Spacetruck Update Pics

[Plowboy]

edmurder asked in another post how the spacetruck was coming along, so I thought I'd put some pictures up in a new post, since the other one fell off the page in nothing flat.

Well it runs and drives now....no overdrive though. It rides really decent I think (better than my A, at least). I have bottomed out the rear suspension once or twice, so I may put a shorter lowering block in there and raise the ass up an inch...or I may just put some air shocks on it because the rear springs are quite springy.

The Tri-power has been running a little on the rich side (even when I have the screws turned down) but hopefully that will level out once I put the exhaust on it. I hope to get all the bugs worked out of it before winter sets in so I can get it painted this winter. Are you ready for a putty party Emporers?

I feel pretty good about how it has turned out so far considering that I started on this project a week before Christmas last year and it is running and driving under its own power now (not nummnuts speedo power like at the pileup). Anyone that is afraid to do this shit because you "don't know how" get off your ass and just do it, at least that is what I did. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Plowboy]

Back

[Plowboy]

This pic shows my High tech trunk latch a little better. I'm kind of proud of it you know. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[fordiac]

thats a cool truck...

I like the dinosaur thing in the background too.

(my personal opinion follows)
to me it looks like the front of the bed needs to go down like a half inch or an inch... i think it might help the lines flow a little... (you didnt ask though, so dont mind me...)

[hotrodladycrusr]

Looks great bud! Looking forward to seeing the next step completed.

If you've got them still, why don't you post a couple of shots of what it looked like when you started, for those that weren't around these parts a year ago.

[Django]

Dammit Plowboy how many times we gotta tell you to chop that thing! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Looking good. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Plowboy]

I think I am going to leave it like it is, that is no chop. I like the cartoonish proportions it has. It looks really wild going down the road too. Lukester told me at the pileup that he chopped his 3 inches and you couldn't even tell the difference. With the rake I have on the cab and the visor on there, if I go 5 or 6 inches then I won't be able to see out. And Before....and before you start ripping on me, I didn't pay big bucks for it either... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Plowboy]

and the donor car..

[Django]

The donor shell got cut up and scrapped this week.

[Plowboy]

did you get any pics of it? I never took one after I cut the ass off of it.

[beatnik]

That thing still floors me. It's just an inovative idea making the bed that way.

Plowboy's a Ruler!

[Plowboy]

Not my idea...I'll have to thank DocFrankenstein for that one. I'm just another dumb Illinois farm boy ripping off those cool California guys!

[Django]

No I didn't get take any. Maybe Jeffrey did...

[beatnik]

Yea Doc's stuff got my attention in a hurry too, just very cool ideas, and you guys made them work.

[TINGLER]

Damn!

Thats lookin' good. You "plowed" right into that project! ha ha. I remember seeing it here when it was just parts....

For the record, I think I like it unchopped.
But, I think you need to be a man and put some Cragar SS's on it! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Keep on truckin',
JT.

[Fraz]

<---sheds a tear as taps plays softly

"One for me, one for my homies......."

Sorry, gotta mourn the loss of a 60 Buick. It's my job. The ol' girl will live on in memory, and as the ass end of a nice truck.

[Django]

[ QUOTE ]
<---sheds a tear as taps plays softly

"One for me, one for my homies......."

Sorry, gotta mourn the loss of a 60 Buick. It's my job. The ol' girl will live on in memory, and as the ass end of a nice truck.


[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah she was a tough old girl. The powers seats still were working this summer...

[truth]

That truck is the shit! I dig the donor car, too though - I dont think I could have cut the rear off like that - I would have wanted to have the car on the road, too!

[Donzie]

Looks good. I would leave it unchopped, but I think it needs taller tires in front. The ones on there now look too small for the rest of the truck.
Man, you had guts pulling apart that flatbed. That was a cool truck. The Buick, no great loss.

[Plowboy]

A set of Radirs with whitewalls are in my plans, as hokey as it may sound to some, I like 'em....now only if I had the money....

[Tuck]

hey plowboy

i wanted to talk to you about your truck at the pile up...

i love the box... but if you somehow extended that theme to the rest of the truck so it looks like its meant to be together I think you'll get people to bend your way.

It needs to be tied together... like this pic i attached... as an example. its an example only so you get an idea of what i mean. the cab looks alien to the box.

I think if you step off the cliff and go all the way you can make this a 60's show truck all the way...something wild...

[Terry]

Plowboy, I am REALLY diggin on your truck! I was wondering just the other day about it.

Now you got me thinking! Seems I have this 59 Caddy setting in the backyard and well.... (insert evil laugh here)

[TINGLER]

Tuck,
I have to respectfully disagree with you here.
I think there is a sort of separation between the cab and the bed, but, I don't think that is a real problem in this case.
Just my opinion....

