Might as well start another project truck

Brown Swiss · Aug 9, 2019

Another GMC, got the frame streched on the other and waiting on sand blaster, he is coming Sunday, been busy as a bee! Oh then got to come home early tonight, got to take the bride out on the town, 9 year anniversary. Enjoy yer day.

Dsmythe · Aug 9, 2019

Happy Anniversary.....I hope the Night on the Town is one to remember! Dsmythe

Married2Allis · Aug 9, 2019

Wow very cool truck project. Take care of the Missus tonight, can work on Jimmy anytime!

SweetFeet · Aug 9, 2019

Happy Anniversary!

Philip d · Aug 9, 2019

Happy anniversary! What year is the truck? I?m going to guess 58?

ollie gm · Aug 9, 2019

I hate to be bearer of bad news, but basic truck design forbids welded in cross members. Your local DOT guys will condemn your rig and remove your license. Even if you use it as a off road and farm rig your frame will crack and separate in short order. Frame rail cross members are an exacting science and need to be bolted or riveted in place to save the frame. Look at the gusseting designs in the lower part of your 2nd photo and you will see what I mean. Basically look at any hiway semi tractor/truck cross member, sometimes they break apart also.

My suggestion- find a good mechanic and see what he has to say. Good luck!

caterpillar guy · Aug 10, 2019

Normally the frame is cut then stretched to keep the balance on the axles and to not over load the frame at the rear springs and bend the frame. Dad was adding frame to an old wagon until it bent some from hauling round bales now wants to cut the last section off.

Texasmark1 · Aug 10, 2019

I always thought that OEMs mount the rears too far aft on their 6 wheel framed bobtails, in particular grain truck applications (without regard for any other usage here). I had an old Ford Cabover like that and it was a great truck, no problems handling nor driving.

Neighbor moves in next door and next thing you know a 56 GMC bobtail grain truck shows up with the rear axle back where I thought it ought to be,,,,,just about centered on the bed. One day they were coming out of the field with a load of wheat and I hoped a ride for a chat. The driver was all over the steering wheel trying to keep the truck centered on the road and hitting a bump, almost lost control. Seems OEMs aren't so dumb after all!

I too know about riveting and bolting main frames; forget the welds.

Might as well start another project truck

Brown Swiss

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Dsmythe

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Married2Allis

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SweetFeet

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Philip d

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ollie gm

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caterpillar guy

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Texasmark1

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