Lots of good looking work so far! I have a couple of comments on your choice of powertrain. Getting the big block engine shoehorned into that narrow frame is going to be a challenge. Please DO NOT buy into the myth that the frame rails need to be boxed- - - -they were designed to flex, and attempts to make them rigid will result in a spider web of cracks in very short order unless you do some pretty creative elliptical cuts on your boxing plates. Several years of trying to build dirt track race cars like bridge girders taught me that there's no such thing as a "rigid" frame.
Good luck! Jerry
Thanks!
The big block actually didn't pose to many issues during mockup (or as many as I expected)...the only remaining issue is the header fit. I ended up purchasing a set of Patriot tri 5 fenderwell headers based on some quick measurements and noticing a couple of other trucks running them.
Frame is only boxed where the motor mount plates are located...not a huge believer in the fully boxed frame. Actually had this discussion with my Dad, as he fully boxed his model A. I get the model A frame (somewhat) but I wasn't convinced that a 1/2 ton truck requires it.
Made some more progress with the metal work... having a heat wave the last couple of days sort of slows things down