And Plowboy....Cragars are cheaper.....(hint, hint).... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Seriously though,
Radirs will look perfect on that thing. It needs a set of blatant SIXTIES style wheels. (Cragars) <----subliminal message.
And Radirs definitely have the 60's flava. (Cragars)

Later,
JT. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
(Cragars)

[burger]

Damn this board moves fast.

Damn Plowboy moves fast.

I got my Chevy a few months after you and it looks like I've got some catching up to do if I want to keep up.

One "constructive critism" -- put bigger tires on the front that match the back ones.

[BARNETT]

The truck is lookin' great! I dig the wheels and tires tou wanna run (maybe some thin redlines?), too. I think Tuck has a good idea with the cab treatment...maybe just taper the front of the "spear" so it kinda fades into the front of the door a bit. Wish I could photo shop. Like I said, though...the truck is lookin' great! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Randy D]

putty party? or pooty party? I dont mind slingin' some mud, but you'll have to get Brian to pack yer mud. (again). Maybe he will give your shirt back. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[burger]

The front and rear tires a little bigger (and matching) in this Photochop. I like Tuck's idea of extending the body line of the fin into the body, just maybe a little more subtle.


http://photo.starblvd.net/~edmurder/4-5-1.jpg

[40StudeDude]

I, too, like the idea of extending the pickup bed into the truck cab...however, IMHO, the bed rite now is TOO NARROW...it doesn't look like it's supposed to be there...

Here's my suggestion: cut the bed apart and widen it...and add some semi-wheelwells to the bulge below the fins...this will, in effect, widen the bed and allow the cab to "flow" into the bed...by adding a portion of the bulge (or fin) to the cab (and mind you, not a large amount either like the photoshopped pic...just an "indication" of the fin), it'll tie it all together...make it look like it belongs there.

Sorry, I can't photoshop either!

R-

[hatch]

No factory stepside EVER looked like it was meant to be. The truck looks great "as is"...don't mess with it.

[Rocky]

That is just too cool! I like it. To finish it off, I'd paint it all a dark color [satin finish] and go with [skinny] steelies and whitewalls on the front to match the back ones. A set of 60 Buick full caps would look nice too.

[bobbleed]

That looks Killer for a Dummy from the Flatland.....

Awsome.

[TWO]

[ QUOTE ]
hey plowboy

i wanted to talk to you about your truck at the pile up...

i love the box... but if you somehow extended that theme to the rest of the truck so it looks like its meant to be together I think you'll get people to bend your way.

It needs to be tied together... like this pic i attached... as an example. its an example only so you get an idea of what i mean. the cab looks alien to the box.

I think if you step off the cliff and go all the way you can make this a 60's show truck all the way...something wild...



[/ QUOTE ]

Nice! With that shape on the cab I'd extend it up to the grill shell and put the headlights in it.

[MichaelDorman]

Shurley a little off the top could'nt hurt http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
But anyway you cut it (no pun intended) it's a killer truck!

[Tuck]

TWO- yeah- lol i just did it for an example but dude can you imagine some scoops full of bullets that double as fresh air intakes... it the summer those doors would RULE!

then id go with some crazy canted headlights and a bullet filled grill and KANDY paint, metal flake... chrome...

and of course your radirs plowboy~ dig seein the progress

[hotrodladycrusr]

Way to go Link. The Spacetruck looks bitchen chopped!

[burger]

Plowboy-

I'm thinking about swapping out the original rear springs on my Chevy with trailer springs. They're only 27" long compared to the stock 54", which will tuck them under the body so there aren't any shackles hanging out. Plus they're a steal at $30/pr from Northern Tool.



Ed

[Luke Jivetalker]

just a little off the top........
http://photo.starblvd.net/~Luckiestiff/1-1-3.jpg http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[MoFoMOD]

Link, I was definetly in the "dont" chop it club until I saw the photoshop franken chop...

[fab32]

How about a grille treatment somewhat like the '32 3w on the album cover of that Beachboys record? That might help tie the theme of the truck together front to back. Just a thought.

Frank

[nummnut]

bobnummnut- dummy from the flatland thats my guy dont fuck with him OK

[Tuck]

.

[TINGLER]

Hey Plowboy,
are ya gettin' pissed about people screwing with your truck yet? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Tuck, I still don't know about that ridge in the middle of the door, but I think yous guys are on to something with having the grill shell tie into the whole combo....
And now I am on the "Chop It" bandwagon as well....
That thing looks bitchen chopped!

But Plowboy, that truck also ROCKS just the way it sets! IMO...
I love the green as well.....
Put Radirs on it and DRIVE man drive....

Someone needs to do a photochop of it with the Radirs and whitewalls on it.
AND IF YOU GO WITH REDLINES, YOU NEED CRAGARS!

JT. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[TWO]

Yeah, I dig that.

[hatch]

The lump on the doors make it look like it's "Ribbed for pleasure"..or maybe pain.

