Blitzkrieg money pit

[Cheyne]

I have never really posted on this site just browsed but here is a ranger i've been buildin for the past few years

-Newline front kingpin beams with Blitzkreig cnc spindals 2.5 snouts and desert -specialty hubs
-Blitzkreig full front to back tubework
-Blitz 4 link
-blitz 3.5 custom housing with desert specialty hubs strange nodular third member 40 spline spool
-Goodyear GSA race tires
-KMC beadlocks
-ford racing 351w
-custom 50-60 gallon fuel cell
-Beard ULtra 2's
-Blitz light rack
-2xfluidyne enduro coolers

In December its goin into BLitzkreig once again to get it ready for plumbing cnc pedal assembly will be installed finish tab work on the rear end and some other minor stuff...when it leaves it'll be rolling with all calipers, hubs, rearend, suspension prepped and ready to go...then in spring it'll be off to get wired and plumbed and prepped

if any shop see's this or wants to take on this project for the finish work PM i'm still lookin at a few different shops

[Cheyne]

few more

[Cheyne]

few old pics of before build and new picx

[bcampbell04]

don't forget the Blitz sway bar....welcome to RDC. watched this build on desertrides for a long time.

[E&S Racing]

I love this truck. I would love to have it as a prerunner too. I thought you were selling it a while back, change of mind? Good luck with the rest of the build

[Cheyne]

not motivated enough to sell it..... in the long run i'd be better off but i cant seem to let it go haha....slow and steady wins the race

[1450-ranger]

Keep working at it Cheyne, it will be done soon enough.

[Cheyne]

truck updates....

Truck will go off to MME aluminum fabrication for marty to go to town with it....I anticipate nothing but top notch work from him...truck will be getting a dash center console and possibly rear aluminum work done (might wait till after testing for that....trucks scheduled to go there in November

Dash will be similar to John Bittings shown below

Then in December It'll go back to BLitzkreig to get his CnC spindals put on prep and shank all the suspension and bolts, finish tabbing the rear housing and get it pretty much ready for wiring and plumbing.....when it rolls all it should be rolling stearing.... all hubs greased and bolted on properly rearend complete and ready to go with everything installe and CNC brake pedals installed

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/dashblack.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/post-2-18657-dashmas.jpg

[Fourstroker]

Good call on MME. Marty will do you right. Satisfied customer. Truck looks great!

[Cheyne]

Scott at Camburg just hooked me up with some goodies for my dash

-Vertex 3200 race radio
-Avcomm AR500 4 person intercom
-7 inch Lorance GPS

[Cheyne]

Does anyone know of a decent priced header guy in the oc area I have quite a bit of material to build them just need some built would like them done before I take it to MME plan on getting my cell finished by Harmon as well soon

[Cheyne]

finally got ahold of a old friend of mine to do my headers....custom equal length ouside the frame rail....for a decent price....goin into his shop 0ct 30th then to MME november 20th, then to blitz in december

[Iggle]

finally got ahold of a old friend of mine to do my headers....custom equal length ouside the frame rail....for a decent price....goin into his shop 0ct 30th then to MME november 20th, then to blitz in december

Al's Headers is right down the street from Blitzkrieg and he does good work and he's reasonable. He charges $125 per tube so it's $1000 for a V8. Give him a call and tell him Nacho sent you 714-273-8277

[Ghost Ranger 77]

That dash looks awesome.

[Cheyne]

truck went in for all the aluminum work today should come out really nice Marty at MME is doing it and does amazing work hes a artist

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/IMG_1919.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/STC_1909.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/IMG_1918.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/IMG_1915.jpg

[CMazzulla]

That really is one of the nicest rangers. Super clean!

[klaus]

Very nice built. Can't wait to see it finished and in action.
Can you post some pictures of the work done in the front under the hood.

[Peaches]

nice can't wait to see final painted pics and it in the desert.

[DezertTV]

Great truck and one of my favorite Rangers! Blitz does amazing work!

[Cheyne]

Thanx for tha compliments Marty has my truck right now and is doing my dash by far the best money spent he does quality work and great to deal with in the process of buying the lady a ring so once again the work will slow down in pace yet again but will still go into blitz to try to get it closer for wiring and plumbing klaus ill upload some pics tonight of the front in my opinion it could have been executed better but I'm a perfectioneas here's one cruddy cell pic of the dash started

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/qw.jpg

[Cheyne]

getting there marty said it'd be done by tommorrow lots of finish work and full center consol and glove box to come

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/rho010.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/rho014-1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/rho021.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/rho019.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/rho022.jpg

[absolutmotoxxx]

Everything looks really really awesome and clean. Good work!!!

