Jack's 2007 Chevy Build
- Thread starter locrwln
- Start date
locrwln
Expedition Leader
I decided that I didn't like having that much frame hanging out unsupported. So I took the old crossmember, cut it down, and cleaned it up. It will get painted and bolted in tomorrow. There will be eight 7/16's bolts holding the crossmember in.
Today was cleanup day. The crossmember took a while to get the factory coating off. The sliders needed attention as well, so we spent a lot of time stripping and cleaning the sliders for paint as well.
The good news is all of the holes lined up and the frame spacing was spot on from my extension.
Jack
Today was cleanup day. The crossmember took a while to get the factory coating off. The sliders needed attention as well, so we spent a lot of time stripping and cleaning the sliders for paint as well.
The good news is all of the holes lined up and the frame spacing was spot on from my extension.
Jack
locrwln
Expedition Leader
Are you running a metric or flotation 35" on your 18's? I really wanted a set of 18" steels also, but could not find a decent set. Most of the ratings are pretty low considering they are for 8 lug trucks. That is why I went for the ford factory forged aluminums. Since I couldn't find a decent steel 18", I figured that I could at least find the best aluminum rim I could.
Jack
locrwln
Expedition Leader
So I got the frame painted, the crossmember and rear hitch installed and everything put back together for now. Next up is waiting for the flatbed to be delivered and get that installed.
I had to switch to a different hitch from the factory hitch as I will no longer have the bumper to tie into.
Jack
I had to switch to a different hitch from the factory hitch as I will no longer have the bumper to tie into.
Jack
locrwln
Expedition Leader
Hitch is looking good Jack but is it not a little low? Nice fabrication. I am looking forward to seeing the flatbed installed. Cheers, Chilli...
Thank you. I think it looks that way due to there being nothing else around it. The flatbed has a rear skirt that should help with the "exposed" look. Me too, I can't wait.
Jack
locrwln
Expedition Leader
I sourced 8 Ford aluminum rims (18"x8", forged) off of CL. I will be going with an 18" rim and tires to get the size and load capacity for the camper. I had 6 of the rims sand blasted and was going to paint them for easy touch up, but I finally had my shoulder surgery done and decided that I didn't want to deal with painting them, so I had them powder coated. I was really close to trying a "black chrome" powdercoating like my previous H2 rims, but I realized that it would be impossible to touch up in the years to come. If this was going to be a street truck, I would have seriously considered it.
Anyway, on to the pictures. Sandblasted compared to the stock finish.
I went with a slightly textured finish that shouldn't show damage as readily as a gloss finish.
It will still be a while before I mount the tires, but I'm glad to have the rims done. I had 6 done even though I will only be carrying one spare. I figured if I ever damage a rim, at least I have one in reserve. Worse case, I still have 2 that are in stock finish.
Jack
Anyway, on to the pictures. Sandblasted compared to the stock finish.
I went with a slightly textured finish that shouldn't show damage as readily as a gloss finish.
It will still be a while before I mount the tires, but I'm glad to have the rims done. I had 6 done even though I will only be carrying one spare. I figured if I ever damage a rim, at least I have one in reserve. Worse case, I still have 2 that are in stock finish.
Jack
Mundo4x4Casa
West slope, N. Ser. Nev.
Jack, what is the stock GM wheel backspacing for a 2500? 18's are a fine choice, and if they are machined and not cast, they look strong enough.
jefe
jefe
locrwln
Expedition Leader
I don't remember and don't have stock GM rims anymore, but I believe they are 5". These stock Ford rims are either 5.5 or 6". And they are machined/forged rims, which is why I went with them and I figured if Ford could trust them on a 250/350, then they should hold up fine for my use.
Jack
Jack
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locrwln
Expedition Leader
Me too.(drumming fingers...)
Unfortunately from a project standpoint, I had shoulder surgery 3 weeks ago, so I'm out for any major work on my part for a while to come. Fortunately, I have friends that are going to install the flatbed for me. Was told that it will be shipping out next week and should arrive by the end of the week. I'll make sure to take pictures and generally be in the way...
Jack
locrwln
Expedition Leader
Thank you on both counts and I agree about it being a cool project.
I really appreciate it.Also, the bed did not ship last week, so no install pics. Hope to hear that it ships this coming week.
Jack
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