Nerd Rods, 55-59 Truck Frame Project 1956, C4 suspension, 5.3L auto Kit Frame Design

[rat_rod_russell]

Sorry, I forgot to start this thread over here so you'll all get some catch up post.


George here in Texas contacted up about upgrading his 56 Chevy pickup like we do the passenger cars. So we talked it over and he decided he wanted us to do the work.

We're going to be building a new frame with C4 Corvette suspension, 5.3L LS motor, 4L60E automatic, Dana 44 3.42 gears, and the full swap for him. For you guys that means we're going to be developing a DIY frame for the 1955-1959 Chevy trucks just like our TriFive DIY frame. We'll be posting up updates here as we go and feel free to ask any questions.

George and his friends dropping off his truck the other day.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S01-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/01/M-01.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S02-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/01/M-02.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S03-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/01/M-03.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S04-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/01/M-04.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S05-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/01/M-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S06-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/01/M-06.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S07-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/01/M-07.jpg)



Looking at these photos again is sad, just wait until you see what was under the paint. Lets just say, we're using the hood....... And that's it.........

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

WOW, The sad thing is now that we have it appart the bed is the nicest part of the truck. We can't use any of this. Its going to cost more to fix than it would to just find a better cab.

Take a look

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S01-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-01.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S02-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-02.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S03-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-03.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S04-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-04.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S05-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S06-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-06.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S07-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-07.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S08-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-08.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S09-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-09.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S10-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-10.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S11-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-11.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S12-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-12.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S13-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-13.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S14-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-14.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S15-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-15.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S16-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-16.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S17-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-17.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S18-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-18.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S19-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-19.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S20-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-20.jpg)



Part 1

[rat_rod_russell]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S21-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-21.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S22-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-22.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S23-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-23.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S24-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-24.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S25-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-25.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S26-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-26.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S27-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-27.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S28-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-28.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S29-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-29.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S30-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-30.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S31-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-31.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S32-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-32.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S33-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-33.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S34-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-34.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S35-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-35.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S36-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-36.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S37-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-37.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S38-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-38.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S39-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-39.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S40-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/02/L-40.jpg)

Several of the body braces fell out from under the car when we took the body off the frame, the front passengers side fender was braised on to the cab because all the body bracing were rusted through. And thats just a few of the the bad points. I could write a paper on everything wrong with this truck but I'll let the photos speak for them selves.

We've located a new truck, I'll post some photos up of it soon. Can you say barn find?


The really sad thing is that we didn't end up using the bed either, just the hood.

-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

BEHOLD, the new truck. Found on Craigs List with 2-3 hours of searching for 2-3 days. BARN FIND!! See how little rust is on the cab.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S01-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-01.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S02-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-02.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S03-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-03.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S04-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-04.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S05-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S06-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-06.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S07-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-07.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S08-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-08.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S09-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-09.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S10-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-10.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S11-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-11.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S12-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-12.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S14-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-14.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S15-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-15.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S16-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-16.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S17-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-17.jpg)

[rat_rod_russell]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S19-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-19.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S20-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-20.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S21-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-21.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S22-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-22.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S23-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-23.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S24-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-24.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S25-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-25.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S26-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-26.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S18-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-18.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S13-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/03/L-13.jpg)


More to come as I get the frame dialed into the computer!

-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

We got the scanning done. We've been slamming out TriFive Frames and working out nicer instructions for it in the processes and that's taken up a ton of time but it will all cross over to the truck project.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S01-4.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/04/L-01.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S02-4.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/04/L-02.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S03-4.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/04/L-03.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S04-4.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/04/L-04.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S05-4.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/04/L-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S06-4.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/04/L-06.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S07-4.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/04/L-07.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S08-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/04/L-08.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S09-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/04/L-09.jpg)


I'm getting the data sorted into the computer then I can start with the frame design.

More Soon!
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Got the data mostly sorted and I've been deciphering the factory assembly manual for what each model is, like a model 3104 is your basic short wheel base 2WD truck but change that 0 for a 5 making it 3154 and now its the 4WD model. 3105 is the panel truck but a 3106 or 3116 is a Suburban with different rear doors. You basically have to memorize all of these because a random body mount or hole will be on the blue print but have a number next to it.

So to make it simple. Our frame will only be for the Short Wheel Base cars or the 3100 series. You will have a nice place to cut the frame and make it longer for guys wanting to do custom wheel base cars (I'm going to make a shop truck with a 16" flat bed on this frame) and we might make a kit for it later on or your just going to have to put on your big boy hot rodder pants and just cut it yourself.


Now onto this car. I send these a few days ago to a few people when I just

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S01-5.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/05/L-01.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S02-5.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/05/L-02.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S03-5.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/05/L-03.jpg)


So I wanted to check the motor clearance as well so I dropped the LQ4 in as well to see how it looked. The goal is to make sure you won't need mod the firewall and it looks like we're going to have plenty of room.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S04-5.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/05/L-04.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S07-5.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/05/L-07.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S08-4.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/05/L-08.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S09-4.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/05/L-09.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S10-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/05/L-10.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S11-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/05/L-11.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S12-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/05/L-12.jpg)


So I'll go over some of the ascetic choices. First I'm moving the wheel base out from 114 to 115. I'm moving the front wheels forward to fill the well better but I'm moving them forward by 1.00". The back wheels always look fine but the front always looks to far back and this makes it look correct with the lower body.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S05-5.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/05/L-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S06-5.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/00006_George_Waddell_CPC455/05/L-06.jpg)

Feel free to ask questions and I'll start answering so I can send people here instead of writing the same email over and over again.

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

So I just got a little more data into the computer about the bed and then I remembered. For a no body modifications frame the floor board of the cab and the motor aren't the biggest problem...... Its the bed and the rear suspension. Turns out at 6" off the ground the bed hits the differential pretty badly. So we're going with 8" off the ground as your "I want corvette suspension but I don't want to cut my body period!" option seen here. This will give you miles under the hood and a completely stock bed as well for guys who just want to buy everything OEM stock ish for finish out.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S13-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-13.jpg)


And 4" off the ground, seen here. The frame will be shaped as such that even this low you won't need to cut the bed steel braces just the wood to clear.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S14-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-14.jpg)


And just for you guys who didn't know this is 14" off the ground or STOCK!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S15-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-15.jpg)


And for it to all make more since here's a cool animation. Click to see the 1080 version with more detail, Warning the image is huge by computer standers so it might take a few to download.

https://static2.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/1.gif (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/animation_L-01.gif)

I'm going back to work, you kids keep those question coming. Its egging me on!

Later
-Russell

[LUV2XLR8]

none of your pictures are posting fyi

[rat_rod_russell]

I can see them on my computer and my phone through its connection. You might try refreshing or restarting if there not showing up. lol, there's a butt load of them!

Thanks
-Russell

[85coupe50]

Looks cool... Like the 3 height versions!

[rat_rod_russell]

Updates!

We're making room for lots of tire out back for guys who NEED it and still make it easy to build and fit the 8" ride height without body modifications.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S16-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-16.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S17-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-17.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S18-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-18.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S19-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-19.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S20-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-20.jpg)


I know a few guys were having trouble with the grid looks so I colored in the sections to make it look correct. Also these are 20" wheels front and rear at the request of the customer to see what they would look like. Again one at 4" and one at 8".

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S21-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-21.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S22-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-22.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S23-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-23.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/S24-3.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-24.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[acegto]

Cool stuff. Love the 3D Capture you used. Makes me wish I was a Nerd...

[rat_rod_russell]

Thanks, its good to be the Nerds these days!

Transmission looks like its going to be cake. This is a 4L60E model and its got tons of room. I couldn't find my 4L80 model on the computer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/s25-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-25.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/s26-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-26.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/s27-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-27.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/s28-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-28.jpg)


So the customer asked me to CAD up his wheels to see what they would look like. These are 18" Foose Nitrous II 18" with 245/40/R18 up front and 275/40/R18 out rear.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/s29-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-29.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/s30-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-30.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/s31-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-31.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/s32-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-32.jpg)


Also did some pocketing magic and now we've got an even longer shock (we already offered more wheel travel than the major competition.) And I've got miles of room for Ridetech Shockwaves, We area dealer for Ridetech as well so I hope to have that kit worked out soon enough.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/s33-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-33.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/s34-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/05/L-34.jpg)

Last note, We we'll make these frame rails air tight. You will be able to use the frame as an air tank and no have to mount it anywhere.

Thanks again
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Update time. I'm having to pocket the suspension cradle into the tubing rail on this frame compared to older designs for other cars. Got room for the Air Ride on the back for guys who want to run that way and I'm making room for all the body mounts right now.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S01-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-01.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S02-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-02.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S03-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-03.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S04-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-04.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S05-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S06-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-06.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S07-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-07.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S08-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-08.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S09-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-09.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S10-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-10.jpg)

[rat_rod_russell]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S11-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-11.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S12-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-12.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S13-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-13.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S14-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-14.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S15-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-15.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S16-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-16.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S17-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-17.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S18-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-18.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/S19-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/06/L-19.jpg)

Getting close, I've got 280 lbs of frame in the computer now we're just dialing in the fine details, making sure all cuts are normal to the surface, giving the tabs the proper tolerances, and working on clearing some small sections on the body and making decisions on where and if we want to do a little cutting on the bed braces. I also whipped up a set of Foose Nitrous II's in 18's for the customer to get a feel for the look on them.

I've got most of the prototype frames spoken for, so it won't be long now!

