radiator mockup

So far...so good!! My measurements are correct. I can drill the holes in the cross member, bolt down the radiator and tighten the braces that connect to the firewall. IT'S STARTING TO LOOK LIKE A HOTROD!!!!!

Z'd frame and new rear cross member

This is a good view of the latest frame modifications. Hopefully, it illustrates what was accomplished in the last few days......

front spring notch

I removed 3 leaves from the front spring so the front will set lower. I then needed to notch the bottom of the frame to allow for suspension travel. Thanks for your help, Tim B.

"Z's" and cross member

After a much head scratching and sleepless nights, The frame has been "Z'd" and the new rear cross member has been installed....Thanks, Tim.

This image indicates what needs to be done to make the spring fit. I need to make a straight cross member without the hump. This will also maintain proper clearance between the bottom of the frame rails and the axle housing. This is starting to make the back of my head hurt!!. Talked to the sheetmetal guy in Texas again today and he assures me I will receive the door skins this week. Am I skeptical? UH HUH!!!

frame modification

After I install the new rear crossmember, the frame will need to be "Z'ed". This will maintain the ride height in the rear and lower the front about 3 inches. Then, hopefully, the proper stance will be maintained without the rear too high.

cab in place

The cab has been set in place. This gives me at least an idea of the relationship of the various parts. Will and I removed 3 leaves from the front and rear springs and this will allow the car to set a little lower when the weight of the running gear is added. I need to replace the rear cross member with one that has less rise in order to maintain proper axle clearance. This was not planned and I will need to find a way to make this happen. Always something new!! Something else to keep me awake!!! (You can see from the picture the door skins have not arrived - maybe this week!!)