[Brock_Beeson]

super clean dash cheyne.. and congrats on the next step with the lady.. its the best :)

[CEORanger]

nice looking dash. my favorite ranger by far.

[Cheyne]

thanks for the compliments guys

what are all you guys running or the guys that have it running what system and set up....

simplist set up preferred goin in my ranger

[Cheyne]

the post above was about vintage air need opinions

[charlie_brown]

truck and dash look great. after all the work are you going to get it dirty?

i am running the "hot rod" air system with the 3 out put from the unit. had to split one of them to make 4 vents. last i check the main difference was that hot rod used vacuum lines to control the vent selection. there was a few other options ether way.

main thing is get the biggest unit that will fit and get the biggest condenser (regardless what they say). try to use the older refig. stuff because from i have been told (disclaimer "told") it blows colder and it does not generate as much heat at the condenser.

brace the **** out of the fan unit where it is mounted to the evaporator or it will crack the plastic case.

get the round vents. i got the other ones and they were a pain to work with.

Now, what type of knob are you going to use for the glove box?

[Peaches]

very nice dash...im liking it alot....are you going to paint it...or leave it just bare metal with a clear coat on the dash....look nice either way..

[Cheyne]

either paint it matt black or get it upoulstered

[Cheyne]

done

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/Picture592-1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/Picture600-1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/Picture596.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/Picture593.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/Picture602.jpg

[charlie_brown]

"done"

yea right. they are never done.

[Cheyne]

haha ya i meant with the small dash project the truck has so much more work its not even funny. i was just drinkin a beer lookin at it shakin my head about 20 mins ago its part round up time got about 15k in parts i need to start aquiring

[Hemp]

looking good cheyne

[Dezertpilot]

Soooooo nice! Since you are doing this right and taking your time the truck will be perfect when finished. Cant wait to see the truck in the dirt:)

[Cheyne]

it'll never be done haha....i love the truck everything but the front tubework.....so in my weird way of thinking I think the only way to fix that is to hack the hole front off sell the newline and have blitz do a similar centerlink a arm set up like Juan B's blazer haha....but thats a pipe dream and something that may come way down the road after the things running for now i'll stick with the beam setup.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/Picture532.jpg

[charlie_brown]

"Soooooo nice! Since you are doing this right and taking your time the truck will be perfect when finished."

that’s never true either. when its done you will say "i could of" or "the next time".

[Cheyne]

Harmin fuel cell 1300
Built c6 2-3k
Shocks 4k
Bump stops 350
Cnc pedal assembly 250
Gauges 200
Shifter 250
Lights 1800
Howe ram assist and stearing 2000


Total 12650

do you guys think thats a fair guess

[therail]

Maybe more on shocks, as you will probably end up trying different spring rates and such.

[DezertTV]

LOL "They are never done"

Great build!!

[Cheyne]

it was done about 3 years ago when i bought it my 4th ranger project i've had.....and now look at it "its never done" is so true its not even funny. but the progress is fun to watch and one day it'll be bitchen full interior powdercoat and clean.till then let the money spending continue

[Bryan_D]

Funny I never put the two trucks together. I remember that pic because I always love a ranger on ar-23s. Wow that was old school right there, and still a nice truck.

[Cheyne]

can you buy a bypass form fox without the tubes on it? so i can have the suspension cycled then the tubes placed as needed? Going with a 3.0 coilover upfront with a 2.5 coilover and 3.5 bypass in the rear

[John_Bitting]

can you buy a bypass form fox without the tubes on it? so i can have the suspension cycled then the tubes placed as needed? Going with a 3.0 coilover upfront with a 2.5 coilover and 3.5 bypass in the rear

They will build you whatever you draw up. Standard left and right with piggyback resi's will work for the rear.

[CEORanger]

it was done about 3 years ago when i bought it my 4th ranger project i've had.....and now look at it "its never done" is so true its not even funny. but the progress is fun to watch and one day it'll be bitchen full interior powdercoat and clean.till then let the money spending continue

thats a sweet bed cage you had on there before.

