Spring has sprung here in Minnesota, so in a few weeks I'll be able to haul my '94 to the shed to get working on it.  I posted WAY back when I first found this forum on my build plans.  I'll start here again to bring everyone back up to speed.   

 

First off, is this the right part of the forum to post a "build" thread?  If not please direct me to the correct location.  thanks

 

I restored a '51 Pilothouse B3D truck that was my great grandfathers truck.  I seem to have a disease now, lots of old truck parts in my house, garage and at friend's sheds.  I decided a few years back I was going to take a modern powertrain and graft on a Pilothouse cab/front clip as a daily driver.  This truck will be a stretched 3 door cab flat bed stake side hauler style truck.  I've got all the old Pilothouse cabs and doors to cut apart and re-weld up to the stretched cab.  As well as all the doors I could need to make the 3rd door and fill the space behind the passenger side door.

 

The '94 has a fresh rebuilt tranny and about 150K on the engine.  I've been thinking that since it will all be available to work on, going thru the engine and rear end would be a good idea right now.  Before I start to tear things off, any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Plans include air ride, saddle fuel tanks, rear duals and a tip up front end like a semi for engine work.  

 

thanks, I look forward to keeping this thread moving over the course of the spring/summer while things start under way.

Edited March 12, 201411 yr by PilotHouse2500

This place has a lot of instructions and some videos.

 

The only front kits I saw were inside the spring helpers for the front.

 

https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&inc_subcat=1&categories_id=1806&year_select=1996&make_select=620&model_select=8129&x=124&y=16

 

 

 

 

Been fighting my tractor rebuild project and not winning so I decided to take a day and get a win.  Donor clip and TODD clip after sections welded back in from where the PO had chopped out chunks.

Sometimes you just have to find a win if need be. I will keep looking for mine.

One fender rebuilt.  Just need to mark and drill holes and make bolts to mimic the rivets.  On to the next one.

 

 

 

Edited December 17, 20204 yr by PilotHouse2500

Good to see the progress is still happening.

and fender #2

 

 

 

Nice work. Just think about the the numbers that are going to notice this truck going down the road. It's going to be a real eye catcher.

If you haven't decided on air suspension yet, you might want to look at this companies towing system -- air front replacement and 4-link rear.

 

https://www.airbagit.com/category-s/2292.htm

 

Scroll down to your year frame.

and ready to build the support frame....wish me luck

 

Everything lines up REALLY well (at this point HAHA)

 

 

Been following this build for a while.

 

Great job, looks awesome.

 

Lots of progress since I last checked in.

 

Yeah I am too. You know @PilotHouse2500 is a master of his craft here. Slowly taking his time to fix every bit of metal to work for the build. 

Thanks guys!  Means a lot.  Look for some (hopefully this weekend) updates on the front clip.

progress from this weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nice... That should keep the front clip from flexing on you with that extra frame added to the front clip. I keep getting excited to see this thing done. But I know with any grewat artist it takes time to make a masterpiece. @PilotHouse2500you sir are a master at what your doing. 

meanwhile on my resto....

8 hours ago, PilotHouse2500 said:

meanwhile on my resto....

Well I dont know about anyone else. But I approve. And the paint job looks good too. 

Weekend progress.  Hoping this coming week and weekend it will actually be tilting.  

 

BTW first picture of my early orbit day present.  I will tell you this, if you buy a cheap helmet you will fight welds.  This new helmet is like seeing for the first time (I'd imagine).  I can see the area prior to welding, during welding and the puddle is so obvious (now).  Hard to believe I made good welds on my old el cheapo helmet after using this.  It's like welding suddenly got WAY easier!

 

 

 

 

 

Busy day yesterday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You know @PilotHouse2500 I do enjoy watching this truck come together. What you are doing is so far out my league that it is immeasurable. I cant often make a comment. Today is the exception. What did you use the weed wacker on thats laying behind front wheel?

Awesome job. Looks pretty sweet.

 

Operation looks very nice. Easy to get to your oil and fuel filters.