Later
-Russell

[ramlinman]

nice job

[rat_rod_russell]

Detail work now. I'm happy with the shape and we've taken care of most every clearance issue I can think of with these tucks and got the number of parts down compared to the TriFive frame so there will be less welding and will make it easier to assemble but still similar in several ways to give the frame some parallel to the other frames to make guys who have welded one feel familiar with the other.

We've got the Corvette stuff dialed in now but we will have life axle support like the TriFive frame as well. I've sold a few of the truck frames besides this project already but they are all welded frames so I won't need to make instructions just yet. I'll do a time lapse of the second frame I weld for you guys to see how I do it.

You can see two key thinks with this frame in the fuel and brake system support, still working on where and how to place the fuel tank and the 4" tall tubing risers to give the optional ride heights for different builders.

But I know what you all really want, pictures, lots and lots of pictures. So here's your fix.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S01-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/07/L-01.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S02-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/07/L-02.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S03-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/07/L-03.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S04-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/07/L-04.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S05-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/07/L-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S06-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/07/L-06.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S07-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/07/L-07.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S08-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/07/L-08.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S09-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/07/L-09.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

ALMOST!!!!!

I'm looking for another frame to measure bumper mounting holes. I've measured one already but I like to check 2 and average the two or three to find my locations all dialed in. But until then, pictures of the 99% completed frame!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S01-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/08/L-01.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S02-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/08/L-02.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S03-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/08/L-03.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S04-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/08/L-04.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S05-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/08/L-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S06-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/08/L-06.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S07-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/08/L-07.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/S08-2.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/08/L-08.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

DONE!!!!!! MAW HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/M09-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/08/L-09.jpg)

Just got it all sent off to the laser yesterday. I've got some quality control books to make up so the guys cutting the parts won't miss anything but we should have a frame to weld up in 2-5 weeks. They need to poke around and see what time frames look like over there before I can get a solid time frame.

Thanks
-Russell

[John Wright]

Very cool!.....

[rat_rod_russell]

Got a call from the laser, I'll head to Dallas next week to pick up the parts!

[rat_rod_russell]

On my way to Dallas right now, I'll try and post photos tonight. They took a little longer because they wanted to roll some parts instead of cutting them from round tubing to help save money.

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Sorry about the slow response. I got back and life happened. Had a bunch of powder coating work show up to take up space, got sick for a day, had to change out two ballasts in the shop lights, the shop was a mess from a CJ7 5.3L swap and I've got some new part time guys I'm getting trained. Nuts, just nuts.

But without further ado, the new frame!

Man I love going to this place to get parts! They have all the cool tools and it turns out I'm getting better at my CAD package as well. They didn't charge me nearly as much as they did for the initial programing like they did last time for the TriFive car frame.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s02-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-02.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s03-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-03.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s04-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-04.jpg)

All packed up and ready to go. Just look at the forklift compared to the rest of the place. They just have all the fun toys!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s05-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s06-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-06.jpg)


It took me a few days to get the shop all swept up so I could count parts but here we are, the complete CP5559C4 frame minus just a few parts that are missing but they are finishing parts so no worries there.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s07-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-07.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s08-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-08.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s09-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-09.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s10-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-10.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s11-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-11.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s12-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-12.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s13-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-13.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s14-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-14.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s15-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-15.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s16-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-16.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s17-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-17.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s18-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-18.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s19-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-19.jpg)


I've got 3 frames here at the shop. 2 are sold, one as a fully welded and the second it this turn key car project shown here. The fully welded frame is going to a local guy so I can keep close tabs on it while I get the other one finished up and running so I'll know if I need to make any changes to the final design. The third frame is going to sit for a while until I can find someone who wants it welded or get enough free time to make the 3D animation. Otherwise I'm going to just wait to be finished with this build and test drive the truck plenty before I do that video.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s20-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-20.jpg)


Got some cool new stencils for the shop crates and other shipping parts. I just ordered TriFive frames #28-32 so we're shipping nicely on the kit frames!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s21-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-21.jpg)

And we got a new quality control agent. You can see her hard at work.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s22-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-22.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/s23-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage1_01/L-23.jpg)

I've got 2 TFC4 frames to weld up and get shipped out as rolling chassis with motor, transmission and the works so it will be a few weeks before I get to start on this one but I'll post of plenty of photos when I get started.

Thanks again!
Russell Alexander
Nerd Rods

[ramlinman]

good deal

[Tig]

Wow, that looks amazing.
That's one puzzle I would love to put together :)

[rat_rod_russell]

Wow, that looks amazing.
That's one puzzle I would love to put together :)

Its nice to not need to worry about fit up. Just do the surface prep, clamp it down and weld. Burning rod is therapeutic to me.

Photos!!!!

Just finished up a TriFive frame yesterday and I'm finally getting to start on the CP5559C4 frame #01

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S01-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-01.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S02-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-02.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S03-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-03.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S04-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-04.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S05-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S06-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-06.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S07-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-07.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S08-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-08.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S09-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-09.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S10-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-10.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S11-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-11.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S12-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-12.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S13-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-13.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S14-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-14.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S15-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-15.jpg)

Back to work! I'll post the other photos as soon as I get them off the camera.

Later
-Russell

[wfo guy]

I interested in this. It sure would be nice to have the measuring unit to import all the data. The elimination of mistakes would be wonderful.

[rat_rod_russell]

Update 2013.Nov.04 Inner rail is together, Rear upper shock mounts on, Corvette bat wing to frame brackets, Tubing boxing plate and gussets. These parts are much easier to weld on while the frame section is still light enough to flip by yourself.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S16-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-16.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S17-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-17.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S18-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-18.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S19-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-19.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S20-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-20.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S21-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-21.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S22-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-22.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S23-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-23.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S24-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-24.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S25-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-25.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S26-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-26.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S27-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-27.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[Peter Mc Mahon]

this is awesome, any idea how close this frame would be to a 56' F100? hint hint

[rat_rod_russell]

this is awesome, any idea how close this frame would be to a 56' F100? hint hint

I'll let you know after I put my 54 F100 on one, hint hint :D I tried to design the main structure close to the F100's and the C10's so I can hopefully just change the body mounts and actually offer a bolt up frame one day but I've already sold one of the first 3 to a guy to put it under a C10, he's just going to mod it himself.

Thanks
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Monday's work. I was gone all day Tuesday, more photos soon!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S28-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-28.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S29-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-29.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S30-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-30.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S31-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-31.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S32-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-32.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S33-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-33.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S34-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-34.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S35-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-35.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Done with the main rails now and I've moved to the front stub, radiator support cross member and bumper mounts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S36-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-36.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S37-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-37.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S38-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-38.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S39-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-39.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S40-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-40.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S41-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-41.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S42-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_42/L-35.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S43-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-43.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S44-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-44.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S45-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-45.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S46-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-46.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S47-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-47.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S48-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-48.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S49-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-49.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S50-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-50.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Its starting to look like a frame. Getting all the outer frame rail body mounts welded up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S51-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-51.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S52-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-52.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S53-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-53.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S54-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-54.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S55-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-55.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S56-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-56.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S57-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-57.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S58-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-58.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S59-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-59.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S60-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-60.jpg)


Later
-Russell

[Tig]

Its nice to not need to worry about fit up. Just do the surface prep, clamp it down and weld. Burning rod is therapeutic to me.

Later
-Russell

I am with you 100%, hence my name, well my screen name, hah.

Your chassis' are top notch, keep up the great work.
I love dropping in to see your updates and wish I was in your seat :)

[rat_rod_russell]

I am with you 100%, hence my name, well my screen name, hah.

Your chassis' are top notch, keep up the great work.
I love dropping in to see your updates and wish I was in your seat :)

No you don't. I spent all night cleaning the shop, lol.

[rat_rod_russell]

Updates! Getting the side rails married together after getting the rail spreaders nailed together. We've been thrashing on the TFC4 Stage 4 Running Chassis at the end of the page as well.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S61-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-61.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S62-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-62.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S63-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-63.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S64-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-64.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S65-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-65.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S66-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-66.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S67-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-67.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S68-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-68.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S69-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-69.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S70-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-70.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Update 2013.11.25

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S71-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-71.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S72-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-72.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S73-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-73.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S74-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-74.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S75-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-75.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S76-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-76.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S77-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-77.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S78-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-78.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S79-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-79.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S80-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-80.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S81-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-81.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S82-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-82.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S83-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-83.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S84-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-84.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S85-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-85.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S86-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-86.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S87-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-87.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S88-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-88.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S89-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-89.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S90-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-90.jpg)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S91-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-91.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S92-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-92.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S93-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-93.jpg)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S94-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-94.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S95-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-95.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S96-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-96.jpg)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S97-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-97.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/S98-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-98.jpg)


Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Holiday season is the worst for hot rodders but I survived again. Got a little done on the other front rail and I bagged the first Truck frame today for delivery in a day or two. And by I, I mean Nerd Rods Minion T. Funny thing is the guy buying the frame is a pro shop and is going to put it under a C-10, not a TriFive truck. So he's going to find out how easy the design is going to be for me and he's close enough I can go over to take notes on the fitment. Thanks Kendell! :D KB Speed and Custom in Boerne if anyone wants to go bother him for me. It would be embarking if he finished before I did.

I did a few things differently on this side of the frame in terms of process and I've been making my list of tweaks I need to do for the production version of the frame. Just little things I missed like making keys one way so you can't put them in backwards. I've already gotten a hand full of those located. I've got even more photos on my computer with notes written on them to help me in making the animation video and other instructions, it all adds up but I like being able to answer questions as soon as they pop up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S99-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-99.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S100-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-100.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S101-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-101.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S102-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-102.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S103-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-103.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S104-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-104.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S105-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-105.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

ITS COLD!!!!
Alright now that I got that out of my system.