[Cheyne]

So what do you guys think for shocks

up front I have Newlines kingpin beam kit with a 351w

3x14 5 tube bypass with a 2.5 by 12inch coilover

i'm pretty sure i could use the exisiting 14 inch coilover mount for the bypass and have blitz squeeze a 2.5 12 inch coilover off the radius arm up front instead of a single 3.0 coilover
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/Picture532.jpg
then in the rear and dont base your opinion off money cause i dont....
a 2.5 coilover with a 3.5 5 tube bypass thats what the shock mounts are made up for....but i could always just run a 3.0 bypass but ya the 3.5 would be bitchen... my main question is it is a decently heavy ranger and would i be even able to valve the 3.5 for it or is it too much shock thats the only thing keeping me from running it the extra 700 bucks for both of them doesnt bother me

i have what you see below probably a 55-60 gallon fuel cell with a single gsa spare tire and jack and all the other goodies in the rear so it might be pretty heavy

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/Picture554-1.jpg

[Cheyne]

oh ya and if anyone knows where i could get my hands on or trade my GSA's for the 37x15 gsa's let me know for now i'll rock the 35s but those 37s look bitchen

[Sites]

If you're not concerned about money, I woudl say go with the 3.5 bypasses. I just nuked my Bilstien bypasses that I've been unhappily running for the past 4 years and have a set of Fox 4 tube 3.5 bypasses being built. I would say that my truck will be a bit heavier than yours, but if you plan on running 37s, large fuel tank, tools, etc., it should be pretty close.

I hear people use the term "too much shock", but I'm not exactly sure what that means, or if they even know, lol. A bigger shock will typically flow more fluid, hold more fluid, which should ultimately allow them to run cooler and have more precise control over the valving. By this I mean that regardless of the valving, at some point the amount of fluid that the piston can flow will become the bottleneck.

This is what I encountered with my Bilstein 9100 "race" (and I use the term "race" loosely) bypasses. With my truck being a big fat *****, coupled with the fact that Bilstein's 2.5 9100 "race" shocks actually used a 2" piston and a .5" sleeve (dont get me started), we could never manage to get the valving setup without it being too harsh, too soft, overheating the shocks, or all of the above. This is why I ended up ditching them and going with the 3.5 Foxes, which I'm hoping to have soon.

[Cheyne]

hey sites post pics when you get them like to see how they turned out

[Porboy]

These were posted in the classifieds. Hope it helps.
http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=2&md=second&id=3161

[Porboy]

Sorry, didn't see that you needed 15's.

[xjobforacowboyx]

I didn't see it asked in here yet, but what are you doing for a motor?

-Keith

[StGeorge-Motorsports.com]

keep up the work it is coming together very nice. Nice job!

[CaptinCrash]

hes running a 351w

[Cheyne]

ya ford motorsports 351w with roller rockers, aluminum heads, eldlebrock intake manifold, cam blah blah blah should push around 400hp on pump
the crossmembers been all boxed in and plated and its ready to drop in just hate pushin it around with the motor in it haha

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/25s5xkp-2.gif
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/trestles126/Picture537-1.jpg

[fftront]

i wanna drop a V8 in my ranger! thats pretty cool!!

[Cheyne]

if i could do it again i would've kept the 4.0 in it

[fftront]

if i could do it again i would've kept the 4.0 in it

why is that?

[Cheyne]

2 much money and work......way to much hopefully it'll be worth it in the end

[jeff]

For Sale? http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=2&md=second&id=7318

Aloha

[Sites]

Not that its any of my business as to why you're selling your truck, but if the "(need to buy a house)" in the title of your ad is really what you're selling it for, I would suggest doing a little research into the housing marketing before buying anything. With the rate at which housing sales and price are dropping, selling your truck and putting the money into a house (at the current prices) is like stuffing it into a paper bag and lighting it on fire.

[SANDlessNSeattle]

Not that its any of my business as to why you're selling your truck, but if the "(need to buy a house)" in the title of your ad is really what you're selling it for, I would suggest doing a little research into the housing marketing before buying anything. With the rate at which housing sales and price are dropping, selling your truck and putting the money into a house (at the current prices) is like stuffing it into a paper bag and lighting it on fire.



And building a Prerunner is an investment???

[Sites]

And building a Prerunner is an investment???

Care to point out where I said that building a prerunner is an investment?

My point being, buying a house right now is like going to the car dealership and paying a 20% mark-up on a new model car. Having patience will allow you to buy the same car, or a better one for much less.

[SANDlessNSeattle]

HMMM and my point would be...@40k...That it's gonna be real tuff to sell it overnight...so by time it sells....housing prices will have dropped even more...



That's all

[Sites]

The price he is selling his truck for has nothing to do with my point. Frankly, with the cost of part and labor that he has into his truck, I think $40k is pretty close to fair.

Lets say he sold the truck for $30k. If he were to turn around and put that money right into a house, at the rate in which prices are dropping, that money down would be negated by loss in market value in 6 months.

