5.9 CR going in a 1984 GMC 1500

[AHarvey]

Well I decided to make the dodge radiator fit, bc I'm a cheapskate. Lol

 

[PaulyG]

Sure looks good Buddy

 

[AHarvey]

Thanks. And thanks for helping.

 

[wideopen]

That is just Cool! Great Job!

 

[CREED1]

Thanks. And thanks for helping.

Paul helped? Lol

 

[AHarvey]

He helped me look at it and decide which route to go. Then burnt off when I started working on it. Lol

 

[PaulyG]

I just give directions others get the work done

 

[SmokeShow]

Any concerns with the outcome of a front end collision? Do you think the tubing is as capable of absorbing a collision as well as the oe frame ends with crumple zone?

 

[AHarvey]

I'm not an engineer, so I really have no idea. My only hope is that it is as strong or stronger than the factory rails.

 

[SmokeShow]

To be clear, I didn't say something to make a dig at you, I'm totally envious of your fab skills. Just thought maybe it seems less substantial than the stock frame. Maybe someone else will chime in?

How heavy walled is that tubing? Looks like there's bracing on the bottom side but nothing on the top side. Maybe that would help? Like you've maybe seen on tube chassis vehicles or vehicles with full cages and front supports going from windshield bar down to frame?

 

[AHarvey]

I didn't think you were.

The upper tubes are angled down and the lower tube is level. This creates a triangle. I feel like it is as strong if not stronger than the factory rails. The tubing is 1 5/8 x .134 wall. I will be adding a cross tube under the radiator and gussets on the tube ends.

 

[AHarvey]

Radiator mounted. Just about ready to pull the engine back out to modify the oil pan and finish all the frame work.

 

[DieselWrencher]

If it were mine I think I'd try to add some sort of X bracing to help keep the front portion from bending side ways in case of an impact. My Corvette is kind of in the same boat as your truck that there is no real great way to prevent a front end impact. You just hope it doesn't happen.

 

[AHarvey]

Yeah it's getting some cross bracing for sure. If this truck gets in a front end collision it will be bad, the interior will be ruined by my tears.

 

[AHarvey]

Been working on a few other things lately. Finally getting back to it.

Oil pan issue.

Pulled cab for more work.

Removed engine and trans for pan mod and paint.

Gotta finish this mess.

 

[EasternAggie]

What color are you painting the engine?

 

[AHarvey]

Red or black haven't decided yet.

Started on the pan.

 

[AHarvey]

Got the pan welded up. With the flat bottom and the extra space I made in the front of the sump I'm only going to lose about 1qt capacity. It think it'll work fine.

 

[1995 cummins]

Thats a sweet build

 

[AHarvey]

Haven't done a lot in the last 2 weeks to it. Been dealing with other projects. I did get the oil pan on the engine. Gonna try and get it painted this weekend.