Under the Knife

[VTCruiser]

Starting this summer and likely continuing into the fall I have some big plans for the 60. Thought I'd share so you guys don't think I have lost interest...

My body and frame are basically shot. When I bought the truck I made the decision not to save the body and just wheel/beat on/have fun with until it needed to be replaced. Well, I think that time has come.

The goal: A unique, capable and comfortable expedition vehicle.

The plans:
1 - New rust free body (I may have found a donor 60...if it works out the cruiser will be freeborn red just like the 60 I was raised in )
2 - Replace the frame, likely with the 62 frome from the old parts truck
3 - Coil Suspension, 3-link front w/ panhard and coilovers, triangulated 4-link rear with 80 series lift coils (may use a rear panhard as well) 5"-6" of lift for a maxumum of 35" tires.
4 - Install my FF rear, upgrade gears to 4.11s.

Additional plans based on time and money:
5 - Turbo and propane for 1HZ
6 - Lockers
7 - Front winch bumper, rear swing arm bumper
8 - Roof rack
9 - Long range tank

That's all. I'll start a build-up thread when I start as soon as I buy the donor 60.

Can't wait to start.

 

[72cruiser]

sounds like a good list...you still lookin at that donor out in arizona?

oh, and have you found any coil buckets yet?


malphrus

 

[VTCruiser]

yeah there is one out there I am hoping will work out...we'll see...I am waiting for detailed pics...

no buckets yet...I just haven't had a chance to email anyone. thanks for keeping an eye out though...

 

[VTCruiser]

hey where do y'all in the greenville area buy your metal stock? I have called around and it seems like "Specialty steel" has the best prices ($10.25/ft for 2"x0.25 DOM). Anyone use them?

 

[TimCFJ40]

I've used specialty steels, good service, decent prices. I'd go there again.

FWIW, I bought a 4x8' Sheet of 11 GA and it was ~$120 as I remember. Better than any other place local I could find without a huge minimum order.

 

[VTCruiser]

it begins...

just bought a set of used OME J's

unfortunately though the 60 I was looking at was sold from under me but I got another i'm hoping to pick up...

 

[VTCruiser]

I've used specialty steels, good service, decent prices. I'd go there again.

FWIW, I bought a 4x8' Sheet of 11 GA and it was ~$120 as I remember. Better than any other place local I could find without a huge minimum order.

cool thanks Tim, i'll definitely look them up.

 

[informationjunky]

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/351146840.html
No affiliation, but its red

 

[Southeast Overland]

hey where do y'all in the greenville area buy your metal stock? I have called around and it seems like "Specialty steel" has the best prices ($10.25/ft for 2"x0.25 DOM). Anyone use them?

I use

Smith Metal Fab
5 Sidney St - behind Duke Sandwich Co on Poinsett Hwy/276 just north of City of Greenville
Michael Smith owner - 242-6911

Michael will sell you whole pieces of sheet (or whatever) or let you pick through some pieces they have left over from other work. By doing this transport was much easier on me and I also didn't have to pick up huge pieces of plate steel - instead I just picked up a few square feet.

 

[VTCruiser]

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/351146840.html
No affiliation, but its red

i spotted that tis morning as well and called about it but it has had some previous bondo work done so I ahve decided to pass. Thanks for the headsup though!

steve, I rmember reading about that in the "local deals" thread, i'll definitely keep that in mind. Does he carry DOM tubing? thanks!

 

[Southeast Overland]

steve, I rmember reading about that in the "local deals" thread, i'll definitely keep that in mind. Does he carry DOM tubing? thanks!

I don't know. I will be stopping by to see him next week to buy some steel and I'll check then. Let me know if you hear something before.

 

[VTCruiser]

 

[VTCruiser]

the buildup has begun!