I'm just speaking from personal experience where I got out of a hobby about 6 years ago because I thought I needed to liquidate personal assets (read: race car, trailer, tow vehicle, etc.) Once I was done, I realized that I didn't really need to do it, but it was too late and the hobby that I loved to do was no longer possible.

[WannaB-class5]

Do you have any clue how a housing market actually works? Esp. in the long run, or are you just sorta watching CNN and bitching? K I am done (oh and nice truck, good luck with the sale)

[Sites]

Do you have any clue how a housing market actually works? Esp. in the long run, or are you just sorta watching CNN and bitching? K I am done (oh and nice truck, good luck with the sale)

Assuming that you're talking to me, yes, I've been paying attention to the market for the past two years -- long before it was cool to be "bitching" about the current housing situation.

I have family that have been in the construction business, both residential and commercial, for decades. So growing up, I was able to witness the highs and lows of the early 80's housing crash and the early 90's crash. Got to meet a lot of off-road racing families (Paul and Dave Simon, the Baldwins, etc.) whose roots are in construction.

So I guess my question for you is, do YOU know how the housing marketing actually works? If CNN is your only source, then I would suggest looking for a few independant sites with historical housing data and do your own analysis. I think you'll find that the situation is MUCH more f-ed up than the mainstream media is letting on.

Cheyne,

Sorry to derail your thread, but I know you've spent a long time building your Ranger and just trying to play devil's advocate :)

[Cheyne]

just weighing my options guys I still have the truck and it most likely won't sell nor would I let t go for under 40. I've just realized I make good money and all I have to show for it is a black hole of a money pit. I don't have a house in mind but would like to be prepared if something does come up I can purchase it I just don't see me getting ahead in life with a high end project like my ranger. Thanks for the input like I said I was just testing the waters. I'm known for getting wild hairs up my butt and doing things like that sorry for the scare guys

[tre5]

Wow, I always watch this thread because I like the truck. Now I come to look, hoping to see some progress pics, and end up reading about the housing market. That sucks. way to take the thread off track. There is a whatever section for that crap. Thanks.

[Nukldragger]

Wow Cheyne, much better pics than what you showed me on your phone. Looks like way too much work and money invested to give it up now.....like I said, hold on to it. If you sell it now, you'll kick yourself later.

Once you get married and buy a house, forget starting another project like that unless you hit the lotto.

Just don't paint it yellow when it's done (LOL)

[tool46n2]

very nice truck. when it comes down to it your building a truck that is one of a kind. i would be to proud of the work just to stop and sell it. once again VERY NICE TRUCK!

[Cheyne]

ordering shocks this week 3.5 bypass and 2.5 coilover per wheel fox

[baja619]

Excellent choice! that is the same configuration on this truck.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w179/fiberwerx/plaster-city_test3_smll.jpg

[Fourstroker]

Any update photos?

[Cheyne]

nothings really been done besides ordering parts
shocks
trans
cell bladder
and spindals are on my to do list

[Dezertpilot]

ordering shocks this week 3.5 bypass and 2.5 coilover per wheel fox

Smart choice! Please tell me u will be also running at least a litle bit of valving in the coilover:D

[Cheyne]

yes i will be gonna have alex the ax set them up

[Dezertpilot]

NICE! I think alot of people use the theory of just having an empty coil carrier and all the valving in the bypass which I think is OK, but the C/O will take up some of the heat off the bypass. Plus if the bypass shock blows out u can still continue on with the coilover. Those FOX 3.5's are massive:) Do they come standard with the gold valve? One last thing how many tubes?

[Cheyne]

5 tube I'm pricing the foxs in that setup or the kings in a 3.0 & 2.5s and 4.0 & 2.5s which is almost cheaper just
not sure on the clearance

[bcampbell04]

wow, 4.0 bypass and 2.5 coils in the rear....that's one big, and pricey option.

[Cheyne]

most parts from my truck have been bought below retail prices.... I will be ordering 3.5s foxs for each corner and 2.5s foxs for each corner all in black (color) oh and everything on the truck has pretty much been a big pricy option

[bcampbell04]

ya, i know the building process is not cheap by any means. i've followed your build since you've started. remember looking at it on desertrides. that's great that you've been able to get most things around or below retail. i know those kinda costs since i work in the industry. the black foxs are a great choice. it's really cool to see someone who really takes pride in their build and takes the time to do it complete.

[Horn3yHort0n]

dont do it!!