[Plowboy]

I eventually would like to make some funky grille for it like the A La Cart or the Beach Boys car, but I am going to get some use out of the $500 radiator I got from Walker first! Like I said this is my first A to Z project and have never welded or owned a welder until 2 years ago, so baby steps people...baby steps. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As of right now, I am just going to leave it like it is and try to get it painted and road ready for next spring. I yanked the guts out of the tranny last night and I am sending them up to "shifts" in Eau Claire, WI for some massaging. I finished up the wiring last night too since my turn signal indicator came in. I turned off the garage lights and turned on the headlights....this thing is gonna look really wicked at night! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[roadstar]

I saw this truck at the pile up and let me tell you boys and girls it was truly an insperation. What impressed me the most was this guy wasn't a experenced body guy. The quality of the metal work was hard to belive for someone who hadn't done anything like his before. It would have been real easy to make a big mess doing that much cutting and welding, but that bed fit great flowed nice and wont take 2 inches of filler to make it look good.
We talked for quite some time and I was also impressed with his overall attiude about the project. It is being done just the way he wants it.
I'm happy to see it's running and driving now. I know it was sooo close when I saw it last month. I look forward to seeing it again and it sounds like it might be painted by then too.

Oh and lastly you guys should see how clean the cab is. I couldnt belive it. So when the bed is mudded up the rest is gonna be a snap.

I want a ride at the next pile up http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Kevin Lee]

I can't wait to see Tuck's bubble top finished or the other project he has going with the "slasher" front end. Style and an eye for what looks good.

I definitely understand leaving it as it is and driving it but seriously - all hope is lost for anyone who saw that last picture and is still sitting on the fence. When you look at it it you should at least want to do those mods wether it's practical right now or not.

[Sean]

Plowboy - Dig the look of your truck. I think laying out a nice scallop job would bring the cab and bed together and make it look finished without having to mod the doors. Keep it up.

Tuck - I was thinking the same thing with the door mods. Like your photoshop concept.

[Mai Ki-Ki]

Low this thing.

Here's the photoshop i did ages ago now..

But having done it and seeig the truck now..i do like the cartoonish tall look that the truck has..

Keep it up!

CHEERS
maiki

[Plowboy]

Maiki, I do really like that oval rear window you did. I have been trying to figure out a way to do it ever since. I think I could bend some conduit in the oval shape and put some tabs on it and urethane some glass in....we'll see. I probably won't mess with it. I am just trying to get it running right now.

As for the wheels, those are 15's on it right now. The foto shop version would be 20's or bigger on the back and probably 18's on the front....ain't gonna happen. I was thinking about some 5.60 15's on the front and some L 78 15's on the back. I am not really familiar with what is available in tires though so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I want the tallest meats I can get on the back though and will adjust the front accordingly to keep the rake. I am still considering Radials because every time I go anywhere it is at least 60 miles and I drive down a LOT of country roads (I Live on one) and they eat the bias plys quick.

By the way, my color of choice right now is PPG Cool Blue, which is a really bright blue. I have been toying with the idea of making it a dark Navy blue though.

Thanks for the kind words Rudy! Most people don't believe me when I tell them I don't know shit about bodywork. I was even accused of working at a body shop for a living. I guess that's O.K. for a dumb ass hick that works at the Co-op huh?

[Tim]

not to hi jack or anything by do you have any more pix of that ride by your name maiki?

[Mai Ki-Ki]

Tim,

That's a concept pic of my next project...
1938 ford pick up cab.
1940 ford bonnet/grille
Model A bed (or something like the spacetruck.)
Model A Chassis with kicked up rear.
Chopped 4-5 inches...Fake Auburn Lights.
Art Deco Styled.

About to sell my recently finshed custom.
buy a cheap/fast/evil daily driver and star buying body parts.

=]

Cheers
MAIKI

p.s ..no more pics yet..tis a secret!

[DrJ]

Ok now that ones' "done" and lookin cool and on the road, when do we get to see the flat bed '60 Buick? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[100mphwheelspinner]

looking good see you on the road in the spring.

[Fraz]

Comon' ---da na na na na na na

Comon' ---da na na na na na na

Let's go Space Truckin!

Comon' ---da na na na na na na

Space Truckin'.......

on the radio just a couple minutes ago.

[SprayPaintSpecial]

Sweet looking ride Plowboy, great idea and excellent follow through.

[50mercfan]

man your an inovator and a visoionary and a craftsman. i agree with the unchopped look. keep on space trunkin'

[james]

I love that bed, probably one of the coolest ideas ever. I do agree about the tire sizes, though, the little ones don't match. I like the white frame, but I'd paint the springs /shackles flat black. they just seem to pull my eyes away from the body, and cluter it up a little. A little rattle can work there and it's done!

[Plowboy]

I sure as hell ain't no visionary and I definitely am not an innovator. Like I said, the idea was NOT mine (thanks Doc!), I just happened to find some really good junk cheap and it fit together OK.

I am impressed that this car post has gotten almost as much attention as a Von Dutch Post! Thanks Folks. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif