The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Frame Questions

Hey everybody, I was out tonight still tearing down the old truck and started to think what I want to do with it. I have been suggested to box the framerails by a few people, none who are professionals, and I was wondering is this even useful on a 61 frame. It is in very good condition. What effect would it have. I also came to think that i was going to acid bath the frame but i started thinking, I will be driving in less than 5 months, and i want to be able to drive my truck. So i started thinking why not just sandblast the frame and paint it. Its faster and does a realitivly good job. My plan is to make it a driver, not to completely restore her. Also what safety upgrades would you suggest for a truck of this age. I was thinking disc brakes up front and maybe power steering. So What benifits would i get from boxing the rails, Acid or Blast and saftey upgrades? Thanks,

Kyle

"I will be driving in less than 5 months".
Did you loose your license? Just starting? I don't understand that comment but the safety aspects are the brakes, suspension and steering in good order. That includes the brake lines and fittings, wheel cylinders, etc. The standard brakes are OK if you drive carefully and remember that everything is 45 yrs old. That is just common sense advice.

As for the rest of it, your truck, your choice. The big problem is that you can always get someone to tell you what to do but you can never get anyone to do it for you.

Unless you are planning on serious engine modifications, ei. blower or lots of nitrous, don't box the frame. I assume that you are getting you liscense for the first time, so I will assume that you are a teenager. When I was younger, I was hard on gas and hard on the brakes. Remember this when you are considering changes to your truck. As far as safety concerns, brakes and steering of course need to be in tip top shape. I would also work on the wiring. It is not safe or fun to drive your truck at night without lights. Electrical fires suck too (I speak from experience).

Boxing your frame is not necessary for your truck. I would focus on having the best brakes possible. Phil's advice is good. Build it right. Do not cut corners on anything that deals with safety.

remember do not go faster than you can stop!
On the frame, I think to many was watching american hot rod and Blue Beard, Yes box your frame if you are planning on adding a new front clip and a Mega Motor to prevent frame twisting but if you are planning on keeping the 6-cyl do not waste your time, also unless you are a real good welder and understand heat and how to keep your steal from drawing you can screw up your drive real quick, now for the frame part, I am in the process of doing another fram up restoration and the first I did all the frame sanding and blasting my-self and it was the hardest chore for the whole project. This one I found a guy hear in fort worth that sandblasted my frame and all the parts underneath and powder coated it for $400.00 would I do it again? in a second. You can also get any color under the sun.

"geting my liscense" yes im getting it for the first time! Im not planning of throwing in a v-8, maybe a split manifold and a 2 bbl for my engine upgrades. For suspension i was planning of putting in 2 1/2 inch drop spindles in to give it more rake and a lowered look. The spindles are ment for disc brakes so that means upgrading my brakes. As for fires i know the consiquences from first hand. I am currently recovering from my friend accidently lighting my legs on fire and DO NOT want to go threw what i am going through right now. Thanks for the replies i really appriciate your guys's knowledge and opinions.