Since we're finished with the cradle mounts its time to marry the sides together. These jig parts and the nuts and bots are all included with a Stage 1 kit frame. Man I love the fitment of the these keys. The good fitment really is all the difference in between good welds and sloppy looking welds. Prep Prep Prep!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S106-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-106.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S107-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-107.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S108-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-108.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S109-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-109.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S110-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-110.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S111-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-111.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S112-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-112.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S113-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-113.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S114-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-114.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S115-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-115.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S116-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-116.jpg)

Ugh, I found that 20 lbs I put on while designing the frame......
But you can see how we get these last few parts in. You might need a friend to help spread the rails out a little to make everything go together easier.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S117-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-117.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S118-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-118.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S119-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-119.jpg)


NOTE!!!!! Yes I have big clamps, but all you need is a RATCHET STRAP here to pull the rails together before welding. I was going to use one for the photos but it was in the back of the truck, and it was cold, and I'm a wuss so sue me, lol.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S120-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-120.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S121-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-121.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S122-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-122.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S123-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-123.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S124-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-124.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S125-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-125.jpg)

Next up is the 4 bar locators and then we marry the 3 big parts together into a single frame.

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Rear four bar (Dog bone) to frame mount. If your going to run a live axle instead of the Corvette you can swap these out for different control arms, and do a 3 Link, 4 link, truck trailing arms, triangulated 4 bar, watts or pan hard bar system. There's tons of room to install any of them.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S126-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-126.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S127-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-127.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S128-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-128.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S129-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-129.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S130-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-130.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S131-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-131.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S132-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-132.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S133-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-133.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S134-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-134.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S135-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-135.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S136-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-136.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S137-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-137.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S138-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-138.jpg)

[rat_rod_russell]

Well its finally a whole frame. I've just got some brackets, gussets and the bottom to finish up and we'll be onto fitting the body. Now that the main frame is together I need to take it off the table to finish up a fuel tank so I can get a gas tank wrapped up and deliver an over due stage 4 TriFive chassis.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S139-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-139.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S140-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-140.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S141-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-141.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S142-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-142.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S143-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-143.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S144-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-144.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S145-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-145.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S146-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-146.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/S147-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-147.jpg)

[rat_rod_russell]

Thanks all!

Sorry I've been out of touch. Holidays, TIG died, had to help the girlfriend move, Jim (aka dad, works here with me) had back surgery and we had a TFC4 TriFive C4 Stage 4 Chassis to wrap up. But no relatives were murdered, the TIG has been fixed, girlfriend is moved in, Jim doesn't have any of the pain he's had in his legs and was walking again same day after the surgery and the Stage 4 Chassis is awesome!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S03-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/TFC4/stage_4/01/L-03.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S05-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/TFC4/stage_4/01/L-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S17-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/TFC4/stage_4/01/L-17.jpg)

I'm almost done with the truck frame. I didn't bother doing extensive photography in favor for speed. It was all just little bottom welding and a few loose brackets but I'll get few photos posted in a day or two I hope.

The rest of the photos are here.
http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1282187#post1282187

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

BAM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

real photos coming soon

-Russell

[sccacuda]

Looks good! That's a lot of work tig'ing that whole frame! Admit it, more than once you were tempted to grab the MIG just to be done. Great work and fab. Do you need the vehicle physically their to digitize for the frame layout?

[rat_rod_russell]

Looks good! That's a lot of work tig'ing that whole frame! Admit it, more than once you were tempted to grab the MIG just to be done. Great work and fab. Do you need the vehicle physically their to digitize for the frame layout?

MIG I will on production frames for 2-3 welds that are just weird positioning but over all I like TIG welding a lot. Its therapeutic to me in some fashion. But I promised the owner of this one that it would be 100% TIG welded. The extra time really had more to do with photography, camera and remote flash setups than welding. I'll time lapse the next one like I did the 55-57 kit frame to show you how long it takes.

You need more than just the vehicle here. You need an intimate understanding of that project, its clearance problems, availability of aftermarket parts, you need to find all the old blueprints you can for some kind of reference to make sure the body your scanning isn't out of alignment, and much much more. I find that even after I design a frame for a car I still end up modifying them all a little after I build 2-3 for one reason or another. Open up a gap for better steering linkage clearance, notch that for better exhaust clearance, or just shift something to clear a little better. I get people all the time asking if I can make one for their car and the answer is yes and no. Yes I can but its really time consuming and not as easy as it looks thumbing through photos on the internet so normally I just tell them no I can't. I'm am planning other cars but not anytime soon. C-10 Pickups and the C2/3 Corvettes are up on my list but I really need to get my website squared away, several little complementary kits for the frames lined up, more videos made up for how to build or assemble various suspension and diversify my advertising. Could be worse, I could have a real job. :P

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

And the photos!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S148-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-148.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S149-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-149.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S150-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-150.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S151-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-151.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S152-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-152.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S153-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-153.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S154-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-154.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S155-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-155.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S156-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-156.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S157-1.jpg (http://www.nerdrods.com/Images/Product/CP5559C4/Stage2_01/L-157.jpg)

Now for some suspension

-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Not pretty parts but its rolling. I need to get something together for a temp coil over shock and then its time to bring the cab in. It just got really cold down here but we'll be back to normal shortly. I need the stage 4 on the lift to go away and I'm working on the wiring harness to the 38 Ford in the background as well and I need to finish that to bring the Cab and front clip in to mount up. Hopefully that will happen Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S01-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-01.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S02-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-02.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S03-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-03.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S04-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-04.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S05-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S06-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-06.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S07-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-07.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S08-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-08.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S09-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-09.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S10-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-10.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S11-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-11.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S12-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-12.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S13-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-13.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S14-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-14.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S15-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-15.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S16-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-16.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S17-2.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-17.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S18-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-18.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[wfo guy]

Looks good. How many parts are in the frame?

[rat_rod_russell]

Looks good. How many parts are in the frame?

So total in the frame kit there are 241 metal bodies that will come in the box.
18 of those are Jig parts that get bolted on and thrown away after your doing welding.
6 are optional bumper parts, so you get 12 and you'll either use one set of 6 or the other 6 and toss the ones you don't use.
28 are just to lift the body 4 inches and make it so the truck required no body modifications to mount it to the frame. If you go lower and decide to mod your bed than you'll throw all 28 of these away.

So when your done you'll have 217 to 189 parts to weld onto your frame depending on your choice of ride height. There are a few extra assemblies to weld together like the differential swing arm, the rear suspension control arms and the rear lower shock mounts.

Now, after welding one myself I'm going to change some of the gussets down to simpler assemblies and probably cut the assembly down another 12 parts at least. The neat rounded corners on the back are cool looking but each one of the 6 corner gussets are 2 flat and 1 tube part that could be just 1 rectangular tubing piece instead of 3. Rounded is stronger but gives more room for error in welding and that's more of a likely failure than the tubing intersection.

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

And we've mounted the cab and bed. Everything fits nicely when you use a little rubber body bushing. Factory is a piece of pressed particle board. You can see the photos with the trimming notes. And you can see the one with the frame note showing it just barely under the bed between the bed supports. It worked out really well and everything fits awesome. We will need to trim all the inner fenders weather it be tall or short for A frame clearance. That is shown as well.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S19-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-19.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S20-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-20.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S21-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-21.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S22-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-22.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S23-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-23.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S24-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-24.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S25-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-25.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S26-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-26.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S27-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-27.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S28-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-28.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S29-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-29.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S30-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-30.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S31-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-31.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S32-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-32.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S33-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-33.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S34-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-34.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S35-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-35.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S36-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-36.jpg)

I'm getting my wheel stash out so I can check for the wides and look for possible clearance issues in the next few days. After that the body comes off and we mount the motor and check its fit.

Later
-Russell

[wfo guy]

I like it, Russell.

[rat_rod_russell]

Thanks

Alright, we got her on the ground. I need to adjust the shocks a little and these tires are different sizes from the other side so its sitting a little odd but close enough for photos.

