What's new
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.

73 K20....crossmember time

Overview Gallery Discussion
So i borrowed a plasma cutter...Wonder how well it works on frame rivets? I guess i should cut the body off this weekend. Maybe ill save the bed sides, the rest can be scrapped. I suppose i can also drop the front axle onto jack stands too.
 
wetoolowdingbangow said:
So i borrowed a plasma cutter...Wonder how well it works on frame rivets? I guess i should cut the body off this weekend. Maybe ill save the bed sides, the rest can be scrapped. I suppose i can also drop the front axle onto jack stands too.
Click to expand...


Plasmas don't like rust very much. Grinder make and X and air chisel is the fastest cleanest way.
 
jekquistk5 said:
Plasmas don't like rust very much. Grinder make and X and air chisel is the fastest cleanest way.
Click to expand...

Yeah thats the way I usually do it, or drill them out. Good thing is here is theres essentially no rust. Its my first time using a plasma...should be interesting.

Im trying to figure out how to get the k20 frame in the garage. I guess rid of the other truck I can bring the new one in on rollers, lift it up and roll the axles under it. Not sure how to get it off the trailer though. I guess I could try to borrow or find a gantry crane?
 
I've been creative moving a similar assembly with an engine hoist and a set of car dollies. You can lift one side of the rig with the engine hoist, the other on the dollies and roll it off the trailer. Then swap the dollies and engine hoist and remove it from the trailer and roll it into the shop.

and FYI I think I'm right around 120-121"
 
Good to know. I was thinking about the same thing. The only hurdles i have to deal with would the the hill i live on and the narrow approach to my driveway.

The guy built skids for the frame so it was drag-able. Im thinking the easiest thing for me to do is to drag it off my trailer. Even if i had a gantry it would want to roll down the hill.

I could even unload it on the flat ground and drag it up the hill with my other truck. Its only about 500 feet or so.

In looking at my trailer i really would be pushing it with the 131.5" wheelbase. I may go back to the 120" mark. The last thing i want to do is have to start building my new trailer out.
 
Lol was it nose heavy? I just keep thinking about all the gaps you have to shoot on the trails here. Even with the k5 id have to make 6 point turns on trails.
 
I know I have been pushing the long wheelbase on you a lot, and I'm sure Martin would be if I hadn't already been. You know your style of wheelin, and what you need out of the truck. Hell, it's your build thread, no one else's. I've been wheelin stock blazer wheelbase for a few years now. There have been times where wheelbase didn't matter, and there were times like previously said that I got my a$$ waxed.

You do what you want to do with your build, cause ultimately it's yours. Plus, you have been doing good work so far. I just suck at fab work, and wouldn't want to mess with cutting the frame haha.

As for the trailer, it looked funnier than it towed. The load was no more unstable than with my K5 on it. If it was a truggy type rig, it may be a hair nose heavy.
 
yeah i hear ya! I just would hate to have my trailer be too short or have to bag my other truck to get it to ride decent. I definitely think the longer wheelbase would feel like i wasnt in the tip zone as much.

Thanks i appreciate it! I guess if it was super bobbed it really wouldnt be that much difference in length as far as the whole truck goes.

Maybe what ill do is build it how it is, make up a janky rear driveshaft from all the shafts i have laying around and try it out. Thatll save me from making my nice one a mess until its professionally done. Its about $120 to get a shaft lengthened, ideally id do that once if i figure out the wheelbase i like.
 
wetoolowdingbangow said:
yeah i hear ya! I just would hate to have my trailer be too short or have to bag my other truck to get it to ride decent. I definitely think the longer wheelbase would feel like i wasnt in the tip zone as much.

Thanks i appreciate it! I guess if it was super bobbed it really wouldnt be that much difference in length as far as the whole truck goes.

Maybe what ill do is build it how it is, make up a janky rear driveshaft from all the shafts i have laying around and try it out. Thatll save me from making my nice one a mess until its professionally done. Its about $120 to get a shaft lengthened, ideally id do that once if i figure out the wheelbase i like.
Click to expand...

I made my rear shaft and its held up pretty well. I used parts from a front shaft, plus a 40 dollar yoke from online. Turned the tube on the lathe, pressed in measured gap and welded her up. Still somewhat straight after a few rock hits. .250 wall

IMG_6822.JPG
 
Worked on the truck a bit more today. Just steady gutting her, getting ready to make a giant swap. I was originally going to cut this thing up, which is a ton of work but I remembered theres a car scrap place in the hood about 15 mins away. I looked up there website and they haul for free!! So ill call monday and see if they can come get the body and frame. Theyll deal with the title stuff as well.

I still need to drop the axles and drag the truck out of the garage. I took the doors off today...damn were those heavy. They are power window, power lock....

I figure ill get the halfass cage out of it and flip that to put towards a diy4x kit for the single cab.

Im going down to have a better look at the new frame and cab tomorrow. I need to inventory what it needs and what I have to work with.

What a mess! Oh well. Im excited to build this new truck! Not sure what im going to paint it yet...anyone have experience shooting cheap paint? Maybe thin out some enamel and spray it?

 
Worked on the truck some tonight. Pulled all the wires out of the thing. Took the seatbelts out and some other odds and ends. Look at how torched the fuse block is....the new harness is going to solve some problems im sure. I guess thats why it was blowing fuses like crazy.







Trying to figure out some paint options for the new cab. Kind of dig this scheme. Maybe itll work on my body style?

 
Hello hello hello

Is there anyone in there?

Just nod if you can hear me.

Lol.

Does anyone know if diy4x spring hangers for the front will work in the stock location? I need to temporarily use them there and then maybe swap to 52s...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom