So today I finished cutting the body including the bumper so Ed would shut up, painted the bumper and the wheels, worked on the brakes for a while, then took measurements so I can make the 1x1 supports to make the cab one solid piece again. Here's a pic of the truck after the chop was finished.



Here's a picture of the truck next to the 96'



Here's the measurement sketch I made up.. Probably overkill but I want it to be as solid as possible.


How I have the brake hoses set up for now. I moved the bracket from the body to the frame. I may need to move it up though. I also need to get a T fitting instead of the individual connectors and move it more towards the diff. This was just a rough mock up to try to get the brakes going again but I need to get some more fittings anyway.

 

Awesome!

 

Thanks Danny - Kinda using the idea you brought up for the cab structure. Still planning on adding an external roll cage later on after the, cab, floors and tray are complete

 

Hey not sure if it would work or not but have you considered cutting the rear of the roof right behind the alpines and welding it back to the roof

 

Yes and it is going to be easier and more solid to go this route.. If you look at the picture of it next to my white truck the rear hatch is at an angle. the door is also at an angle that comes out and where it's cut off the floors are lower than where it would normally sit

 

I'm not talking bout using the whole back door just the roof, just figured it would give it a finished look, but you are the one looking with your hands on it, you can tell if it would work or not.

 

Yea if you use the top piece then you have to use the rest of it or it's not going to look "finished" - honestly I dont really care if it isnt perfect this vehicle isnt for show it's for performance. I dont think it will look terrible but the plan is to rivet in the final sheet metal for the cab all the way around like this one..

 

looking really good

 

it's pretty impressive that it holds together so well without you putting the framework in yet.

 

Yea I must admit - I was impressed by the amount of reinforcements that are in the roof of a diso. Obviously not super strong but would make you feel better about rolling it over.