[rc-jay]

I see its Back up for SALE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lstrong]

Not that its any of my business as to why you're selling your truck, but if the "(need to buy a house)" in the title of your ad is really what you're selling it for, I would suggest doing a little research into the housing marketing before buying anything. With the rate at which housing sales and price are dropping, selling your truck and putting the money into a house (at the current prices) is like stuffing it into a paper bag and lighting it on fire.

good call !!!!! He wrote that in January of 08

[MALIBLOC]

fox is going all black, killer truck I follow it on DR. Now its here.

[FCORR]

good call !!!!! He wrote that in January of 08

Yes, it turned out that this might be some of the best advice in this thread (and there has been tons of good advise in this thread as well...).

[matt_helton]

iiiiiiiiitts baaaaaaaack! lol

yes you heard right.....the ranger is back at the blitz once again, this time to actually get finished and the new owner is really gonna step up the comfort levels of this truck. some of the mods will be a vintage air system, functioning wipers, hydro-boost brake system, an LS chevy V-8 and 3.0 kings all around. an entirely new engine cage is being built to better accomodate the 4 shocks instead of the 2 it was origionally built for. we are really excited to have this truck back in our shop after all these years! cell phone pics, sorry.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee252/prerunner13/blitz%20moneypit/moneypit7.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee252/prerunner13/blitz%20moneypit/moneypit6.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee252/prerunner13/blitz%20moneypit/moneypit5.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee252/prerunner13/blitz%20moneypit/moneypit4.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee252/prerunner13/blitz%20moneypit/moneypit2.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee252/prerunner13/blitz%20moneypit/moneypit1.jpg

[BRINGTHERUCKUS]

Yeeeee get some! too bad about the LS motor...

[CHASETHISTOO]

I cant wait to see how you finish it Matt. I saw this truck when Cheyne had it. IT IS BAD! I'm glad to hear it finally gets to hit dirt.

[Dezertpilot]

Good news! Truck has a bunch of potential, Cheyne didn't sell the truck with the shocks he had planned for the truck? Don't remember if he had ended up buying the shocks or not.

[Jerry Zaiden]

It will be a very good day when this truck see dirt! I think it has been over 6 years in the making?

[E&S Racing]

Nice to see it finally getting finished..

[garagebuilder]

Good news! Truck has a bunch of potential, Cheyne didn't sell the truck with the shocks he had planned for the truck? Don't remember if he had ended up buying the shocks or not.

I think Cheyne bought Fox's for the truck, and and sold them separatly like he did the motor. This truck came back and is now on the 3rd owner in its build stage.

here's some brake pedal pics, still gotta do the pad, and some random engine cage pics

[Shannon]

WADR, why in the F would anyone spend the kind of money dude did and only put 1 shock per corner????? Dude was smoking crack if you ask me, geeezzzz!!!

[garagebuilder]

WADR, why in the F would anyone spend the kind of money dude did and only put 1 shock per corner????? Dude was smoking crack if you ask me, geeezzzz!!!

All Plank, Newline, and SI I-beam kits usually ran a 3.0 or RG coil over for packaging reasons on the front, fitting 2 shocks on the front with these kits is a pain and there isn't much room to fudge around with due to the fact that these kits are designed to run 1 shock. The beam hangers are out far on the frame and use standard size spacers, this kills tons of room along with the steering swingers. So running one shock on the front isn't too cracked out.

[BRINGTHERUCKUS]

thats a badass brake pedal...

[BajaTrux]

Very nice truck. I've always wanted to build a Ranger with that Newline front end. Till then I'll keep coming back to this thread for inspiration.

Keep updates/pics coming when possible!!!

[PRErunIT]

Should be a really nice truck when finished

[garagebuilder]

more phone pics
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0708001816.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0708001815a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0708001815.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0708001814a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0708001814.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0708001813.jpg

[atomicjoe23]

Lookin' good!

More pic's of those I-beams and the bump stop mounts please.

[aiiraciing]

more phone pics
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0708001816.jpg

Wait a minute, don't you live with Cheyne? And now your building his old truck
One other question, I've always been told that you want the shock mounts to be in the same plane as your shocks. With how its set up at this time, wouldn't most the load be on the coil over bolt?

[Dezertpilot]

Stock front hubs? Again didn't Cheyne have DS hubs front and back or at least one end with another co's hubs on the opposite corner? Let me guess he sold those also? Truck is looking nice though that's for sure!

[Shannon]

All Plank, Newline, and SI I-beam kits usually ran a 3.0 or RG coil over for packaging reasons on the front, fitting 2 shocks on the front with these kits is a pain and there isn't much room to fudge around with due to the fact that these kits are designed to run 1 shock. The beam hangers are out far on the frame and use standard size spacers, this kills tons of room along with the steering swingers. So running one shock on the front isn't too cracked out.





