DAMMMN !

That's too bad, but I'm sure you're stoked you found this out now, before a cab sat over top.

lol

 

Yessir. It's much easier to build from the top down than the bottom up. I'm not too stoked about the oil pan gasket leaking, but once again it's better now then with a bunch of ugly sheetmetal covering stuff up.

 

It didnt take much trimming for adequate clearance .

 

When does the cab restoration start?
What color are you going with? Sticking with something close to the Air Force blue color?

Did you get the oil pan gasket swapped out?
What happened with the last one to make it leak?

 

Oliver, the weather here was in the mid 50s last weekend which provided a good opportunity to sandblast the bottom of the cab and firewall.

It will be the OE Navy Blue, but I'll use flattener to help hide the dents and dings. (Body work is not in the budget this year)

I used the Cummins puzzle gasket, and I don't know why it leaks. I'll take the blame for this one.

 

I found the culprit causing my oil pan leak. If you haven't changed one of these gaskets in chassis, you are missing out on a great opportunity to make up new swear words.

 

Still gotta be a wee bit easier, in the shop, as it sits, no?

 

That's a Texas sized 10-4!

 

Those 4x4 transmission crossmember braces should show up tomorrow, with a bit of luck, so you have something to play with this weekend.

How is the cab restoration coming along?
I am interested to see what, if anything, you found when cleaning it up. The pictures I have seen of the cab so far make it look pretty solid.

Once that is cleaned up and hit with some paint, you are back to dropping the cab back on the frame....Right?
Will you have to clearance the floor / firewall any to fit that big 6 speed transmission under the cab? I seem to remember some people adding a little extra under the body mounts like a small 1/2 to 1 inch body lift but, that may have been with the G56 transmission.

I am sure you have noticed the days are getting longer and the weather has started to warm up a bit.

 

Yes! The crossmember upper braces showed up on Thursday. They are exactly what I need. Thanks again!

The cab has turned into a marathon repair. I knew it was very thin in spots, but it's been a real undertaking.

I have thought a lot about the G56 to cab clearance. And even with having to fab a new tunnel, I think I am going to lift the cab an inch or so. I'll use a Borgeson style steering shaft to make up the difference. Everything else will be new, so the typical body lift woes won't be as big of a headache. Any input on this would be appreciated!

Stayt tuned for more pics.

 

I threw a couple of extra washers under all the cab and core support on my build called Project Covid. I wanted the most fender clearance for those 37 inch tires with the LEAST suspension lift possible, so the extra 1/4 or so I gained while putting it all back on the frame was welcomed.
I used an adjustable Borgenson steering shaft as well.

The one G56 truck I have owned / driven was a 2nd gen 12v build. The previous owner had to cut and hammer on the transmission tunnel to get it to fit. So it is definitely bigger than the NV5600 which would have fit a 2nd gen with no modifications to the tunnel.

 

I have fixed more bad floors than I should have, and the one thing in common is they all rust from the inside out. The "bones" of the cab were good but the floor pans were 80% junk.

 

Not sure if you need any firewall gaskets, or heater box rebuild gaskets. These guys make a nice product. I used it on my '89 trailer queen.
https://www.detroitmuscletechnologies.com/72-80/

 

WHOA, that's some Fred Flintstone stuff you got going on there.

Did you find BamBam's knoggin knocker ? I heard he left it under the floor mat.

 

Those are nice pieces. I am tossing the Mopar HVAC in favor of Vintage Air.