Need a few opinions on a conversion.

[Idually]

1978 Ramcharger conversion to CTD.

Here it is guys. This started out fun but has taken a bit of a turn. I'm converting a 1978 Dodge Ramcharger to a CTD. I have everything that I need except a bit of knowledge.



I want use the 1991 frame and shorten it... by 25 inches... The section to be removed leaves me with very little "bolt and place" space for a long plate, but the frames will be VERY close ('78 vs '91), if I can pull it off. The catch is... I don't trust the '78 frame... Hard P-Side hit at some point. The '91 is very straight and clean.



Can anyone give me some opinions about this "cut and stitch" that I need to to do (or have done). It is a critical weld and I want it right. Pros-Cons??



Any insight???



Thanks!



Andrew

 

[DPinkston]

I have no experience with the Dodge frames you mentioned, but I have spliced Ford frames before. I had an F150 that I cut off at the back of the cab and grafted on an F250 frame from the cab back. I left a 3/16" gap between the two, bolted on a backing plate and filled in the gap with weld. I am confident that the splice was stronger than the original frame, in that particular section anyway. Ford frames of certain vintages are rust prone and if you start out with a thin frame like on an F150 it doesn't take much rust to seriously compromise integrity.

Danny

 

[Idually]

Thanks, Danny. The '91 frame is in great condition. VERY little rust. Should be an easy thing to do, but I don't have much room for back plating. How big was the back plate that you used?



Andrew

 

[DPinkston]

How big was the back plate that you used?



Andrew

1/4" x 5" or 6" x 4' or so. I put it on the outside of the frame. Yeah, it didn't look factory, but I really didn't care. I wanted strength.

Danny

 

[Steve Graham]

Here is a link to anything you ever wanted to know about cutting and welding a frame.

http://www.dotrs.gov.au/transreg/vsb/vsb_06.aspx



I did the Willys frame,(used a 1980 J20) cut 25" out of it welded it back together, no problem after all that reading. In the Willy's link in my sig you can see the whole job.



Steve

 

[Idually]

4 feet??? In length? That's about a 1/4 of the over RC frame length. I'm not too worried about pretty either, but I'm starting to really reconsider cutting this frame and looking for the "right" frame to use.



ANdrew

 

[DPinkston]

Yep. 4' or so. I used several bolts too. The length also helped to ensure perfect frame alignment. The 2 frames I joined were identical except for the F250 being thicker. Identical down to bolt holes and locations. I clamped each of these plates on to the F150 frame before it was cut and transfer punched through the existing holes in the frame then drilled holes in the plates on the drill press. That way after I cut the frame and mated them up I could bolt both frames together prior to welding. Worked great for me.

Danny

 

[Idually]

Figured I'd update you guys. Original RC frame is trashed. Not pretty. I spoke to a customer of mine today(LARGE truck maintenance facility) and he gave me the phone to a guy that does almost nothing but frame work! Splices, shortening, extensions, etc. The guy seems to know what is going on! I had a great conversation with him today. That was cool! "Z" cut... good, Diamond, or ovalish shaped flitch plate good! I'm happy about this.



Here are some pics just to show you where I'm at... Thanks again!



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Andrew

 

[stacerbob]

Your on the right track now. You will have no problems after you plate it. I'd put a stretched diamond on the inside 4-5" high by about 12" long or what will fit best. Good luck! PS Did you see the one on ebay recently? Super Cool but retained the 1/2T suspension.

 

[Idually]

Thanks, guys. No new news a this moment. I'm still waiting to get the frame stitched back together. Once that it done, it will be off to the races. Tons to do, but I think it will be a fun ride when done. I will keep you updated.



Thanks again!



Andrew

 

[Idually]

Well... It's done. All welded and ready to become a 1978 Ramcharger! Thanks for the input and let me know what you think! I was think about starting a new thread about this project... Any problem with that?



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Andrew

 

["Mad Max"]

Absolutely Spoon! - this is Ninja-level work - do a thread on this one. Lookin' good dude, and I like the way you're doin' it too. Keep the pics comin'.

I'm taking notes for when the 'Big Mack' project begins. Frame work will be essential.

- Max

 

[stacerbob]

Lookin good! I think you should start new with details of the build.

 

[Idually]

Thanks guys! I will start a new thread about this build. I come across some interesting things about the early Dodges, that make the SO cool. Keep an eye peeled for it.



Thanks!



Andrew

 

[Idually]

Well, Here is a sneak peek... Moved the body from the old frame to the new chassis... By Myself no less. Had to get creative, big time, but it worked out. .

LOTS of stuff to do, but I was really happy about the smile on the wife's face, since this IS her ride...



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This is going to be a fun RC when complete!



Andrew

 

[stacerbob]

Gonna look cool! Which year front end are you using? How hard would it be to change the end of the bed to use the newer taillights if you go with the '93 style?

 

[TKingsbury]

To do it right, you'd have to re-skin the quarters with late model skins. You'd also need the doors to go with the front clip.

Travis. .