Dumb!!!

[garagebuilder]

Wait a minute, don't you live with Cheyne? And now your building his old truck
One other question, I've always been told that you want the shock mounts to be in the same plane as your shocks. With how its set up at this time, wouldn't most the load be on the coil over bolt?

Both ends of the shock are on spherical rod ends, this distributes the loads evenly over the spacers, so as long as the bearing is in a neutral angle the bolt and mount will be loaded evenly. You can clock the shaft or top cap however you need to minimize bearing movement throughout the suspensions cycle so you get less wear and tear, that's whats done here.

[garagebuilder]

Forgot what showed up today
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0712001740.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0712001741.jpg

[garagebuilder]

trans crossmember finished up and start of motor mounts
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0721001504.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0721001832.jpg

[matt_helton]

discomember.

[garagebuilder]

Mock up gone, real deal in...turn key ls3 with AC through a culhane 4L80...snug fit

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0830001904.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0830001905.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0830001905a.jpg

[atomicjoe23]

Suhweet!!!

[nemesisnight]

This never ending project is looking great

[garagebuilder]

started massive firewall construction, trans tunnel is getting more room, and I'm gonna replace about 90% of the remaining firewall to clean and simplify things.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0920001952.jpg

[garagebuilder]

took a few more pics today

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0921001911a.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0921001910.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0921001911.jpg

the false foot in the second pic is a size 13+ to make sure there is pleanty of room to mat down 500hp

[Dezertpilot]

Going to be one nice ride when it is completed.

[charlie_brown]

looking good mike. i have always liked this truck. glad you are going to finish it.

[Steven_Tolbert]

This may be a dumb question..............the false foot is only to use for the sheet metal to make sure there is enough room for the real foot, like a mock up foot?

[BRINGTHERUCKUS]

This may be a dumb question..............the false foot is only to use for the sheet metal to make sure there is enough room for the real foot, like a mock up foot?

or the future makings of a gas pedal.

[garagebuilder]

Made it quick out of some 20ga. scrap to ensure there is room for a foot print style pedal, there is minimal clearance due to the steering location. The final pedal will be out of .095

[Steven_Tolbert]

Sweet thanks, at first I thought that it was just a gas pedal but then when you said there was enough I thought maybe it was just a mock up pedal

[garagebuilder]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001251.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001251a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001252.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001252a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001252b.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001252c.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001253.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001253a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001254.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001254a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001254b.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001255a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001255b.jpg

[phantom lighting]

holy smokes!!!! that looks great, is the pocket on the driver side for the exhaust and starter? It looks like a lot of room for a big engine!!!!

[DesertLab]

Solid Work!

[garagebuilder]

The pocket is there so you can get to one of the bell housing bolts and slide the trans back for removal.

[giannini]

Yo Mike. sheet metal looks most excellent. Great work.

[BajaFand]

Nice work, Mike.

[zac92ranger]

always loved this truck. cant wait to see it finished!!

[Choptechfab]

beautiful work! cant wait to see it all done!

[atomicjoe23]

Nice looking sheetmetal work on the firewall and trans tunnel!

[garagebuilder]

started the motor brace
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1101001343.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1101001342b.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1101001342a.jpg

[DesertLab]

Nice MM. Strong work son.

[Dezertpilot]

Looking really good, I am sure the customer is going to be really happy with the finished product, btw is their an estimated completion date or just going with the flow?

[garagebuilder]

goin with the flow, should have some pics of that crossmember mounted in the next day or so.

[garagebuilder]

Subframe brace is done, it shares the upper link pivot bolt and tags to the carrier bearing/trans mount via tube clamp connecters. This area is going to get very crowded with the hydro boost unit mounting up in the frame rail on the drivers side and the exhaust running past it all.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1111001724a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1111001724.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1111001723a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1111001723.jpg

[BajaTrux]

Very nice work, haven't come back to the thread in a while. Hopefully they keep the Expo front end and not a 1-piece or TT bedsides. Maybe its just personal preference but 35s with a one piece front clip and TT bedsides doesn't look right.

[SpareChangeRacng]

Hopefully they keep the Expo front end and not a 1-piece or TT bedsides. Maybe its just personal preference but 35s with a one piece front clip and TT bedsides doesn't look right.

Agreed. TT bedsides are fugly. As are most of the crazy huge, louvered TT wanna be front clips.

And back to the actual topic - NICE work!

[bryce1988]

wow. loving this.

[Travisfab]

Could be the slowest build ever! Glad to see things moving along though now. Truck is going to be insane!

