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Ugly truckling build

I agree that the cage needs to be solid, I think it should be pretty strong when I'm finished. I can't wait to get the wheels on, I've been on the lookout for a good set for a while!

-Rob
 
Not a whole lot of progress on the cage, been focusing on getting the truck back road worthy.

Removed the windshield in preparation to chop the frame up. Found a little bit of corrosion in the bottom of the channel, but it's still really solid, no need to stitch in any new metal.

2016-07-07%2B07.24.42.jpg


2016-07-07%2B07.24.53.jpg


I also chopped the frame off, and chopped my new frame to match. I used the original windshield gasket as my Template, it allowed me to get the cuts close on both parts. Tonight I plan to grind down both sides to a perfect fit, and weld the new frame into place.

2016-07-07%2B23.02.06.jpg


I've scheduled a windshield installation on Wednesday, wheel swap on Thursday, so I should have it ready to run for the Dune Party!

-Rob
 
Long day of working on the truck today!

Got both pillars properly(ish) aligned, welded, sanded, ect... They turned out pretty good, I think a pro would no trouble getting them looking good when I get it painted.

2016-07-10%2B17.39.30-1.jpg


I didn't take any photos of the rest of the day, but I got the bed rails capped, and installed the Softtopper!

2016-07-10%2B22.20.25.jpg


2016-07-10%2B22.20.33.jpg


2016-07-10%2B22.20.43.jpg


2016-07-10%2B22.20.56.jpg


2016-07-10%2B22.21.06.jpg


This thing may actually be in good shape for the DuneFest!

-Rob
 
Long day of working on the truck today!

Got both pillars properly(ish) aligned, welded, sanded, ect... They turned out pretty good, I think a pro would no trouble getting them looking good when I get it painted.

2016-07-10%2B17.39.30-1.jpg


I didn't take any photos of the rest of the day, but I got the bed rails capped, and installed the Softtopper!

2016-07-10%2B22.20.25.jpg


2016-07-10%2B22.20.33.jpg


2016-07-10%2B22.20.43.jpg


2016-07-10%2B22.20.56.jpg


2016-07-10%2B22.21.06.jpg


This thing may actually be in good shape for the DuneFest!

-Rob


wooo hoo!!!
 
That looks very good. The lines on the door match up quite well. You should be very proud of yourself. It looks great!
 
All the work really looks good!

How do you feel about the mirrors now that it's topless and the doors are cut? I have always LOVED the powered mirrors but I'm worried that with the full top they might look oddly placed. Just curious...
 
Backed it out for a pic yesterday. Finished up the passenger side door bracing / door cap, fixed my stereo, and tossed a coat of paint on the windshield frame.

2016-07-11%2B19.21.15-1.jpg


Plan going forward:

Tuesday:
Replace T-Top bars with slightly bent bars (Level with top of cage)
Finish weld the cage

Wednesday:
Install new Windshield
Install new Wheels
Test Drive

Thursday:
Re-install carpet (Trim for Cage)
Re-install Dash Pad (Trim for Cage)

-Rob
 
Thanks guys!

Pulled the wheel / brake drum off to replace the broken stud... Found a leaking axle seal! Figured what the hell and tore into that project.

When I pulled my diff cover, I was expecting to find a broken gov lock parts... I've never popped this rear diff open, but I assumed the popping / scraping I heard from it was a broke stock locker.

Looks like someone replaced the diff at some point with an Auburn? Unit.

image.jpeg

Also found that the gears are Richmond's.

Accomplished nothing from my to-do list this evening, but I'm glad I tore into that and replaced my leaking seal.

-Rob
 
So it's been a long time without an update on this thing!

I did get everything put together and had a great time at Dunefest!


There hasn't been any additional work done to the cage or truck really since then, just been enjoying the topless ride occasionally. I still have a bunch of tube to bend up and finish the cage with, that should happen this spring.

Now the big news, I've been given a FREE LS to swap in! My father in law has an 03 Envoy with the Aluminum 5.3 in it. He's replaced the truck, and offered it too me for free! It still runs and drives great, but has a nasty lifter noise on a cold start. The truck currently has 390k miles on an untouched engine, so he really wants to tear it down and check out what it looks like inside as opposed to selling it for bottom dollar.

Not completely sure what my build plan is yet, but I'll be freshening up the motor, and swapping in the new trans (rebuilt 50k ago). I believe the Envoy manifolds will clear the squarebody frame, so those may get used. I also have an ORD Big Block crossmsmber, so that will work with the LS.

Thanks
-Rob
 
Those seats are the worst thing to happen to the floors on these trucks. Not enough surface area on the mounts to spread out the load. Which leads to cracks, rust, and eventual failure. Unless you really like the stock seats, look into an upgrade like this...

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=267326

The comfort upgrade is ten fold.

Can you point me towards that thread? link no longer works

Thanks
Tom
 

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