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’39 Chev Truck Restomod update — March 28, 2019
This week I did not get too much done on the truck, so not much of an update. I completed the battery tray fabrication and install. The tailgate got installed and box sides welded into place. I also fabricated the battery disconnect and installed it.
Battery tray — I wasn’t sure where I wanted the battery to be located on the truck. I had thought about using a cooler in the truck box, or in the cab behind the seats, but finally settled on the engine bay. Mostly for ease of installation, servicing and wiring. I forgot to take a picture of it, but it’s mounted on the passenger side firewall. I started with a used tray from the wreckers, removing the stock brackets and adding my own. It turned out good, but I need to add a support from the firewall at the top of the battery to the hold down bolt for a little more stability. I also need to relocate the VIN tags as well. I will place them above the battery along that seam at the top of the firewall.
Tail gate install — The body is a 1.5T and came with a flat deck. I have installed it onto a 1946 1/2ton chassis so I bought a reproduction box. Overall the box quality is good, the biggest problem I have run into is the holes for the rear cross support are all out. Once the box had been installed and squared and with the tail gate in position and gaps evened, etc. The rear cross member support-bedside mounting holes was out about ½ a hole. Rather than re-drill all the holes, I opted to just weld up the bottom 2 holes and keep the top hole for the tailgate hinge bracket. I also added a weld down the seam for some extra strength.
Battery disconnect — For some added security I wanted to be able to disable the engine. I have moved the fuel tank from the cab to behind the rear wheel ( well it soon will be anyways…) I had considered welding up the hole in the cab where the filler neck came through, however I decided not to. I think it will keep the truck looking a little more “stock”. I have hidden the disconnect switch in the old filler neck, and I think it is a pretty cool addition.
Anyways, I am back at work so the truck will have to wait again. The break gives me time to plan up what I am working on next. That will be getting the fuel tank mounted and if the gauges arrive I can get the sending unit bolt pattern and complete the tank. After the fuel tank is complete, I will be moving on to the running board extensions and front and rear fender mods.

See the attachment for some pictures.
Steve