No longer lurking...
 

How's it goin' everyone? My name is Jeff, checking in from good old Tucson, AZ. I learned about Lateral-G a few years ago, but just recently decided to join. I'm going for the "dare-to-be-different" category of g-machine builds, I've decided to use my 1999 Ford Ranger Supercab. As of right now, the truck is sitting dead in my driveway, the victim of years of abuse by the previous owners (my little sister and her ex-husband...) and a motor that couldn't get out of it's own way, Ford's gutless 3.0 Flex Fuel V6. For the time being, I'm dropping another 3.Slow in just to get it up and running again, but after I move to Texas in June I plan on giving it a proper V8 and manual tranny along with an all new suspension, hopefully with a Cobra IRS hanging under the bed. I've got a few subtle tricks planned for the body, and not one solid idea on what I'll do with the interior yet. I've been checking out most of the build threads on here and can only say WOW!!!! I haven't seen a single car or truck on here that I wouldn't love to have as my own, some incredibly sick ideas and talent going into the rides I've seen so far.

I'll get some pics posted this week of my driveway hermit, as I know everybody loves pics. I'm also always open to ideas, would love to hear what you guys think would be cool on the truck. Oh yeah, I've got a 2nd small scale project going on, here's a few pics of it...

2006 Concept Camaro, 1/10th scale RC (I think that's the size on it...). It's getting torn apart today for some body work and paint, hopefully be done this weekend.

http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00156.jpg

Welcome aboard, Jeff.

sweet, welcome!

Thanks, Scott and Colin. I should have pics up this weekend of the truck. I'm still researching engine swaps, and I'm kinda thinking about an LS instead of the obvious 5.0. I know it'll probably be a nightmare to do it, but I love the power, reliability and SOUND of a healthy Chevy.

Time for a little update...
 

The Camaro is sitting in pieces, still. I decided it needs to be faster, which means the cheap plastic chassis has to go and I'll have to make something that can handle having more powerful motors on it. The Ranger is now sitting in Euless, TX at my dad's shop and I really don't care to ever see it again, unless it's while looking through the scope of a high powered rifle:censored: . So after months of deciding what to do and what I really wanted to build, I found my new "project" today...

http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...edRR/95GMC.jpg

1995 GMC reg cab short bed, 5.7 with some giggle gas on it, bagged in front, backhalved with a 3-link, 18" Saleen replica wheels which actually look kinda good on it, for now, and it's a color combo I've rarely seen: green with a grey interior. I should have it in my driveway in a few weeks, then I'll clean it up and drive it for awhile as I start gathering parts. What do you guys think?

Jeff,
Nice truck! I have been into those trucks for years. I am working on building a road course/auto crossing truck. Good to see another c/k truck owner on here!

Looks good Jeff. That body style is nice to start with just because it is so clean and smooth in my opinion. Be sure to post up some more pics when you get it home.


What is the plan on the RC Camaro? I have been a RC nut forever. Love those projects too.

Yeah, I think CK trucks are one of GM's best designs, almost as nice as the 67-72. I promise there will be lots of pics once I get it home. I just wish I had GMRacer's talent, I'd love to blow this truck apart and build a new frame for it. Oh well, maybe someday...:lol:

As for the RC Camaro, I want to build an aluminum or carbon fiber chassis for it, put a more powerful motor in it and see just how fast I can make it. I've seen these cars on ebay now for less than half what I paid for this one, so I might buy a few more and use them just for extra bodies or maybe just paint them and display them with the rest of my diecast collection.

If you go electric for the powertrain there are some REALLY strong brushless systems available. And the radios have come way down in price too.
I have a friend with the brushless Traxxass Revo and he has done some upgrades to it. For a 4x4 monser truck it hauls ass. I think it is good for almost 70 mph. But then again he has a ton of cash in it too.

Look around for a carbon chassis that is close in dimensions (for axle center lines) and modify it to fit your needs. It is pretty easy to build the entire running chassis from scratch these days. Then just fab up some body mounts and head out.
Do you have any pictures of that RC car with the body off? I am curious to see how it is layed out. What brand or where did it come from?

I'll get some pics this weekend, it's over at my brother's house. It's actually from Jada Toys, part of the BigTime Muscle series. I picked it up at Walmart for $90 about 2 years ago.

Ok, my son got one of those but it is a ZO6 'vette. I have thought about tearing his apart since he does not use it. But it is a little bigger. It is over 2 feet long and will take a bit of work to fab a chassis and running gear.

That's about how long mine is. I'll get some pics of it next to some other objects to better show it's size. The rear wheels are 4.25" in diameter, if that gives you any idea to it's size...

