I was cleaning the 1716 plate I noticed the spacing of the u-bolt holes were different. (3-3/4” center to center vs 4-1/4” center to center) This is for a 10bolt axle with 8 lug hubs which has 3” axle tubes. Which plate is the one I should use? Or neither?

Also, if I sand blast these cast parts will I lose the cast texture? I need to do a variety of other parts and I’m thinking I’d like to keep the texture instead of smoothing it out. Thoughts?

 

[Fastereddie]

So I’ve been prepping all the chassis components for blasting and paint. One thing that is confusing is the spring plates.

View attachment 531766

So, previously I had noticed the bump stop point and threaded hole for the sway bar link were different on these. So I was going to try and find another 1716 plate instead of the 1746 plate. But now, as I was cleaning the 1716 plate I noticed the spacing of the u-bolt holes were different. (3-3/4” center to center vs 4-1/4” center to center) This is for a 10bolt axle with 8 lug hubs which has 3” axle tubes. Which plate is the one I should use? Or neither?

Also, if I sand blast these cast parts will I lose the cast texture? I need to do a variety of other parts and I’m thinking I’d like to keep the texture instead of smoothing it out. Thoughts?

The plate with the wider hole spread is for the passenger side. The one u-bolt is larger that goes around the pumpkin.

 

[vdamirth]

@Fastereddie thanks, that makes sense. So the bump stop points will be staggered? One inward and one outward? Because the threaded holes both have to face out for the sway bar links correct?

 

[Fastereddie]

@Fastereddie thanks, that makes sense. So the bump stop points will be staggered? One inward and one outward? Because the threaded holes both have to face out for the sway bar links correct?

They are staggered. Both threaded holes point towards the passenger side. Or maybe im thinking of the ord kit I put on? I’ll have to check when I get home.

 

[vdamirth]

Thanks @Fastereddie For some reason I thought the ORD sway bar was outboard of the leaf springs on both sides.

 

[Fastereddie]

Thanks @Fastereddie For some reason I thought the ORD sway bar was outboard of the leaf springs on both sides.

Thats where im getting confused. I think when I installed the ord bar I rotated the driver side to the outside.