1997 F350 SRW frame off w/ compounds

Nor'Easter

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Nov 21, 2012
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Figure I've got enough photos from this build that I can start this thing. I started this off having only ever maintained my Dodge, but as they say if you can take it apart, you can probably put it back together. Brought it home at 18 and am now 20, it will be 2 years this October since I tore it down.

To keep the story short, truck was given to me by a cousin, it was his old masonry business truck. Rusty, not running, he had dedicated it to plowing his 150' drive, until I got it. LOL

Truck is an F350 with 10.25 rear, 3.55 ratio, I bought a VE with 155k on it. I bought it because I had planned on keeping it "stock". I'll let the photos explain the rest.

Day I brought it home.

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Sandblasted entire frame, what a PITA. 3 coats of epoxy on it now.

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Replacing gaskets, at the time I thought I'd keep it "stock".

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Engine came in and out a lot.

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Lots of body work, I bought a new cab, bed and fenders. Trying to get rid of rust and salvage parts is a waste of time IMO.


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I pnp'd the head and used a Stainless manifold. Also changed the position of the gate on the 351. Locked it down with 625s after having the head decked.

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From there I ordered my s472 and a bunch of mandrel bends. Steel donuts saved my butt. There isn't much room under the hood of an OBS.

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Skipping pretty far ahead (maybe 40-50 hours of body work), I sprayed this beautiful red from Southern Polyurethanes. All my primer, base, and clear are from Barry at SPI. He's the owner and you can call his cell 7 days a week if you have questions regarding spraying his products. Awesome guy!

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I rolled the dice and cut the center of the core support out to create a pathway for the engine. So much easier to put in! Also made intercooler mounts, and bought a rad and mounted that too.

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And where it sits this evening. It won't be ready until next spring unfortunatley but higher education takes priority. :doh:

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Can you get the # 6 valve cover on and off? I have the dual AW mounts and you cant, just curious if the single mounts place the motor differently.
 
Very nice OBS. I like the mirrors and it looks like the wing still might be functional? Great work on the body and paint also!
 
Thanks guys. Wing is functional to 100 degrees. Paint needs to be cut bad but it came out alright for a garage job. #6 comes off easy, I found out that you can rotate the mounts in a way that places the engine either 2 inches forward or 2 inches backward, mine are forward. I don't know how long they will last seeing as they are rated for 400hp, guess we'll find out.
 
Little update.

I parked my Dodge for good and swapped the wheels over. I put 2" spacers on the back because the axle is so narrow. Also built a new battery tray to clear my intercooler pipe, I'm only running a single battery. Also made a new coolant tank/washer fluid tank holder because the stock one utilizes the stock passenger tray, which I obviously am not using.

Lastly I made the two oil lines. Never done it before but we'll see how they hold.

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Very nice OBS. I like the mirrors and it looks like the wing still might be functional? Great work on the body and paint also!

Wing? WTH is that? Sorry, I dont speak Ford.

Very nice truck. Didnt know you could install GM mirrors on a Ford square body.
 
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Wing? WTH is that? Sorry, I dont speak Ford.

Very nice truck. Didnt know you could install GM mirrors on a Ford square body.

Wing is the triangular window on each door. They are incredibly stupid but no one offers a full glass conversion.
 
Wing is the triangular window on each door. They are incredibly stupid but no one offers a full glass conversion.

Those little wings sure help when it's hotter than heck and you have no AC. :hehe:

Have you driven it yet? Nice work on the battery trays too.
 
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