That is a good size RC car. They are a lot of fun. I just totaled my Traxxass Nitro Tech AWD gas car. It had a 2 speed trans and was good for about 70mph with a good tune. It hit the power pole at the end of the school parking lot and went into about a million tiny pieces. I am guessing it was doing over 50 when it hit. :D

I can only imagine how bad it must've sucked watching it hit the pole. Put up some pics on here, I'd love to check out your son's Z06 and some before shots of your car.

Jeff---I like the truck---it looks good as it sits with those wheels actually--it's got a teriffic stance---welcome officially with your dual projects!

Doug

Thanks, Doug!!

This deal just keeps getting sweeter for me!!
 

The guy I'm buying the truck from just made this deal even better. I'm already stealing this truck for $3000, which is cheaper than most clapped out CK style trucks I've been able to find in my area. He had already told me about the Belltech spindles and airbags in the front, but I assumed he used the stock control arms, so I had started looking at Strong Arms from ridetech to add to the mix. No need, he simply forgot to tell me that he already has them in place. The back half? It's an S&W piece. Then he informs me that he's got more parts if I want, for a cheap price. What parts? Let's try an SSBC rear disc conversion kit that's never been put on; new, in-the-box RHS heads; and a set of 17" TSW wheels that he had powdercoated black. All tossed in for another $700. Hmmm, I'm gonna have to think about it for a bit... LMAO!!!!

Killer score Jeff!

Don't ya just love it!!

:thumbsup:

You bet I do!! I'm guessing that by selling what parts I won't be using on this project, I'll probably make half my initial investment back, so that'll help buy even more parts I want. And from what I can tell, nothing on this truck was a hack job, so I won't have to spend a ton of money and time fixing someone else's mistakes.

Man, that is sweeeeetttt. Congrads on that deal for sure. When deals like that come along, it's the one time I will actually go into debt for it, since I know it's too good of a deal to pass up. Unfortunately, I continue to have this happen over and over again---LOL. Great deal man--way to score!

Doug

LMAO!!!! I hear ya! I'm actually putting my new tv on hold and ALMOST clearing out my checking account to buy this truck, which I normally wouldn't do, but these trucks are usually so expensive for one in good condition that I couldn't pass this up. Gotta love being on a VERY tight budget and finding that one-in-a-million deal right under your nose.

Hopefully this will be my last "almost here" update...
 

Well as long as my friend with a flatbed doesn't bail on me, the truck should be coming home late this afternoon. I think I've built and rebuilt this truck a hundred times in my mind already, can't wait to get started on it. This will the first time since '03 that I've had a truck that wasn't an extended cab, kinda nice when I plan the stereo system and know that it's only gonna have one sub and maybe 2 amps. Nice, simple, and LIGHT!!

Nice score on the truck and all the extra parts. Please post up some "coming home" pics when you can.:thumbsup:

She's home!!!
 

Finally got here this afternoon since Mother Nature decided to play fair and not rain all day.

These pics are with the bags aired out completely, definitely NOT how low I'll drive it:willy:
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00243.jpg
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00244.jpg
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00245.jpg
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00249.jpg

Not sure if I'm gonna leave the rollpan on there or buy a new bumper, yet...

http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00248.jpg

Wonder how much scrubbing it'll take to get all this crap off? LOL!!!
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00246.jpg
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00247.jpg

Interior isn't too bad, just needs a good cleaning. Time to buy more q-tips...
And the wires hanging under the dash are for the pillar gauges. Auto-Meter air pressure, trans temp and AFR, I think I'll keep 'em.
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00251.jpg
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00250.jpg
Uh-oh, what's that lurking behind the seat?!
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00252.jpg

And the $700 score!
 

http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00253.jpg
17" TSW wheels, most likely what I'll run once I buy new tires for them.
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00254.jpg
RHS heads, still sealed in plastic.
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00255.jpg
SSBC rear disc conversion kit. Nothing special, just single piston calipers and solid discs.
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/q...R/DSC00256.jpg
I didn't take pics of it, but he also gave me the new carpet kit he bought for it.

Good to see you got it home ok Jeff! :thumbsup:

Again, nice score on all the extras too! The truck looks like a great foundation for a project. Hey, if you drive it all aired out you can use the front air dam as a squeegee on the road when it rains. That thing is ON the ground!

Thanks! This is the first truck I've ever owned where I literally fall into the seats! LOL!!! I think I scared a fire ant when I was moving all the way into the carport:D The roof isn't much higher than the Caprice it's parked next to, makes me laugh everytime I look out front.