Every time I post a bucket picture I get hate mail.... mostly from @blazinzuk.
I've got a different photo where it looks like I just balanced a rear tire against the truck to disguise the fact that the rear axle wasn't installed....
-G
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
'72 K5 - Greg's @MightAsWellK5 Build
- Thread starter Greg72
- Start date
This is the build description. I will improve this later. (GB)
Every time I post a bucket picture I get hate mail.... mostly from @blazinzuk.
I've got a different photo where it looks like I just balanced a rear tire against the truck to disguise the fact that the rear axle wasn't installed....
-G
I can't even remember how long ago the wheel project started....over a year ago at least. Maybe two.
Yeah, I got it in my head that I wanted to do a set of white factory wheels and hubcaps. Simple, right? Except that there is no such thing as a 17" steel wheel (in an 8 on 6.5" pattern) that actually is designed to hold a factory Chevy hubcap...... trust me, I looked for a long time.
I already had the tires (17") and nothing smaller would clear the brakes / portals.....and I don't really like the proportions of a larger 18"+ wheel.
The best option I could come up with was buying a drop-valley 17" hoop and working like crazy to make a stock 16.5" center fit without falling completely through (the centers are too small).
Like most sub-projects on this build.....I spend at least 100 hours working on it, but finally got something that works and that I'm proud of.
-G
It's unfortunate they don't just make them.
Martin
Martin
You getting anything ironed out on the fuel tank?
Like the hubcaps like they are.
Like the hubcaps like they are.
Not yet.
You can see the MDF fuel tank mock up in many of those photos.... Even though the tank looks a little "low" in the back I have to remind myself that the truck is fully "laid out" on its bump stops in these pictures. The tank will be 7" higher once the truck is at actual ride height.
It helps to be able to stand WAY back from the truck like I can when its in the driveway. I can get a better idea about the tank, and how hidden it will be once the quarter panels are installed. Even before the floor goes back in, I may zip tie the quarters back on to get a better visual image of things.
-G
I'm sure it's been said before somewhere in this long thread, but I'm amazed you haven't gotten burnt out on this build and just scrapped the whole thing at one point. I want to use my toys and prefer the build as you go idea, but that might just be my personality too. Either way, hope you get it finished soon cause it will be one of the most unique chevy trucks ever. 
I'm sure it's been said before somewhere in this long thread, but I'm amazed you haven't gotten burnt out on this build and just scrapped the whole thing at one point. I want to use my toys and prefer the build as you go idea, but that might just be my personality too. Either way, hope you get it finished soon cause it will be one of the most unique chevy trucks ever.
It has...
Short answer:
I work on this truck in my spare time when I have time and I don't do it at the exclusion of getting house stuff finished or spending time with my family. Keeping it in balance with the rest of my life is part of the secret IMHO.
Also, I enjoy the design / build process a LOT. Not everybody feels that way...they want to get repairs finished so that they can get out of the garage and out on the trail.
Don't get me wrong, I will be pumped when this truck is running and driving but I'm enjoying the entire process that is taking me there and not just obsessing about getting to the finish line.
-G
i cannot get over the portal clearance.. like you said, looks like you have a floating frame.
Oh, I agree that you need family time (I have three boys all 4 yrs old and younger). I just make it part of what we do as a family. I bring the kids along with me everywhere I go. Weather I'm building my truck (currently building a tow rig), I just bring my two older boys (youngest is 8 months old) with me and they help when they can and play around when I'm working. But I feel the best part is being out in the mountains doing the things I built the rig for as time in the garage only goes so far for kids that are younger than teenage years. Other than that I feel they will just turn into video game playing weirdo's as most of the younger generation has done.
To each their own like I said. I enjoy building, but enjoy a lot more using the rig for what I built it for. Some really just enjoy building more than anything. I can appreciate both. I hope to one day see this thing on the road
So are you saying the fuel tank won't be the limiting factor on the deperature angle? It will be the bumpers hopefully?
Heath,
Pretty sure that's right. I charged up the front shocks last night (to ride height) and stacked a dangerous quantity of 2x4 lumber between the rear axletube and the frame to lift the back up also (the cage is floating in space so I can't install the rear struts yet)... What I want to do now is roll the truck back outside and try to hang the rear quarterpanels on it to see how it looks from the "side view" to assess the sheetmetal along that lower area (between the rear tire and the rear bumper). It has a natural taper to it and I don't really want the tank to be peeking out below that line if I can help it. If I can keep the tank "hidden" behind that sightline there is NO chance that it will screw up my departure angle!!!
Realistically, I will probably have to drop the tank down low enough that it will be visible from the side profile.... so I will at least try to make sure that it follows the bodylines in a pleasing way. I don't want some big, square-cornered monstrosity poking out from underneath and creating a real eyesore. Plus, everyone will know that the truck isn't 100% stock anymore!
In Other News:
My machinist dropped off the first 100% finished convoluted cage plate last night and it fits PERFECTLY!!! He is really pulling his hair out trying to get them done....apparently, so much material is being removed from one side of the plate that the entire thing starts curling and is nowhere near "flat" by the time he is finished.... which then screws up all of the angles he needs to cut, etc. It sounds like he has some new fixturing figured out to make the process a bit easier, so he will be working to complete the remaining 11 PAIRS of plates in the coming days!
That will allow me to get the plates welded to the cage and bolt the Upper and Lower "Clamshell" of my rollcage together and reinstall the rear struts....
I was laying underneath my truck again last night (as I often do)... and "think" I may have found a routing scheme to get the exhaust all the way to the rear of the truck. Getting that figured out will be huge since I'll know what remaining space there will be for the fuel tank.
-G
I hope your machinist is a good friend, that whole process sounds expensive!
Also good to hear you are still trying to get the exhaust to the rear. I had my exhaust in front of the rear tires for a few years and a whole lot of it ended up in the cab unfortunately. I think you'll be much happier if you can find a way.
Also good to hear you are still trying to get the exhaust to the rear. I had my exhaust in front of the rear tires for a few years and a whole lot of it ended up in the cab unfortunately. I think you'll be much happier if you can find a way.
Nice work Greg!! 
Loving the new look! Very stealthy!
Loving the new look! Very stealthy!
So 2 whole days of no CK5, so the thing is ready to fire?
Yep, 2 days and 28 months to go!
-G
Last edited:
Proud day huh Mike?