Tires! So a 245 with an 8.5 inch wheel is going to be the easiest thing to put under the truck without modifying the bed. Room is just tight under there. Now, you can see in the previous photos that the frame is designed to accommodate a lot of tire should you be willing to make the simple modification. Up front is amazing. A 275 on a 10.5" tire will fit easily and turn so you guys who want to see on of these babies handle, a 11" with a 295 should be cake with a little work to the outer fender and exact sizing to steer and stop the beast.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/M37-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S38-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-38.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S39-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-39.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S40-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-40.jpg)

Miles and mile and miles of room under here!!! We're pulling the cab back off to mount up a 5.3L and see what the firewall clearance looks like.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S41-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-41.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S42-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-42.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S43-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-43.jpg)

Tires all fall nicely in their exact places. The gray wheels are 18" and the chrome are 17" to give you an idea of size. Some taller tires on the back would be a good look to the truck as well.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S44-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-44.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S45-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-45.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S46-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-46.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S47-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-47.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/S48-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-48.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

So here a some of the final mods I've made to the frame for the production batch. I'm happy that I'm only going to raise the front cradle a little bit in the production batch to get the suspension angle perfect. It will be more critical on the lower body height.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S49-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-49.jpg)

The rest are just opening up tolerances to accommodate for welding deflection in a few of the ears and the additional thickness of powder coating I didn't think about when I was designing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S50-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-50.jpg)

Finally I replaced these gussets with tubing parts so we can cut the total assembly down by 12 parts and 20+ inches of welding.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S51-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-51.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S52-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-52.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S53-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-53.jpg)

Got the LM7 mounted up and we have MILES AND MILES of room!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S54-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-54.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S55-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-55.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S56-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-56.jpg)

We have plenty of room up here with small electric fans but we also have a lot of room behind the motor to move it back for bigger fans or longer pulleys. These are the OEM truck Pulley and are the longest OEM LS pulleys but a forward mount system will need more room. We also have plenty of room to clear a distributor for SBC guys.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S57-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-57.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S58-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-58.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S59-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-59.jpg)


Tons of room for headers, steering is going to be cake (the cake is no lie (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdrs3gr_GAs)), We even have plenty of transmission room with the high body height on this 4L60E and will only need a little modification on a 4L80E or T56. You can see we're even using the stock tall oil pan and we still have room to move the motor down a bit more if we need more room.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S60-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-60.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S61-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-61.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S62-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-62.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S63-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-63.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S64-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-64.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S65-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-65.jpg)


Chassis Clearance

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S66-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-66.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S67-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-67.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S68-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-68.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S69-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-69.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S70-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-70.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/S71-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/09/L-71.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[wfo guy]

I like what you've done. It will be interesting to see how the market receives your product.

[linkstar69]

Looking good.

[rat_rod_russell]

I like what you've done. It will be interesting to see how the market receives your product.

I sold 2 more within 72 hours of starting to take orders for the first "customer batch". I'm going to sell 4 total to order 5. I've decided to just throw one under the PT-57. Its been sitting to long and this should help get her back on the road shortly. But with 4 guys welding theirs together I'll get some feedback on problems and questions they'll have just to make sure that no further modifications or parts need to be added to the kit to make guys at home successful at home. With over a dozen successful cases of our 55-57 version of this frame I'm not worried but I don't want to be conceded either. If all 4 guys have the same problem, I have a problem, if just one does then I might need to help him but then I've also identified a base line of guys who might not be able to pull it off. As a shop I'll get a lot of information from these guys and with luck make some new friends.

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

List of parts to get ordered! This is why I don't normally do full builds. The paperwork kills me. A necessary ordeal of course but I just hear this looping in my head the whole time I'm working up prices, number and contracts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sor9GzivGbk#t=01m45s

Body

Bed
Tail gate with crossmember
Rear Fenders +3 inches, Pair
Fender Supports


Power Windows

Tucker Power Window Regulators


Power Wipers

Newport Power Wiper System
Washer Pump kit
Washer Pump Switch


Gauges

Dakota Digital
Blue Lighting
Chrome Bezel


Wiring

Isis Power System
3 Cell Starter Kit
inMotion Power Window Controller
inTouch iPhone interface
inVert Mini (fuel pump)
inViroment Vintage Air Controller
inReserve Battery Monitor

Engine Wiring
Engine Harness

Optima Battery Yellow Top
Battery Ends and Terminals
Battery Cable
Assorted Weather Packs
Ignition Keyset

Lighting
H4 Head Lights
LED Tail Lights
Front Turn Signals


Steering Column

Stainless Column Shift
Column Adapter
3/4 U Joint Weld
17 DD to 3/4 Weld on U Joint
Steering Shaft
Shifter Cable
Supports & Hardware
Powder Coating Other Parts


AC System

Vintage Air Gen 4 System


Cooling System

PRC Polished Radiator Assembly
Radiator, AC Condenser, Core Support, Dual Electric Fans, Transmission Cooler, Fan Wiring Harness, Over Flow Tank
Radiator Hoses
Coolant
Installation Hardware


Brake System

Firewall Mount Brake Pedal System
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Brake Fluid


Powder Coating bits right now, We'll get back to you soon with more photos!

Later
-Russell

[ccmc]

How much!!!!!!!!!

[rat_rod_russell]

Frames are not bad, the rest of that list....... ya, this is why I don't do full builds. I like the chassis part and while I like wiring all the body work windows and stuff like that I consider tedious but George has been an awesome customer letting me entertain my fancies on frame designs while he waited on me so its only fair.

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Things are grinding to the speed of paperwork and parts shipping. I'm also working on the second frame time lapse video so look forward to that soon as well.

For guys who want to speed through all these photos I've made some of those cool galleries that you can just click through instead of all the back and forth.

Truck Drop off, Dis assembly and Adventures in Crappy Body Work Over Rust
http://gallery.nerdrods.com/custom_project_cp5559c4_george_s_1956_chevy_01

The New Cab and the design of the frame
http://gallery.nerdrods.com/custom_project_cp5559c4_george_s_1956_chevy_02

The FRAME! Pickup, Arrival and The Welding.
http://gallery.nerdrods.com/custom_project_cp5559c4_george_s_1956_chevy_03

Assembly into a Rolling Chassis and the first sit on its own wheels.
http://gallery.nerdrods.com/custom_project_cp5559c4_george_s_1956_chevy_04

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Update time!

Sorry, we’ve been dealing with a ton of drama in regards to our frame tubing laser. They decided without notice to triple the cost of the frames. I called up to order truck frames for the first full production batch and at that time the shop decided to inform me that my frames had been costing them over 1,000.00 each out of there pocket. This puts me in a bad place because it not only interferes with the truck frames but it also put a complete stop to the TriFive frames as well leaving me with just the few frames I had in stock. The machine that cuts the tubing is rare here in the US and when I started they were the only job shop with the equipment I could find. After going round and round with them I paid their extortion level prices for 3 more of the truck frames. I had 2 sold already and had to buy the third just to get the order big enough for them to process it and all out of pocket. So needless to say things have been tight dealing with this.

The light at the end of the tunnel. So I need one of 2 things. One I need 2 shops to tell me that my old price is reasonable and continue manufacturing my parts at that price. This way if one gets to a point where they can no longer manufacture my parts I’ll have another that I know will make the parts at the same or similar price. Second is that I get the same numbers from these new shops as the original and find out that Nerd Rods has no future building my existing kit frames. However, getting a price isn’t easy on these frames. There are lots of parts and they are almost all different. This is what makes it possible for you all to assemble them but they are also difficult to price just from looking over the data. Lots of programing is needed to see how long each part will take on the machine, how much material will each take up, how will they all be nested on the source material, packaging and handling. And on and on. Next comes with the fact that almost no one’s software likes each other so I keep needing to convert my files into different formats for each shop and then answer questions different for each as well. Talk to the sales team, email the engineers and make drawings for the drafts men. I’ve already been told no by 4 shops but they all have the older machines without the auto feeding system so their handling was what killed the projects. I’ve got 2 shops I’m waiting on now for a final quote. One shop’s laser is so new it’s still in the crate but it’s also the latest model and the faster one available and while they change 400.00 and hour their machine is 4x faster than the place in Dallas that charged 185.00 an hour so to me that means half the price. Here’s hoping.


On to the actual prototype. Lots of parts are on order still but lots of other parts are here now. Have a look see.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/S01-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-01.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/S02-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-02.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/S03-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-03.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/S04-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-04.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/S05-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/S06-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-06.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/S07-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-07.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/S08-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-08.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/S09-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-09.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/S10-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-10.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/S11-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-11.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/S12-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-12.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/S13-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-13.jpg)

I'm working on the Time Lapse of the second frame and the 3D animation right now as well so with luck I should have those out shortly.

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Well this has been an educational experience. I'm having to go out of state to get my laser cutting done. I've got 3 shops looking at my models and working up number for me. It was kind of funny. These tubing laser start around 800k, most are closer to 1.2 million and the big bad boys are 1.8 million. With a huge piece of equipment like that you would think these guys would advertise the heck out of them to keep the blasting metal around the clock.......... NOPE!!!

Finally in the last few weeks I started calling the tube laser manufactures. "WHO THE @#$% HAS YOUR MACHINE!" A few days later most of their sales guys called me back and several shops were tossed my way. I've already been turned down by 15 or so shops because they have older multi purpose machines that can't do the tube like a dedicated machine can and each one of those request are at lease a full day of talking, emailing, converting files, making special drawings for what ever questions they have and so on. I've been at that for months now trying to find a shop that can cut up the frames. So my silence hasn't been for naught.

What have I gotten done? Here's a beta video to kinda show you. I just slapped the footage together so you guys can take a look.


bzf37qaVy5Y

Make sure to kick it up to HD for all the beautful details and look for the big clock in the background toward the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzf37qaVy5Y

Back to work!
Later
-Russell

[Jetfixr320]

Pretty Impressive! 16 minutes of welding porn! :)

[rat_rod_russell]

Does that make me a porn star?
....... COOL!!!!!!

[Gil]

Hum... Depends the size of your welding torch... :pics2:
Very nice work !
Gil

[rat_rod_russell]

YES!!!!!

We have a laser shop again! And they are actually almost $50.00 bucks cheaper than the old shop. Now they are also an additional 300 miles away from the last shop and in another state but I'm not worried about my design not being reproducible for the same price. Basically I was worried that I had blown the last 3 years of my life developing a product and business model that would need to be entirely scrapped thanks to one lazy sales guy.

Back to work!
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Hum... Depends the size of your welding torch... :pics2:
Very nice work !
Gil

I'm un comfortable, I need and adult! :P

The torch is tiny but the hose is 25 feet long!

