1969 Ford F100 / 2002 Ford Lightning "Thunder's Truck" - Lateral-g Forums

**V8TV** · #1 12-23-2014, 01:16 PM

Cutting the notches allowed the bed to come down approximately 2 inches, which helped, but was not quite enough. Next, the crew shim the back of the cab upwards to make up the difference in height. At this point, the wheelbase is nearly correct, the cab in bed are in alignment, and the truck has a slight rake which is exactly what the customer wanted.

**V8TV** · #2 12-23-2014, 01:18 PM

We were all pleased at how quickly the major pieces came together on this project. It is far from finished or driving, but it is really coming together nicely. The rear track which fits under the bed, the front wheels fit comfortably in the front fender wells, in the truck looks natural. At this point, it looks like a '69 truck with Lightning wheels! This one is going to surprise more than a few people!

**WSSix** · #3 12-23-2014, 02:20 PM

Looks great!

**waynieZ** · #4 12-23-2014, 06:49 PM

It looks perfect, but its what we've come to expect. You guy's do great work. No one will be the wiser.

Boss 5.0 · #5 12-23-2014, 07:37 PM

Incredible! You guys are making it look easy.

**V8TV** · #6 12-24-2014, 10:05 AM

Thanks guys, we have a talented crew that does make it look easy. We caught a few brakes on this one also... we were expecting to have to narrow the track width, but got lucky!

**V8TV** · #7 12-24-2014, 10:07 AM

Next it was time to solidify the chassis. The crew removed the X shaped crossmember and repositioned it to work with the shortened frame.

Originally, the leaf springs were riveted to the frame, but we decided to weld everything solid. Adam made some closeout panels to box up the rails to prevent the leaf spring perches from twisting the frame rails.