The Frame

Got started on the frame rails. They are made from 2x3" tube with .120" wall mild steel. Since I don't have a tube bender that can handle this stuff I mitered and TIG welded the tubes.



Here we have the frame sitting on stands. Tough to get it all level and square on a sloping garage floor!!




Rigged up a 4:1 pulley system off of my garage overhead storage with a couple of pulleys, biners and ascenders. Lifted the tub up no problem.


Here the tub is sitting on the new frame at ride height, ~23" to the rails. Because the rails are 3" shorter than stock I can lower the suspension but still gain travel and clearance over stock.



Looking back from the front.

So here you can see how the frame is mitered. Those joints are a definite weak spot. Once the motor and suspension is mocked up they will receive a plate on the sides that will be TIG'd around the periphery with a few rose welds for good measure. This is known as plating.

Here you can see how the frame under the back of the rig transitions to the cab floor area. I'm glad I drew this up in CAD. It's a tight fit!!

Another side shot at ride height.

Hopefully tomorrow I can get the bulkhead onto the frame. If I can get that done I'll be able to mock up the fenders and grill. It'll look like a truck again in no time.. T-55 days