[ramlinman]

getting it all ironed out russell? stick with it

[rat_rod_russell]

So this is happening. I needed to break up with my camera for a while to focus on actually building parts and tech supporting customers.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/M14-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-14.jpg)
Click for full size

Basically in the down time since I last posted I've got 2 lasers up and running now, sold 8 frames in various stages, delivered 5 of them, blew the motor up in my personal car, fixed that, one minion moved, got 2 new minions, been training them, had to change banks (if your a small business you know what kind of a royal pain this is) and my local laser shop has been teaching me to program his laser so I can save a few bucks and I can quote my own projects now. Cross that with a girlfriend that lives 240 miles away and its fun fun fun and busy busy busy on all fronts. I should have more photos up within the week. Their on my computer and need to be sorted. Also waiting on other parts.

Later
-Russell

[AusMarty]

You're nuts.

And your life is full of issues.

I'll trade ya.
HAHAHA!
Mad, keep the progress happening.

[rat_rod_russell]

The ongoing joke is "Well, I could have a real job" :P
And no I wouldn't trade it for the world. I just wish I could hire someone with my mix of computer and mechanical ability. I almost prioritize the ability to do spreadsheets and email over anything at the moment. I can teach the rest of it.

-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Here are the rest.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S15-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-15.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S16-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-16.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S17-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-17.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S18-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-18.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S19-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-19.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S20-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-20.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S21-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-21.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S22-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-22.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S23-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-23.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S24-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-24.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S25-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-25.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S26-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-26.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S27-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-27.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Ah man, it was so cold today that no one came into the shop all day, It was AWESOME!!!

And thanks to the quite I manged to get the gas tank about 90% worked out. I'll need to build one real quick and make sure the lower gas filler hole will let the tank fill without backing up. It should work with the vent at the top to bleed off the air but I want to make sure. The tank is only 18.5 Gallons but it under the bed and it will use the stock filler neck. I've never liked the rear bed mounting solutions with the filler in the bed but I'm also 6'2" and more room in the CAB is a must for me. For more fuel I'll just add extra tank in the bed and just let it over flow down into the bottom tank and move the filler up higher.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S28-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-28.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S29-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-29.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S30-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-30.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S31-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-31.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/S32-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-32.jpg)
Later
-Russell

[wfo guy]

Russell, the lower mount fillers work but are very slow. Most vents are no larger than 3/8" . But the rest of the problem is you are letting gravity equalize the volume of liquid trying to get into the tank versus the rest of it. If you are able to angle the tank downward from the filler location, it will help. Did you purchase or lease 2 lasers for your shop?

[rat_rod_russell]

Russell, the lower mount fillers work but are very slow. Most vents are no larger than 3/8" . But the rest of the problem is you are letting gravity equalize the volume of liquid trying to get into the tank versus the rest of it. If you are able to angle the tank downward from the filler location, it will help. Did you purchase or lease 2 lasers for your shop?

LOL! Sorry no, I found 2 laser shops to cut for me. The Tubing Dedicated 3D Lasers start in the 1.6M range and work their way up from there quick. One would barely fit in my shop and I don't have the sales for that or the time to learn the nuances or their programing and maintenance.

Thanks for the info. I'm going a bit bigger on the vent to help the equitation because I won't sell a tank that has to slow fill. I've had one of those and it was painfully obnoxious.

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S33-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-33.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S34-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-34.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S35-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-35.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S36-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-36.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S37-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-37.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S38-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-38.jpg)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S39-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-39.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S40-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-40.jpg)


Gas tanks has been finalized and send to the laser for the first one. I still need to test my design to make sure it won't slow flow due to the height of the filler inlet. The Vent should be large enough to compensate.

Also finally found a CNC tubing bender that isn't insane about his prices. So I drew up the back half of the exhaust and send that and the program off to bend them this morning. This is my first jump into CNC bending so here's hoping its painless. If it is I'm going to be able to cut an easy 200-250 bucks off the cost of the exhaust systems for the Nerd Rods Frames.

The turquoises parts on the frame are revised from the first frames we built and sold thanks to this project and some feedback from guys who wanted to bit the bullet even though I've not gotten as far as I would have liked on this project yet. Nothing major, just subtle things, increasing or decreasing tolerances of different parts or keys. Adding little extensions and there was one slot I forgot to put into a rail but that's all taken care of now.

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

More updates, The exhaust front part is too complex to have 1 piece bent. Some of the bends are too close together and the motors are mounting is different frame to frame so that bit need a little custom attention to make fit exactly. So we got this part mocked up and the braided brake lines finally showed up. I have to order custom lines to have an AN-3 on one end and the 10mm on the other AND have a DOT stamp on the lines. Kore 3 does good work with quality American parts so I don't mind the short wait. These are getting on and worked out as well. The rear half exhaust has been XYZ'd and has been ordered.

Now for the real reason most of you are here, pretty pictures!!!!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S41-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-41.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S42-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-42.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S43-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-43.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S44-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-44.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S45-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-45.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S46-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-46.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S47-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-47.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S48-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-48.jpg)


Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Alright! CNC Bent exhaust back half was a success! Unfortunately its not but a few buck cheaper after shipping but its still WAY nicer and there might be some discounts in the future when I start working in some kind of volume.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S49-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-49.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S50-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-50.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S51-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-51.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S52-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-52.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S53-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-53.jpg)


Gas tank is also completely welded. I just need to install the pump and sending unit to finish it up and have the hold down brackets finished up then it will be ready for powder coating. Once we finish the heat shields for the mufflers then it will be ready for final install.

One thing is for certain, I need my own sheetmetal brake and soon. The brake I've been using isn't well cared for and I end up setting it up each time but on this tank the setup was a bit off because I didn't bring my mic's with me and it shows if you know what to look for. That's why I sanded off a good chunk of the welds and smoothed them out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S53-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-53.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S54-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-54.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S55-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-55.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S56-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-56.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S57-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-57.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S58-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-58.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S59-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-59.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S60-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-60.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S61-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-61.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S62-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-62.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S63-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-63.jpg)


I'm also making a drive shaft protection that will be sold with the tank as well so if a U-Joint breaks the drive shaft will be held in with steel not banging into your aluminum fuel tank. Although if you think you might rupture a drive shaft then this tank isn't for you and I don't think it will clear a live axle anyway.


But it looks good in the frame!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S64-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-64.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S65-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-65.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S66-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-66.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S67-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-67.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S68-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-68.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S69-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-69.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S70-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-70.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S71-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-71.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/S72-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/10/L-72.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Update Time!

Logistics, logistics, logistics. Mainly on wheels for George. We finally had Ben @ Hermance Designs (http://www.hermancedesign.com/) do a rending for him to try our several wheels after looking at some very expensive options he landed on the Showwheels and here we are.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/L_55Chevy2015_final-1.jpg (http://nerdrods.com/Images/customer/CP5559C4/0001_George_Waddell/11/M_55Chevy2015_final.jpg)

We've also been busy with the version 7 TriFive Car frame and lots of carts and other fabrication and handling equipment here in the shop. Its been busy, just doesn't look that way from the outside looking in.

Here's just one of the rolling chassis's that's been pushed out the door since we've been out of touch.
http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128100

And a roadster we've started on recently as well.
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/114107-32-Ford-Roadster-Project-Acid-Test-C6-Suspension-LS-Single-Turbo-Track-Toy

But the CAM is in as of today, and the wheels should be here shortly. So next the truck can come in and we can lock down the chassis. More photos to come shortly.

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

So we finally flow tested the gas tank. The shop water hose filed a 5 gallon bucket in 1:15. When I topped my bike of the other day it took 1:35 to fill 4 gallons so we're good there. We hooked it all up with all the bends to get up to the stock filler neck on the truck and let her rip. Test came out perfectly and we're good to go.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150328_100028-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/2015-03-28_10.00.28.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150328_100036-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/2015-03-28_10.00.36.jpg)

With that confirmed I ordered up 2 more tanks. We recently had frame #2 returned to us for completion. They had purchased it as a stage 2 for a father son project but with the son in high school they hadn't touched it. So it went from a stage 2, to a stage 3, and finally they asked for a stage 4 running chassis with a 5.3L LS and an automatic so one tank for them and one for stock. So you'll see some of their photos in here as well. The cool thing if I can swing it will be that George's is a tall body and The Webb's truck is a low body so if I do this right we can have some side by side stance photos soon.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150401_H6A1650-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/20150401-_H6A1650.jpg)

We got George's motor cleaned up and a coat of paint on it and the transmission to spruce it up a bit after the CAM swap. CAM, Push Rods, Valve Springs, and a light stall torque converter. But is all back together and in the frame for the last time

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150330_H6A1641-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150330-_H6A1641.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150403_H6A1681-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150403-_H6A1681.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150403_H6A1682-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150403-_H6A1682.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150403_H6A1678-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150403-_H6A1678.jpg)


We're making up all the lines and fitting the radiator core. Coolant, Power Steering, Transmission and so forth will all be worked out now and then the body fitted so we're not monkeying around under the hood.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150406_H6A1688-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150406-_H6A1688.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150406_H6A1687-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150406-_H6A1687.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150406_H6A1685-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150406-_H6A1685.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150406_H6A1684-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150406-_H6A1684.jpg)

More to come soon, I've spent the last few months getting stock all worked out so we should flow through the project more quickly now.
George's Gallery http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/
The Webb's Gallery http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

We’ll we’re waiting on a few things from the customer, namely the wheels, a final paint decision and some final budgeting plans for the level of finish out we’re going to be doing. So my hands are tired on a few things for now but the Webb’s truck will be getting the spot light for the time being so we should have two running trucks driving out of the shop shortly, one high and one low body stance.


