'86 Supercab Longbed

[Lee in Texas]

I finally get to post my own build thread. It will be a long-term project. This is a driver. I don't want to it to be off the road for long periods of time (*ahem* again).
This is the first step. Rather than fabricate a new back end of the frame, I used a $175 longbed donor that was headed to the crusher. Both frames got cut and longbed back was welded to supercab front. Why? I could say that I wanted the utility of an extra foot of cargo space, but really, I just think it's cool.

 

[jhammel85]

Good idea. The welding looks good. Will you be welding the inside of the frame too (It might be the pics playing tricks on me)

Looking forward to seeing your build!

 

[Casper98]

looks good so far, anymore pics of the full size Chevy in the back ground?

 

[Robert_1967]

Don't give me any idea's on my 88 Supercab, I've been working on it for over 3 years now, and still not running, and here you are giving me a great idea to do to mine while the bed is off.



Robert




posted using a beat up old gas can and a match.

 

[Lee in Texas]

I don't know about the other trucks in the photo. Not my shop. It has taken a long time for this project to get going, but that's OK because this guy does good work. I've seen plenty of trucks modified with welds that look like dog crap, but this guy knows his stuff. His shop truck is a 4-door Chevy dually, bagged, with wheels from a semi, reduced 1/2" diameter to use street car tires. Not my cup of tea, but a great example of the work he can do.

 

[Lee in Texas]

Don't give me any idea's on my 88 Supercab, I've been working on it for over 3 years now, and still not running, and here you are giving me a great idea to do to mine while the bed is off.



Robert




posted using a beat up old gas can and a match.

Go for it! I did some searching before committing to this. I found plenty of other people asking about it, but no photos of it actually done. I think it is a cool idea. You get a little more utility from a longer bed, slightly longer wheelbase for a smoother ride...but let's be honest, it looks cool, which is why we do most of the mods to our pickups.

 

[Lee in Texas]

I should have it back this weekend. Latest photo:

A long way to go, but hey...baby steps.

 

[chvlfrk]

>>>>>

I should have it back this weekend. Latest photo:

A long way to go, but hey...baby steps.

====================
Lookin good!

So whats the wheel base & how much did you havta lengthen the driveshaft?

 

[Lee in Texas]

I'm not sure how much longer this bed is in front of the wheel opening.

 

[Lee in Texas]

I got it back from the shop. It's undriveable. I don't know if the problem is an unbalanced driveshaft or improper pinion angle, but it feels like driving on a washboard starting at around 12-15mph, and only gets worse as speed increases. Also, the brakes need to be bled. They are spongy as hell and marginally effective. I'll fix it myself. The guy who worked on it had it for 11 months. I don't need that again.

 

[Robert_1967]

I hope you get it all worked out, I would take the drive shaft to a drive line shop and have them check it, also make sure all the bolts on the rear end are tight.



Robert



Posted with a glass of orange juice and a blue blanket.

 

[phillip.brannon]

that sucks... i love the look of it though

 

[Robert_1967]

check your tires, you could have a broken band in one, also check the shocks, one could be stuck.

are you using the same rear end as the truck had before???, if not I would check and see if one of the axles isn't bent in the housing.


Robert




posted with a Asus tablet with a broken screen and a ball point pen.

 

[Lee in Texas]

I'm not driving it for now. I also found out that the exhaust system didn't get repaired. It had a bunch of small holes in the back half. I laid on the ground to show a friend the frame work, then saw that the exhaust was cut off under the cab and nothing else was done. Rather than fix all the issues with V-6 driveline and then replace it with a 302, I'll just keep it off the road and work on the V-8 swap.

This whole experience has been a total bummer. The frame stretch is not something I can recommend, unless you know the person doing the work will do it right...and I mean you need to know it firsthand, not a recommendation from a buddy or even another shop.

 

[jhammel85]

Sorry about that...That sucks. I hope you find out what the vibration is. I hope it doesn't have anything to do with the frame stretching..