40 Goes On A Diet

[LC_Hamma]

After my recent GSMTR event, I realized I needed to lighten up the rear. So, off goes the Gordofab Engineering bumper & the rear doors. I needed to relocate the Hi-Lift, spare tire, license plate, tail lights, receiver mount & cargo cage latch. I started off cutting out some plate to affix some flush mounted tail lights. Then, moved on to the license mount & the cargo cage latch. The spare rests in the cargo cage & the Hi-Lift will go behind the seats. I've started cutting out the receiver bracket that'll bolt to the rear channel w/ 6 1/2" bolts. I was thinkin about fabbin up some heavy duty bumperettes, that may have to wait cuz the Razorback Ramble is a little over a week & I still have to replumb my hydroboost brakes for an adjustable prop. valve. More pics later.....

 

[CandyPants]

Chuck, you amaze me!

 

[GXO]

get rid of all that tube and the sheetmetal and you are good to go!

 

[LC_Hamma]

Unless this truck starts getting bashed up, I don't plan on cutting any sheet metal or tube off. I could remove a battery & leave my spare tire at camp but other than that I really can't think of any other *reasonable options to lighten it up. ;p

 

[schmitty]

So do you think by losing the weight of the bumper and spare hanging off the back that you won't need to change the coils like you were talking about?

I still say you should cut out the inner fender and raise it up as high as possible but you probably don't have time before the Ramble.

 

[Wilkinson]

Chuck, did you figure out your brake binding problem?

 

[LC_Hamma]

So do you think by losing the weight of the bumper and spare hanging off the back that you won't need to change the coils like you were talking about?

I still say you should cut out the inner fender and raise it up as high as possible but you probably don't have time before the Ramble.

I visually saw the rear of the truck raise up when the bumper came off

That'd prolly be best to cut out what you suggested but I'm right in the middle of my 55 buildup & I'm not going to move back to major fabbin on this one ;p

On the coils, I'll prolly try spacers first (low cost) then maybe some higher lifted coils later. We'll have to see how it flexes out or rubs the tub next weekend

 

[LC_Hamma]

Fabbed Up A Receiver Mount:

Made this from 3/8" plate, fully welded front & back. This is prolly the most stout piece of work on this Cruzah. Added the tail lights, license light & cargo cage latch:

 

[LC_Hamma]

Chuck, did you figure out your brake binding problem?

Yeah, I kinda figured the stock prop valve wasn't up to a hydroboost system & was locking up my rear disks, so I ordered a Wilwood adjustable valve from Summit & plumbed it in the rear brakeline:

 

[GXO]

Ok Chuck, you live WAAAAAY to close to me to not let me see your shop and hang out.

 

[LC_Hamma]

Ok Chuck, you live WAAAAAY to close to me to not let me see your shop and hang out.

It ain't nuthin' but an ol dirty garage & my workspace is a small area, on the floor, in between both my trucks. Besides, you wouldn't want your khackies & loafers all grimy & wire wheel bristles stuck in 'ya ;p

*funny story - I went up to get a haircut the other week & the "stylist" told me I had those wire bristles stuck in my head & neck Good to know before she pulled out the electric shaver

On another note - I think I'll have time to crank out those bumperettes this weekend. Already have the design & material, so I'll get to cuttin tonight

 

[GXO]

I don't wear khakis dude, and I thought loafers were lazy people?

When did I get thrown in the yuppie bucket?!?!

 

[LC_Hamma]

Teaser Pic:

Didn't think I'd get this much done tonight, but I really gotta finish it this weekend. Mounting it will take longer than actually cutting, welding & grinding. The outer brackets are made from 1/4" wall & I added a diamond plate top for traction. They're cooling off so it's still roughly done. The center pipe will not be used, just for your reference - I'm using 1/8" wall for the center, shaped to the same contour as the outers:

 

[LC_Hamma]

Almost Done:

Just hafta add the center tubes. I thought about rounding the outer end corners, but since I took yesterday off for some R & R at the lake, I ain't got much more time. I should be slappin some paint on them later today:

 

[LC_Hamma]

Ready To Ramble!

Just finished bolting up the bumperettes. Everything's hooked up & works, now I gotta dial in my rear brakes. No time to fool with the coil spacers now. Leaving Thurs. AM, so I'll be good to go by then

 

[CruisinGA]

Chuck- what's happening to the gordofab bumper?

Dan- You found the yuppie bucket when you bought an 80

 

[LC_Hamma]

Chuck- what's happening to the gordofab bumper?

Dan- You found the yuppie bucket when you bought an 80

It's damaged thanks to the wall on Upper 2. Since it hung my spare off the back I couldn't get into position to make the turn & had to back into the wall. I'll repair it before I sell it, but it'll be a while. You interested? I can bring it to the June meeting.

 

[CruisinGA]

You interested? I can bring it to the June meeting.

If the price is right. Go ahead and bring it to the June meeting if you don't mind, I'd like to get a look at it.

I have the capabilities to build one, but not the time right now.

 

[Farr off road]

nice work Chuck!!!

 

[LC_Hamma]

Thanks Roy! Last mod to the bumperettes will be to plumb them for air tanks. Won't be too much hassle adding a tube to connect both & add the fittings, then run an air supply line to the ARB compressor.....