So we’ve got the body on the frame now and we’re stared hooking up the final systems and doing the final checks on clearances for our kits so we can finalize the designs on those.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150418_H6A1851-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150418-_H6A1851.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150418_H6A18549-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150418-_H6A1849.jpg)


The CCP firewall mounted break pedal goes in beautifully but there are almost no instructions about it so Jim is going to do a video about its installation. While the frame in its high body placement is a no body modification fit you will still need to install the firewall master cylinder and that reacquires cutting on your body. So we want a video showing that so people will know what modifications are needed and specifically how hard they are. Jim said he should be able to do the next one in 30 minutes so look forward to that.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150418_H6A1852-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150418-_H6A1852.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150419_H6A1862-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150419-_H6A1862.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150419_H6A1861-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150419-_H6A1861.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150419_H6A1858-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150419-_H6A1858.jpg)


There is also a lot of room to the engine that we don’t normally have on the TriFive’s so larger systems like the 8” or 9” boosters are an option here for people who want some serious braking power.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150419_H6A1864-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150419-_H6A1864.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/20150419_H6A1865-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/06/photos/20150419-_H6A1865.jpg)

[rat_rod_russell]

Wow its been a little while but we're gotten a bit done on Georges 56 and the Webb's 55. I'm really excited to see the tall and low bodies sitting side by side soon. Wheels are on the way for both and so that should be happening soon.

Some detailed photos of the tank assembly that were asked for by another guy but I thought everyone would like to see whats inside.

Gallery with all the photos so its easier to flip through them.
http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L01-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-01.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L02-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-02.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L03-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-03.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L04-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-04.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L05-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-05.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L06-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-06.jpg)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L10-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-10.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L11-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-11.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L12-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-12.jpg)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L16-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-16.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L17-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-17.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L18-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-18.jpg)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L22-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-22.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L23-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-23.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L24-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-24.jpg)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L28-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-28.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L29-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-29.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L30-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-30.jpg)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L34-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-34.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L35-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-35.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L36-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-36.jpg)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L40-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-40.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/L41-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/01/photos/L-41.jpg)

[rat_rod_russell]

Georges truck is waiting on parts for the time being so we're working on the Webb's truck so the kid can drive it a bit before he takes off to collage in a few weeks. So its hammer time.

The complete photo gallery can be found here.
http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/

Got the heat shields done for the mufflers.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150530_H6A2103-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150530-_H6A2103.jpg)

And picked up their cab.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150706_H6A2553-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150706-_H6A2553.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150706_H6A2557-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150706-_H6A2557.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150706_H6A2558-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150706-_H6A2558.jpg)


Got it back to the shop Monday night and by Wednesday afternoon it looked like this.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150707_H6A2565-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150707-_H6A2565.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150708_H6A2591-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150708-_H6A2591.jpg)


The firewall and floor will be done this afternoon. We're going to do this truck 1" taller than the lowest possible so the ribs in the floor can be left alone and they can use the bench seat.

Later
-Russell @ Nerd Rods

[rat_rod_russell]

Lots going on with both Georges truck and the Webb's

On the Webb's

Got the engine fired up to check for leaks in the transmission cooler and fuel lines.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150715_H6A2647-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150715-_H6A2647.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150715_H6A2649-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150715-_H6A2649.jpg)


Short video of here running for the customers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wODnGeehUvg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wODnGeehUvg


Then I realized it was a mess and clean it up a bit for some nicer photos. You can see the tank hold downs and exhaust heat shields. Here I screwed up and didn't leave enough room for the heat shields and had to add a spacer to the tank to move it up to clear. I'll correct this in future designs by wrapping the mufflers and moving the exhaust down a little bit.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150718_H6A2647-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150718-_H6A2654.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150718_H6A2660-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150718-_H6A2660.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150718_H6A2663-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150718-_H6A2663.jpg)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150718_H6A2665-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150718-_H6A2665.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150718_H6A2672-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150718-_H6A2672.jpg)


And we got the body on for the last time.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150720_H6A2710-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150720-_H6A2710.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150720_H6A2711-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150720-_H6A2711.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150719_H6A2688-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150719-_H6A2688.jpg)


We had to do a little different floor board modification for the gas tank filler neck since we raised the tank a bit but it won't be hard to seal up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150720_H6A2699-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150720-_H6A2699.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150720_H6A2704-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150720-_H6A2704.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150720_H6A2706-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150720-_H6A2706.jpg)



We also finally got the wheels for George's truck and got it on the ground to take a look at.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150718_H6A2675-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/20150718-_H6A2675.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150718_H6A2677-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/20150718-_H6A2677.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150718_H6A2680-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/20150718-_H6A2680.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150718_H6A2683-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/20150718-_H6A2683.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150718_H6A2686-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/20150718-_H6A2686.jpg)

We're waiting on the paint booth to take Georges truck over for paint then we can do final assembly.

Later
-Russell @ Nerd Rods

[rat_rod_russell]

Battery mounted with an SKFab battery box and some bolts welded to the back of it so we could mount it to the firewall.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150724_H6A3000-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150724-_H6A3000.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150724_H6A3005-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150724-_H6A3005.jpg)


Power steering lines are done and you can see we're using the auto transmission cooler for a rack and pinion cooler. I went in the bottom and out the top to keep it from all back flowing into the overflow tank since its under the top line and cut down on the length of line. I also told the customer if I'm crazy and there is a problem I'll install another cooler and different lines on my dime later. The column shifter cable is installed and tuned.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150724_H6A3002-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150724-_H6A3002.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150724_H6A3003-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150724-_H6A3003.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150724_H6A3007-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150724-_H6A3007.jpg)

And the PRC Radiator System is installed for the final time and getting hooked up. We're going to use the radiator temp gauge hole for the steam vent line off the throttle body.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150724_H6A3010-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150724-_H6A3010.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150724_H6A3012-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150724-_H6A3012.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150724_H6A3014-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/02/photos/20150724-_H6A3014.jpg)

Later
-Russell @ Nerd Rods

[rat_rod_russell]

She moves under her own power now.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150728_H6A3016-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150728-_H6A3016.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150728_H6A3019-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150728-_H6A3019.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150728_H6A3026-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150728-_H6A3026.jpg)

Photo gallery for easy viewing and a few more photos not posted here.
http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002- Rick Jake Webb/03/ (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/)

Rick and Jake are waiting on their custom offset 20's to be done so I'm lending them my old race wheels and tires. I'm not using them at the moment.

BEFORE YOU ASK ABOUT THE REAR TIRES
Yes 345's will fit but not with stock fenders. I just needed a set of tires that were very even and equal for balancing and alignment and this was the only set not in use at the moment.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150728_H6A3027-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150728-_H6A30127.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150728_H6A3028-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150728-_H6A3028.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150728_H6A3029-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150728-_H6A3029.jpg)

But the 275 fronts will work on a 10.5" wheel with 56mm offset and a small spacer so it won't hit the sway bar.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150728_H6A3023-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150728-_H6A3023.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150728_H6A3025-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150728-_H6A3025.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150728_H6A3030-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150728-_H6A3030.jpg)


The filler neck worked perfectly but I need to re seal the gas tank. I think someone used the wrong sealer on the lids and she bleeds when hit with direct sun. So I'll have that sorted shortly.

The alignment is also mostly sorted. I ran out of time and this was close enough so we can start balancing and adding body work. Alignment is hard once the fenders are covering the wheels and fining an alignment machine that can do them is a royal pain so we align like this first. I didn't realize that this older alignment machine would allow us to put the scales under the wheels or I would have brought them too. Next time for sure now that I know about this guy just up the road from me.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150729_H6A3034-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150729-_H6A3034.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150729_H6A3036-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150729-_H6A3036.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150729_H6A3038-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150729-_H6A3038.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/07/20150729_H6A3040-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150729-_H6A3040.jpg)

[rat_rod_russell]

We with this guy about ready to leave we all really wanted to see what the stance was going to look like so we slapped on a pair fenders and balanced a hood up top. Mmmmmmm, what a good stance. And this is still 1 inch higher than the maximum low you can do with our frame. We will do the lowest possible we can with my fathers truck so be ready. Also I shot these photos from waist high. It makes for a good photo but in person it looks even lower. I also shot a bunch of video to help explain whats involved with doing the low body stance for guys interested in seeing a bit more. I'm editing it right now and hope to have it up before the end of the week.

