Nerd Rods, 55-59 Truck Frame Project 1956, C4 suspension, 5.3L Auto, Kit Frame Design

[aggie91]

Good news. What do you think will be the next product you design?

[rat_rod_russell]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Good news. What do you think will be the next product you design?

Its a toss up between the C10 trucks and the Stingray 63-82 Corvettes. I've got quite a few C10 guys asking for frames but I'm not a big fan of the trucks. I want to do a Corvette because they are 2" longer than a Miata and with LS power and a real suspension you could have some serious fun as a track car with those. 19 years worth of cars with the single frame. But first I need to build my shop cars first and work on selling what I already have. Designing the frame is only a small part of the battle. Developing all the instructions and videos to make guys feel comfortable building their own cars is another part of the battle and I need to dedicate more time to it ASAP.

Later
-Russell

[RIDES BY DESIGN]

How's Progress Russell?

[rat_rod_russell]

Originally Posted by RIDES BY DESIGN

How's Progress Russell?

Its going. I just picked up the first frames from the new laser shop and spent some time talking with them about their capabilities and making sure this arrangement is going to work out.

Because of all the activity on getting a new laser shop I'm WAY behind. So I needed to back burner the truck frame for a time. When his frame is off the table Jim (aka Dad) will start the assembly and powder coating and I'll get back on to this Truck Frame and get underway.

Thanks for keeping up with me!

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

So this is happening.


Click for full size

Basically in the down time since I last posted I've got 2 lasers up and running now, blew the motor up in my personal car, fixed that, one minion moved, got 2 new minions, been training them, had to change banks (if your a small business you know what kind of a royal pain this is) and my local laser shop has been teaching me to program his laser so I can save a few bucks. Cross that with a girlfriend that lives 240 miles away and its fun fun fun and busy busy busy on all fronts. I should have more photos up within the week. Their on my computer and need to be sorted. Also waiting on other parts.

Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Here are the rest.











Later
-Russell

[rat_rod_russell]

Ah man, it was so cold today that no one came into the shop all day, It was AWESOME!!!

And thanks to the quite I manged to get the gas tank about 90% worked out. I'll need to build one real quick and make sure the lower gas filler hole will let the tank fill without backing up. It should work with the vent at the top to bleed off the air but I want to make sure. The tank is only 18.5 Gallons but it under the bed and it will use the stock filler neck. I've never liked the rear bed mounting solutions with the filler in the bed but I'm also 6'2" and more room in the CAB is a must for me. For more fuel I'll just add extra tank in the bed and just let it over flow down into the bottom tank and move the filler up higher.




Later
-Russell

[aggie91]

I know its in the thread somewhere, but I am just going to ask again.

What year model Corvette suspension does your frames use?

BTW, those pics look good.

[rat_rod_russell]

Originally Posted by aggie91

I know its in the thread somewhere, but I am just going to ask again.

What year model Corvette suspension does your frames use?

BTW, those pics look good.

C4, 1984-1996. I prefer to use the 1988-1996 specifically because of the superior suspension geometry, better shock mounting design and bigger front brake calipers and rotors.

But you can also do a live axle rear. The provisions to move the center crossmember and install different control arm system have already been incorporated to the design. I'll just need to design the kit for the axle.

Finally I'm thinking about designing a front suspension that will be supplied DIY and will be narrower for guys looking at deep offset wheels or in my case heavy duty parts and bearings for building a towing truck with big truck brakes. I plan on building a small haul truck for the shop show rig in the near future.

Later
-Russell

[RIDES BY DESIGN]

good stuff Russell. things are taking shape