the stopgap GMT400: a drivabeater thread

In reply to Dusterbd13 :

You could probably save 200 lbs on the springs by pulling all that diamond plate. Dayum. 

Thinking about your dilemma with the diamond plate and how it affects tonneau cover...

I searched http://www.car-part.com for N. Carolina and it shows many Sportside beds available from $600-$400.  that makes me wonder, since you have to paint anyway, might it be easier to just unbolt the tan bed and maybe replace with different bed.  There is an argument that if you could buy for $500 and sell off the tan via CL for similar (or even less) you might have a bed better for your needs for only $200 or less.  

John Welsh said:

Thinking about your dilemma with the diamond plate and how it affects tonneau cover...

I searched http://www.car-part.com for N. Carolina and it shows many Sportside beds available from $600-$400.  that makes me wonder, since you have to paint anyway, might it be easier to just unbolt the tan bed and maybe replace with different bed.  There is an argument that if you could buy for $500 and sell off the tan via CL for similar (or even less) you might have a bed better for your needs for only $200 or less.  

I think this is a great idea

Not a bad idea. I need to think it through 

Hmm,

Got that color chip chart still? (wonder if they have a green closer to teh giant parrots')

In reply to Mad_Ratel :

I can get it back pretty easily. However I'd recommend waiting until we confirm that the supply to paint actually matches the color chip chart

 after taking 10 minutes to mock up the tonneau cover over lunch, and staring (my office is in the corner of the shop) i have decided that the diamond plate liner is staying.  Its 1/8 aluminium tops. Im pretty sure it's actually 1/16, but willing to err on the side of caution. Cant weigh much.

However, its going to meet my circular saw and the rails are going away. 

I'd be willing to wager it would have bothered you after you got the paint all shiny anyway. 

The idea of trying to polish aluminum diamond plate gives me anxiety attacks. 

I tried to polish a tool box I bought cheap off CL with some over spray on it. Long story short, I scrapped it and got another one. 

+1 on removing the caps.  Cleaner look.  My 2 cents, keep the step side.  Nicer look lowered.  Personal preference.  As long as it suits your needs.  They sell bed caps in black,  if not junk yard it for some.  

Just a thought on those wheels.   For an idea of how it would look, get some red tape, and outline the edges of the spokes, right next to the opening,  A thin line may be a nice offset to the body color, and black wheels.

I am definitely keeping the stepside bed.  Its grown on me.

And bedrail deleting technology is coutesy of stafford1500 teaching me how to cut aluminium with woodworking tools. 

Well E36 M3.

The djm lower control arms from Patrick were delivered today. When researching specs for their installation, i found that they, when combined with the drop spindles, make for a dangerously low scrub line. Like flat tire causes them to dig into asphalt. 

Gonna require some thinking....

Dusterbd13 said:

Well E36 M3.

The djm lower control arms from Patrick were delivered today. When researching specs for their installation, i found that they, when combined with the drop spindles, make for a dangerously low scrub line. Like flat tire causes them to dig into asphalt. 

Gonna require some thinking....

I think that is called living on the edge. I'd say just roll with it.

Dusterbd13 said:

Gonna require some thinking....

Eh... Just slap a skid plate on it/them and call it good. LOL

Definitely going to mock up the combo. Measurement and eyeballs say that the spring pocket is only about an inch lower than the factory control arms.  But, without sitting it on the ground together and seeing, i don't know.  May work like i think, may be a bad idea like the one post said. 

I do believe that its going to be different in this application due to the 17/18/20 wheels vs the 15s in the pictures in the post. 

Good thing I still have ibeams.... lol

Good work so far.

Yeah I was going to say your wheel diameter will greatly affect scrub line. Bigger wheels / smaller profile tires result in a lower, safer scrub line. All things being equal, a 17 wheel will drop your scrub line 1 inch compared to a 15.

Or, you know...

Having buried a car with a bad scrub line in a sand trap at CMP before, it's something I am very leery of. That's why I want to confirm it for myself before I either deny the problem exists or confirm it exists. Under my ownership this truck will never get fifteens or anything smaller than 7 teens so that is the size that I will observe the scrub line in relation to

Spent today doing notches and an 8 inch rear drop in a buddy's truck.

What does this have to do with the drivabeater? It scored me new brake rotors, new 3 inch drop front springs, a djm flip kit, stock leaf springs, stock leaf spring shackles, and shock extenders. As well as paid him back for the kid rock show he took me to.

Took right at 11 hours.

Sounds like a day well spent!

In reply to SaltyDog :

It most definitely was. Kicked my ass though.  Hes got a hernia, so i did all the heavy lifting and hardcore stuff.

Feeling it today.

In drivabeater news, i learned today that the diamond plate liner is tig welded into one solid piece. But its ready to come out this evening after family day. May even get the bed dropped off tonight, but its very cold and rainy, so maybe not.

Hope the bed isn't Swiss cheese underneath.

In reply to OHSCrifle :

The little bit I've been able to see so far still has good condition factory paint on it. I saw no evidence when I was underneath it on the left of any rust in the bed either. Doesn't mean there's not any, but I have reason to be hopeful for rust free.

Man I wish I was 900mi closer .......I'd dump a bunch of my '91 rear susp metal in yur driveway an haul A$$.....Merry St.Patty's Day !!!!

B. Cahill

In reply to 759NRNG :

And id take it! Im always of the opinion at the start of a project that id rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. 

Granted, my issue is getting rid of stuff that i have and dont need. From 7 cars ago.

Got the liner out last night. Refit the tonneau, and theres about 1/8 to 1/4 of the stake pockets left uncovered. Should i worry about it? Goal is to have the bed mostly dry under the tonneau for luggage and welders and such.