The easy flip through gallery is here ( http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/ )

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/20150807_H6A3046-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150807-_H6A3046.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/20150807_H6A3053-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150807-_H6A3053.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/20150807_H6A3061-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150807-_H6A3061.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/20150807_H6A3066-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150807-_H6A3066.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/20150808_H6A3069-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150808-_H6A3069.jpg)



You can see here some of the clearance considerations to go with the firewall and radiator clearance. Also remember, this is the deep 5.3L Truck oil pan so with the correct pan the engine could be lower giving more room to the firewall and requiring less modification. Also the truck pulleys stick the furthest away from the block so a Camaro or Corvette pulley system would again let you get the engine further forward and again give more room to the firewall.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/20150808_H6A3074-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150808-_H6A3074.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/20150808_H6A3075-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150808-_H6A3075.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/20150808_H6A3077-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150808-_H6A3077.jpg)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/20150808_H6A3079-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150808-_H6A3079.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/20150808_H6A3080-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150808-_H6A3080.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/20150808_H6A3081-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150808-_H6A3081.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/20150808_H6A3082-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150808-_H6A3082.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/20150808_H6A3083-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0002%20-%20Rick%20Jake%20Webb/03/photos/20150808-_H6A3083.jpg)


Hope to have that video soon!
-Russell @ Nerd Rods

[rat_rod_russell]

Figured this would help answer some questions about the fit and clearing we had to do. This will basically apply to all task force trucks with C4 suspension so enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb0UY3gReOo


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb0UY3gReOo

[rat_rod_russell]

Finally getting back on the original truck we started on. The customer wanted it painted and so I've been trying to sort that bag of worms for the last several months. First I tried to out source it, talked to several painters, most never showed up after saying they would, some wouldn't do what the customer wanted done and a few gave me a bad vibe. I've learned with painful reputation that I need to listen to my gut on things like that so those guys were a no go. Finally I decided to just spray it here. Waited on a paint booth to rent that ended up not working out. Finally a few days ago I had my minion clean the back up, threw the hood on the stands and painted the damn thing. Did the fenders later that day and so fourth. I would be painting the cab right now but my glasses got FUBAR'd yesterday and my prescription changed so now I'm adjusting to new glasses before I dare spray the cab.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/020-2.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/020.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/023-2.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/023.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/029-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/029.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/035-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/035.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/032-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/032.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/036-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/036.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/039-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/039.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/043-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/043.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/042-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/042.jpg)

More photos soon. I hope to paint the cab when I wake up. We are fixing a few things I don't like about the exhaust at the moment and bolting down the last of the brake lines. Then its body install time for the last time!

[rat_rod_russell]

I had to do some modifications to the exhaust on this one that took longer than expected. So with that the chassis is completed and I got a last set of photos before the body goes on one last time.

Easy viewing gallery here.
http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/001-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/001.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/002-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/002.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/003-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/003.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/004-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/004.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/005-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/005.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/007-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/006.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/009-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/008.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/010-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/010.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/011-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/011.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/012-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/012.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/013-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/013.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/014-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/014.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/015-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/015.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/016-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/016.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/017-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/017.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/018-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/018.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/019-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/019.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/020-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/020.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/021-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/021.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/022-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/022.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/023-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/023.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/024-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/024.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/025-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S3.01/photos/025.jpg)


Later
-Russell @ Nerd Rods

[wfo guy]

Looking good. Anxiously waiting. :)

[rat_rod_russell]

That makes two of us. I seriously think my fathers truck will be done first and considering we only started on it 5 months ago is saying something.

[rat_rod_russell]

http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001 - George W/07 (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/)

Well this has been a long time coming. Sorry for the delay. Customer had some changes, so I had to warp up the projects in front of him before I could continue on this project. Its not fair to the guys who have been waiting when the guy in the middle suddenly goes. "I want to add this"

So! Its got all the sheetmetal on there. Got some good photos outside while we were cleaning the shop the other day. This beast needs its wiring and then its time to drive it!

Gallery link at the top. Highlight photos here.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170513_H6A1044-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/20170513-_H6A1044.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170513_H6A1029-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/20170513-_H6A1029.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/20170513_H6A0984-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Customers/CP5559C4/0001%20-%20George%20W/07/photos/20170513-_H6A0984.jpg)

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Busy busy busy. We're booked out through the summer so I keep forgetting to post updates.

All the photos are here

http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S4.01/

But here are a few details as well. We shipped two of these out a few weeks back and we're knee deep in a few other projects.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/20171106_H6A1164-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S4.01/photo/20171106-_H6A1164.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/20171106_H6A1168-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S4.01/photos/20171106-_H6A1168.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/20171106_H6A1170-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S4.01/photos/20171106-_H6A1170.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/20171106_H6A1188-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S4.01/photo/20171106-_H6A1188.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/20171106_H6A1190-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S4.01/photo/20171106-_H6A1190.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/20171107_H6A1269-1.jpg (http://gallery.nerdrods.com/Product/CP5559C4/S4.01/photo/20171107-_H6A1269.jpg)

LS3 Connect and Cruise, 480 HP kit, PRC Radiator Core Support, C4 Corvette Suspension, QA1 Double Adjustable Coil Over Shocks, Front and rear swaybars, Stainless Steel 2.5" mandrel bent exhaust, Flow masters delta 50 series mufflers, and my new billet shock mounts and exhaust hangers.

Later
-Russell @ Nerd Rods

[rat_rod_russell]

She lives!!!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgOMFfwF6p6/

I also took her out to eat the other day. A meal for her then a meal for me. I did figure out the filler neck and OE style fuel cap don't play well with fueling so I'm going to add a external vent check valve with a rollover protection lock on it to the system and see if that helps fueling.

One might remember me testing the tank and 90° angles of the fuel system to see if the vent and angles would flow enough to prevent back burping on the fuel and it worked so I just need a bit more venting and something to let off pressure as the mass warms up and cools off.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Also my cat thinks she's an engine.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Later
-Russell @ Nerd Rods

[wfo guy]

Watch cat, not always useful. :) Looking good.

[Motoracer838]

Watch cat, not always useful. :) Looking good.

LOL, if it's anything like my female Maine C**n and your a stranger, I wouldn't go anywhere near it... (stupid filter won't let me fill in the asterisks...)

Rat Rod, seriously cool build...

Joe

[rat_rod_russell]

If that cat didn't kill several rodents a week she wouldn't get that privilege. Seriously she's a murdering machine. She also learned really quickly when she brought one in the first time and I gave her a can of wet food. After the 3rd rat she had that figured out and started hunting in ernest. That started 5-6 years ago.

[Motoracer838]

If that cat didn't kill several rodents a week she wouldn't get that privilege. Seriously she's a murdering machine. She also learned really quickly when she brought one in the first time and I gave her a can of wet food. After the 3rd rat she had that figured out and started hunting in ernest. That started 5-6 years ago.

Dude, made my morning... All three of mine make such a sport of it, they had to resort to finding them outside and bring them in to play...

Joe

[rat_rod_russell]

Trips, sick, and design.

It's been a fun several weeks but it looks like this is going to happen sooner than later. I have a few other minor things that need to happen on Georges truck as well. Rear swaybar linkage that got more complex that I would have liked but they are correct and that's more important at the moment.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/30051751_1472465682860158_32678892831585-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

And then dumbluck today. I "assumed" that 14mm misalignment washers would be available with the 14mm rod end. And I was wrong. But as luck would have it the ½" misalignment washes I have are on the same size sphere used on the 14mm rod end. So one 14mm drill bit and a moment or two later on the lathe and we're good to go.

I also have 14mm X 1mm shims ordered for the bump steer adjustment and the 14mm X 110mm bolts ordered. I'm psyched to see if this is going to work as well as I hope it will. If not I still have the option to shorten the steering arm length for a few more degrees of steering angle at a mild sacrifice of bump steer at the extreme end of the suspension travel spectrum. Like all suspension its a compromise inside of a compromise inside of a compromise.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/30442546_1474396939333699_71761273848424-1.jpg


The goal will be both steering arm and rear sway bar linkage at the same time when all the parts are here in a week or so.

Later
-Russell @ Nerd Rods

[rat_rod_russell]

I got the parts in and they are welded up, I just need to make them pretty then install them. I'm working on a small mountain of assorted parts to get powder coated at the same time. Motor mount plate, shock adapters, swaybar linkage, and the mounting brackets for the rear swaybar linkage. The plan is to get them installed a bit later this week.

Back to work!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/30821846_1492622234177836_67378448732194-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/31043336_1492573494182710_28984586676458-1.jpg

[wfo guy]

Nice. :)

[rat_rod_russell]

This worked out much better than the previous one. The customer is trying to get by a cheap as possible but when the intake air temps were the same as the operating temp the engine wouldn't run almost at all. So we made it a real cold air intake this time to solve that problem.

Note two, when it got up to temp the fans didn't come on. If you started with a truck engine that had a mechanical fan then the electric fan controls are disabled in the software. So that was fun to figure out. If you get no ground signal at your fan relay then you know its the tune file.

A few other things to do then its time to blow it apart and make it pretty.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/34258816_1523032377803488_27690986885663-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/34163503_1523032407803485_80354357855974-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/34102603_1523032444470148_78337667257902-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/34087910_1523032501136809_30895466108378-1.jpg

So close to being done!
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/34322471_10212799168869450_8554804886254-1.jpg

Fortunately its highly functional. It was 103°F the other day and the ITA Temp Sensor right by the TB showed 100°F driving around town while the engine was sitting at 195°F with both fans feathering off and on as necessary. So for this project that's missions accomplished.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/34416365_1527804203992972_77671804304611-1.jpg

And so it begins! 100 mile shake down complete! Taking a few things off to look for problems and then install new goodies to test and evaluate. She gets closer to going home with each little bit of work.

Custom Ackerman steering arms are going on with this round and the sway bar modifications and new linkages as well.

Later
-Russell @ Nerd Rods

[wfo guy]

Kool!

[rat_rod_russell]

Kool!

Thank you sir! I appreciate that


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/34894263_1531488790291180_81633691432197-1.jpg


Long story short, there wasn't enough thread engagement for me to be happy with it so the temporally fix is a cut and weld BUT THIS IS ONLY FOR ME TO TEST THE STEERING ARMS, THIS WILL NOT BE DEVILED TO THE CUSTOMER OR SOLD AS PART OF THE KIT. All caps because someone still won't read it and will want to be a hero for pointing out that this isn't a perfect execution. I trust my welds on a thread angle more than I trust 5mm thread engagement.

