and so it begins..

[fitzwell]

My poor neglected 68 is finally getting it's turn in the box. Dates on the photos are wrong.. this mess all started about March 1 We started here... Then we blew it apart & gave it a bath.. Rolled it inside & started to cuttin' things up. I know i'm gonna get hammered for this clip, but I've seen several Crown Vic projects & didn't like a)the stance, & b) the front track. Might have been wheel choice, but none of 'em looked "right". So we're doing this.. 79 firebird clip. Measure several times, cut once is the rule here. Before I get crucified for this, let me say that there is nothing wrong with the Crown Vic clip, this is just an alternative method to get a truck that rides/corners like a slot car. Preliminary stance shot 63 inches at the center of the drip rail, 27' at the front fender well. I've got more pics , and will post more as the project goes along, if y'all want to see em...but be forewarned. If you don't like the clip, you damn sure wont like the powerplant choice

[Mancar1]

Doesn't matter what I like. You R the one that needs to like it . Have a blast.

[guerra]

Just messing with you!! I would'nt do it, But hey its your truck. It does seem to sit nice and low.
How is the dent coming along?

[fitzwell]

took time off, got married, now back on the 68 shortbed. I got hammered for the engine choice on the facebook page, but, so it goes. This one is being built to sell, & the target i'm aiming at dictates certain things. I'll be looking a '57 in the future & it'll have a coyote motor, but for now,





Fire away......

[sargentrs]

No matter what the power plant or front clip came from, it's some good work and fab skills. What's the hp on that LS? And what's your plans to get the rear down to match?

[fitzwell]

Thanks Sarge. Motor was rated @305 hp in the donor vehicle. That was thru the converters W/ a stock tune. This will have hi flow cats, fairly un-restricted exhaust, and a good tune. I'm hoping for 340-350 at the rear wheels. Rear is another story. We swapped in hangers, springs, and an 8.5 out of a Blazer. Posi, disc brakes, and the springs moved in, even with the frame rails.The rear now sits on top of the springs. 275/70x15 tire under the bed is no problem. Parked a couple of my wedge-ass buddies on the back frame crossmember to get it kinda at ride height, just to see.. I'm 6'2, and with them pearched on the back, i can stand flat footed & look over the roof of the truck. That's with the motor in place, adjustable rods to get the front ride height set, and not much else This thing will p'rolly never hook up, but i'm not building it to drag race. It'll be a highway cruiser that will corner fairly well. Or at least thats the plan....

[JTW_Jr]

I don't mind the heart transplant so much, just looks out of place when the " corvette" is left on there.

I see it on many builds at local shows as well.

Nice fab work!

[sargentrs]

Sounds like she's gonna be a real cool cruiser....for a Chord Sorry, the devil made me do it.

[fuzzier1]

Fitzwell, first off it is your truck, you can screw it up anyway you want too. That is a nice truck and that is a nice engine. The engine deserves to be in a 67-72 Chevy and I would applaud your efforts. This truck deserves a Ford engine such as a Coyote 5.0 and I would applaud your efforts. As is I wouldn't give it a second look as you have ruined both. While it is your truck and you are entitled to ruin it, I am also entitled to my opinion above.

[fitzwell]

Fuzz, it's still a semi free country, and you are entitled to your opinion. Sorry you think 4wheel disc brakes, huge sway bars, superior handling/cornering, and 24-26 MPG is screwing up a vehicle. As far as not giving it a second glance, that's your loss. I've learned many tricks from vehicles I have little,or no interest in, but are showplaces for design/fab work...

[elgemcdlf]

I agree with the Corvette thing. I feel the same way when guys put that engine in mid 50s Chevrolets. Do you have plans for changing the covers? I notice unless I am missing something there are no springs in it. Definitely don't let anyone get you down. I am happy to see bumps gaining so much popularity. Does the Chevrolet heart sadden me? Yes but I would rather see the bump rolling down the road than not. I have caught a bit of grief over my truck (not much but some) and it is all Ford so far. You can't please all the people all the time.

[fitzwell]

I agree with the Corvette thing. I feel the same way when guys put that engine in mid 50s Chevrolets. Do you have plans for changing the covers? I notice unless I am missing something there are no springs in it. Definitely don't let anyone get you down. I am happy to see bumps gaining so much popularity. Does the Chevrolet heart sadden me? Yes but I would rather see the bump rolling down the road than not. I have caught a bit of grief over my truck (not much but some) and it is all Ford so far. You can't please all the people all the time.

The Corvette covers stay, I just like the way they look for this application. Motor sits low & back in the frame, just adds to the visual when I open the hood. Good eye on no coils. We have a couple pieces of all thread, bottom shock mount on one end, nut & large washer on the other end. I can set ride height wherever I want during the mock up stages. Finally, i'm happy about the bumps getting some due as well. They are cool old trucks, and are just as good a canvas as any other mid/late 60's trucks, if not more so..

[Mancar1]

I agree with the Corvette thing. I feel the same way when guys put that engine in mid 50s Chevrolets. Do you have plans for changing the covers? I notice unless I am missing something there are no springs in it. Definitely don't let anyone get you down. I am happy to see bumps gaining so much popularity. Does the Chevrolet heart sadden me? Yes but I would rather see the bump rolling down the road than not. I have caught a bit of grief over my truck (not much but some) and it is all Ford so far. You can't please all the people all the time.

The Corvette covers stay, I just like the way they look for this application. Motor sits low & back in the frame, just adds to the visual when I open the hood. Good eye on no coils. We have a couple pieces of all thread, bottom shock mount on one end, nut & large washer on the other end. I can set ride height wherever I want during the mock up stages. Finally, i'm happy about the bumps getting some due as well. They are cool old trucks, and are just as good a canvas as any other mid/late 60's trucks, if not more so..

I would leave the Vette covers also. Why use the motor and not the sharp covers. Kinda like a NFL player on the field without a helmet. Just wouldn't look right.

[binder56jd]

right on fitz----the core of roddin'----

[Craigerf100]

GOD HAVE MERCY NOT ANOTHER ONE!!!!
Just my