So then we got the chassis back in the garage and on blocks that put it at ride height. We set the cab on the chassis and got that leveled and measured for spacers. Then we stabbed the engine in and got the mounts tacked in. We had to do some trimming of the firewall to get the engine back as far as we could - without sacrificing footroom. The next day we cut some more of the floor out and put the transmission mount in.

IMG_3450 by Finn Spooner

Now we are waiting on some metal to start on the tunnel and finish the floor. Meantime we decided to look at the fenders. We have been thinking about what we were going to do with the fenders from the start. We didn't want to compromise handling and make short control arms to avoid cutting the fenders. We aren't making a bagged show car cruiser. This truck will be driven with some spirit and will be autocrossed, etc. So, we knew we were in for some fender mods. So we cut the rotten bottom off of the forward bulkhead and mounted the fenders to the cab and to the bulkhead. Installed a wheel and took a look.

IMG_3449 by Finn Spooner

Looks cool:

IMG_3448 by Finn Spooner

But, we do have to turn, so there will be some cutting. The fenders really are one of the visual features of the truck - so trying to keep as much of their shape as possible was a priority. We spent a couple of evenings head scratching and chatting over it. In the end I think we are going to keep it as simple as possible: we will just cut the fender for the clearance we need. There really is no way that gets everything we want: some go with smaller wheels/tires (blah), some put the wheels far inboard (just no), some go with air ride suspension (not good for our intended use), etc, etc.

But first we have to make the front bulkhead mounts to that the fenders don't fold up on us when we cut them (and before we fabricate whatever we are going to do to replace the fender lip).

All good! Thanks for looking - Bob & Finn