I also had to move the sway bar a bit to clear the new steering linkage trajectory, hints the spacer blocks on the mount.

Sorry for the delay, I'm helping a friend build his new family home so that's eating up several days a week right now plus manufacturing and production on the other chassis projects in the shop dosen't leave much time. Good thing I'm single or I'd never get to work on my projects. ;)

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

First, I was correct, the inner tie rods on the truck were not correct. They were the 84-87's on an 88-96 rack. That's why I had to cut them. So that will probably be an easy fix. Here are a few shots from another chassis in the shop with the steering arms bolted up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/35832925_1544744212298971_56324253475395-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/35629043_1544744165632309_75301922224912-1.jpg

Down side this only has 14mm of thread engagement on the rod end. While "the diameter of the shaft" in threads worth of engagement is acceptable by most books this just doesn't feel like enough for an almost all tension stress. So I'll probably still replace the end. Go to a male 14mm rod end and have a 14mm threaded sleeve made for the two the both thread in from each end. Cut a little off the rack and pinion's inner tie rod and call it much safer for the kit.


Now the report on the steering and driving feel.

I have put a few miles on the truck around town and on a longer trip to the Austin Cars and Coffee this last Sunday. The verdict at the moment is that it feels much better now that you are not fighting the steering with each turn but the turning radius is only slightly improved. Noticeably improved but not completely. I feel like its good enough for most customers since the "fighting steering wheel" feel is gone but it could be better. I've not gone back to my "test site" because of the local carnival is in town and the ferris wheel is right in the middle of the concrete I use for that particular test. The butt measuring tape says 4-8 feet tighter since the wheels aren't fighting each other any more but I won't say any more till I get an accurate testable metric to confirm.

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I'm going to try one more prototype on the red truck with a "drift racer" trick and shorten the arm length to increase the angle of the steering arm. This isn't the best way to get more turning radius since it also creates "Ackerman migration" that exacerbates the farther you turn but if guys have happily been suffering bad Ackerman and bad turning radius this whole time I think Bad Ackerman and an acceptable turning radius are more desirable outcome. We'll see what I can do. I need to fix up a computer to start plugging in numbers to my suspension geometry program and see what I can do with the pivot location to make this workable.

Also find me on Instagram or Facebook for some daily updates user name NerdRods on both.

Later
-Russell @ Nerd Rods

[rat_rod_russell]

Oh, also picked up a cheep front bumper and slapped some powder on it along with the side trim. The center caps on the wheels were screwed too so they all got the black powder coat treatment that the center grill got and it really brought the whole front end together. Go figure I'd wash the wheels and it would rain the next day but I'll take the cool weather in the Texas summer for having to wash a car or two, hands down. It was 102°F Today it was 78°F. DONE!

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I'll get some good photos when the tropical storm finishes blowing through.

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Took her out to the Luling Watermelon Thump Car Show while I cleaned the shop some.

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We've been plugging floor board holes, and tweaking the fuel vent line. Dad's building a cover for the vintage air box under the dash and I'm tuning the shift points and VE table for some isolated knocking. More of that when I get the photos off my big camera.

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Getting closer to wrapping up. Added a vacuum accumulator to help the little booster out and got some simple seat belts in. Better than nothing, which is what I've been doing. Sorry guys, I would work faster but the customer's asked me to slow up a bit for now due to some family health problems. So suspension tuning it is! I'm going for closer to Cadillac than Corvette. Now to play with it but more than likely I'm going to need to fit longer shocks on the V2 frame to make that really happen. I'm looking into cutting down the bump stops some as well. Handling is on point (especially now that I can go around corners without holding onto the door) but its solidly on the firm side. The seat handles a good deal of it but I'd like to have a recipe for better ride for customers looking for that finish.

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Later
-Russell

[wfo guy]

I'd really like to drive that truck to see how it compares to my 51 Ford that has more conventional suspension with ridetech coilovers on all four corners. I looked at using c4 vette parts and changed to a different plan because of lack of used parts and cost. After building more hot rods, I realize that where you cut corners maybe the last place you should. That being said, I used mid level parts. I'd like to know if better parts result in increased driver satisfaction to warrant the downsides. :)

[rat_rod_russell]

I'd really like to drive that truck to see how it compares to my 51 Ford that has more conventional suspension with ridetech coilovers on all four corners. I looked at using c4 vette parts and changed to a different plan because of lack of used parts and cost. After building more hot rods, I realize that where you cut corners maybe the last place you should. That being said, I used mid level parts. I'd like to know if better parts result in increased driver satisfaction to warrant the downsides. :)

It's all relative. There is no right or wrong on this stuff, only compromise. If you like a firm suspension geometry then the C4 with some short coil overs work great and they are easy on the budget too when you look at the long run. I'll try to get some track times down to see what it handles like but with the Automatic and crap gear spread it'll be tricky. The only compromise I won't make is using old frames. Trying to save a few dimes there or give away a bunch of labor to bring those up isn't worth the effort in the long run. The C4 in my research and experience has been the best performance per dollar option out there which is why I use it. I'm going to do a frame with a "less compormised" C5/6/7 front suspension and a C4 rear with some more advanced shock tricks to get more travel out of the suspension and get the ride quality up. Handling is important but no everyone wants a race car and as I get older I'm more interested in that myself. The Z06 Corvette is kick ass and we celebrate performance, but the supple ride of a base model corvette is fantastic compared to base model corvettes back in the day. I''d like to get more of that feel in the long run. But in the mean time, I have no problems drifting this one a bit and feeling right at home in it. ;)

[rat_rod_russell]

Ah yes, been one of those weeks.

First we had to clean out the AC lines because of a cross over mistake under the dash by one of my team. It happens, get upside down and backwards and this kind of thing just happens. Not the customers problem so its all out of pocket.

Dryer replaced because any water in them and they are toast so that got replaced as well.

Clean all the systems out and now the heater valve is "ticking". Also drawing 2 amps of power when the car is turned off. Vintage Air systems have their own circuit wired to the battery so all that current isn't going through the key. Makes since but this mean it can draw if necessary. I email into Vintage and they had a new one over to me the next day. They are only an hour drive from my shop in reality, but they should still be commended for getting that part out the door the same day as my question came in. So new on goes on and we add a heat shield just for good measure just to make sure that won't be a problem in the future.

We go to charge the system and two of the high pressure lines start leaking. Turns out the local shop didn't use the right dies in their machine when crimping these lines. Everyone there knew that they had the equipment to crimp AC lines but not everyone knew the procedure. It wasn't malicious and they gave me free hose to replace the bad parts so I was only out the ends to get it re done. And time but again that's my problem, not the customers. Turns out their machine was too big to crimp the 130° bends so I had to go visit a friend in Bastrop (45 minute trip one way) to use his tool to do it. I learned a bit about the "Lizard Skin" spray in insulation and sound deadened as well as some quick connect ends for the AC lines I'll be using in the future so thing won't be a problem ever again, so there's always a silver lining and we add more to the knowledge base.

I get back. My younger bother had moved the truck out of the way to work on his fiancees's car. I go to drive the truck back in the shop and............. rod knock............. at least that's what I'm pretty sure it is at this point from our inspection. Just sitting there, I have no clue what could have happened to make that start. I've never seen rod knock on an LS engine so there's a new one. We'll get her on the lift next week and take the pan off to confirm for sure.

Oh, and its been in the high 100's all week with 50-75% humidity in the area. Like I said, been one of those weeks. But we'll get it taken care of and next time **** hits the fan we can just reminder ourselves, "yeah, but it wasn't as bad as the summer of 18".

Back to the sauna, I mean shop.

Photo from us hoping it was a collapsed lifter or bad rocker arm and doing a compression test as well as bore scoping it from the top.

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Later
-Russell

[wfo guy]

Ouch! I've seen rods out of ls's here but they were all high mileage engines. The lifter problem is way more common. It's been hot and humid here also. We had rain 3 weeks ago and the weather pattern has made the sweat towel my best friend. :)

[rat_rod_russell]

Ouch! I've seen rods out of ls's here but they were all high mileage engines. The lifter problem is way more common. It's been hot and humid here also. We had rain 3 weeks ago and the weather pattern has made the sweat towel my best friend. :)

This was an engine I'd acquired because someone owed me money. The mileage was unknown. I do know the transmission was bad as the guy I got the engine from tried to use it so by 4L60 standards 180-220k. Compression was good so I just ran with it at the time. Compression is still good but everyone keeps saying lifters. I was under the understanding that a collapsed lifter would yield lower compression from lack of lift closing the cylinder faster and we didn't see any of that on the compression test we just ran. 195-210 all the way around. I'll pull the pan first and see what the rods have to say directly. No noise under cranking either. Only after it fired up.

Thanks for the feed back though, always looking to learn and I'm not an engine guy.

[wfo guy]

Is that a mds engine? If it is, there is a kit available now to remove all the parts that the cylinder dropping mechanism uses. That might make your life simpler. I agree that I would expect a lower reading with a lifter failure.

[rat_rod_russell]

Is that a mds engine? If it is, there is a kit available now to remove all the parts that the cylinder dropping mechanism uses. That might make your life simpler. I agree that I would expect a lower reading with a lifter failure.

Nope. Its an older LM7. I'm aware of the problems of the DOD (Displacement on Demand) systems so I've avoided those thus far. This truck has been around long enough in my shop (my contract states that if you change something then you go to the end of the list, he's done that a few times) that the older motors were still the best bang for the buck at the time. Such is life. Good idea though and good advice for anyone else reading this with a DOD engine.