[Dezertpilot]

Legit!!!!!!!!!

[atomicjoe23]

Very nice work, haven't come back to the thread in a while. Hopefully they keep the Expo front end and not a 1-piece or TT bedsides. Maybe its just personal preference but 35s with a one piece front clip and TT bedsides doesn't look right.

I just got a '99 Ford Ranger that I'm gonna make into a 7200 truck and I've looked at all the fiberglass that I know of (Fiberworx, Hanneman, and Perry-McNiel) and I think that the Fiberworx Expo 1-pc conversion is the best looking one and what I will be putting on my Ranger. . .

[garagebuilder]

expo clip and standard bedsides are staying, and 37"s are in the future plans for this truck. So have no fear fugly "tt" fiberglass is not in the foreseeable future.

[cusico]

Could be the slowest build ever! Glad to see things moving along though now. Truck is going to be insane!
It is so hard to get an artistic designer fabricator to be a coal miner from the 1940's. I like the work being done, but can feel the pain of a long term project. Even when your throwing 2-4k a week at a project, and you don't see a test day in the future, it can mess with your mind.

It will get done, stay focused, and don't go backwards by choice.

[Shazaam]

Very wizbang

[matt_helton]

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee252/prerunner13/blitz moneypit/moneypit8.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee252/prerunner13/blitz moneypit/moneypit9.jpg

[atomicjoe23]

Ya know. . .I absoluely love all the craftsmanship that goes into these vehicles, but every once in a while I catch myself thinking "overkill". . .

. . .no disrespect meant, and most of the time it's just jealously because I don't have the equipment to do what I see getting done. . .but every once in a while you have to wonder if the ends justify the means. . .

. . .I look at the amount of time and effor expended on this stuff and sometimes it's just mind blowing that someone out there can afford to pay someone else to put that kind of time into some of the smaller details. I'm not advocating cutting corners, I'm just wondering at the cost:benefit ratio of some of the stuff that I see. . .

. . .once again, more jealousy than anything because I have neither the time to do it myself, nor the money to pay someone else to do it for me. . .it is a credit to those of you who produce these pieces of art that you can do so!!!

Maybe one day I will either have the time or the money to have something that even remotely comes close to what I see on these pages.

[1450-ranger]

mike is a good fabricator and works very quickly... i would put $ he could build with that amount of detail as fast as many can build half-ass...

Looks good mikey

[partybarge_pilot]

All the kiddies out there wanting to plate there Ranger frames should take note on how the engine cage attach's to the frame............

[atomicjoe23]

All the kiddies out there wanting to plate there Ranger frames should take note on how the engine cage attach's to the frame............

I didn't see any pic's that actually the attachment points for the engine cage to the frame. . .did I miss them???

I did notice that the radius arm mounts are bolted to the frame vs. welded (at least at this point in time. . .could be bolted in just for mock-up and to keep stuff in place until things are ready to be welded though, not my build so I don't know).

Thanks for posting this great work and keep the pic's coming!!! Since I've got a '99 Ranger now I will be looking for all the Ranger builds I can find on this forum.

[partybarge_pilot]

I didn't see any pic's that actually the attachment points for the engine cage to the frame. . .did I miss them???

Page 12

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1013001252.jpg

[garagebuilder]

Lots of surface area to weld and more room to pull the headers out. That area is getting more love too due to the notch in the frame for header clearance, have it done, just need to document it.

made a little brake reservoir for the master that actuates the slave attached to the hydro boost.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1117001949.jpg

[F.A.S.T.clothing]

mike on your tranny, and motor mounts you used polyurethane bushings?

[matt_helton]

mike on your tranny, and motor mounts you used polyurethane bushings?

correctomundo.

[GunnSlinger]

one of my favorite builds of all time... when i win the lotto i want this truck!

[charlie_brown]

ok, its been a while, any updates?

[matt_helton]

yeah alot more work has been done....we'll post pics eventually. :)

[charlie_brown]

i might have to stop by and take some to post so to get my fix (but i am not much of a shop groupie). dig this truck.

[Steven_Tolbert]

I was there on Friday but I do not own a camera.................

[garagebuilder]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0117011225.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0117011226.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0117011226a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0117011226b.jpg

Not much progress, but all the important structure items have been finished, all the brake lines are done, hydro boost is mounted, radiator, ac condenser, and oil cooler got mounted. Next on the list is sic intake...

almost forgot the stuffer shot
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/1214001844.jpg

[Dezertpilot]

Such a cool truck!

[charlie_brown]

.......,,,,,,,

[Zambo]

Don't want to piss anybody off because that is some fantastic looking fab work. I gotta question that engine brace however. Is it really necessary to put such a monstrous piece in there? It looks to me like it would be incredibly difficult to work on top or behind the engine if you had to and it also seems like unless it is perfectly made and stays that way (no bent frame) it could be very difficult to get those bolts in and out, especially the rear ones. I sorta have the same question about the tranny crossmember, those tube clamps have a notoriously tight fit and if you ever tweak the frame just a little bit good luck getting that thing in and out. No doubt that stuff is probably stronger than a simple K brace made from tubing, but isn't a simple K brace strong enough? Don't get me wrong, the workmanship seems top notch, I'm just trying to understand the thought process behind building things this way.

[charlie_brown]

^^^^ i see what you are saying about the tranny but it looks like those tubes are a single piece that bolts on to the top trailing arm so i think if you took that bolt out first or just looses it, you should not have a problem.

now the engine cross brace??? not sure but if the magnetize it, it would be a great place to hold your tools/nut and bolts while working on it.

[charlie_brown]

where is this truck at now?

[PRErunIT]

I think its now at RaceCo...

[TMorford]

I think its now at RaceCo...

It was a few weeks ago when I was moving all of Jasons stuff up there. I think it was gonna get a lot of stuff changed up, but dont quote me on that. Whatever the case, hopefully it finally gets finished.

[SteveB]

Mock up gone, real deal in...turn key ls3 with AC through a culhane 4L80...snug fit

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/garagebuilder/0830001904.jpg


What pulley set up is that and what power steering pump?

[klaus]

Are there any updates on my favorite Show and Tell thread? Any photos or videos to share?

[garagebuilder]

all the pulley and accessory mumbo jumbo is from turnkey.

[garagebuilder]

Are there any updates on my favorite Show and Tell thread? Any photos or videos to share?
yea what's goin on with this thing?

[RANSOM]

I'll ost some pictures on Tuesday. I won't be in the shop tomorrow.

[charlie_brown]

I'll ost some pictures on Tuesday. I won't be in the shop tomorrow.

which tuesday?

[JCampbell]

Can we rename this thread Raceco Money Pit !!!!!!!!!! I will post some updates in a couple days, we have made alot of changes mainly in the rear of the truck.
- Mid mounted custom 65gal fuel cell
- Custom utility rack mounted behind rear window above fuel cell
- Custom utility box in rear of cage
- Custom 6 gal water tank in rear of cage (it will be plumbed for a shower head per customer)
- Tranny coolers mounted above water tank in rear
- Spare tire in rear (mount has release pins and is on a gas strut. it hinges up to access utility box)
- On board air compressor system
- rear folding light bar mount

these are just a few packaging changes we have made and pics to come. The inside cab is next on the list,A/C,custom pedals,new dash and center console etc.

[JCampbell]

some pics

[Dezertpilot]

nice truck!

[atomicjoe23]

Looking good. . .I like the flip-up cargo area!

[SpareChangeRacng]

Good lord - how many times can this truck be re-worked/re-built? I thought it was funny when Cheynne was changing this thing up multiple times before it even hit Blitz for the 1st go around of changes 5 or so years ago.

[Steven_Tolbert]

That's what I was thinking too lol

[PRErunIT]

Nothing really has been changed its just getting finished... Get work from RACECO

[JCampbell]

Started throwing some body work at er

[CHASETHISTOO]

DAAAYUM! That looks sweet. Great job Raceco

[Steven_Tolbert]

DAAAYUM! That looks sweet. Great job Raceco

Can't think of anything to say other than what he said so x2

[socalsubaru]

Such a Sexy truck cant wait to see it finished

[atomicjoe23]

That looks pretty BA!!! What exactly is that enclosure for??? The radiator???

[aaronhdez]

Started throwing some body work at er



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95SYdjRVCR0&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95SYdjRVCR0&feature=related

[RANSOM]

This is a box that we made @ Raceco to house the fuel filter and pumps.

1st pic is a ground view.
2nd is the box before installed
3rd is a driver side shot with the rear fire wall to the left of the pic. This is under the fuel cell.
4th is a ground view with the cover on.

[yellowranger1]

How's this project doing? Any recent progress? Keep us updated, RACECO!

[Tchajagos]

Wow nice truck.

[DirtWorshiper]

Looks great!

[charlie_brown]

where we at with this truck. i hope it will see some dirt this year.

[Dezert00Taco]

i saw it back at blitz the other day.

[RANSOM]

When Raceco moved shops from Irvine to Laguna Niguel the customer took the truck home and later to BMS.