For mhoy and Tom, thank you for the kind words.
For the other replys, I will offer a small reply.
In stretching, or altering a truck in any way, there is a certain degree of science involved. (But it doesn't take eleven guys) I start with weighing the truck as is.
I want to know the weight on the front end. I NEED to know the weight. Next thing is to figure the size box desired. That makes a hugh difference in the rear axle location. Also time to figure overall legenth. Legal at this point?
Stay within the legenth law at all cost.
If I'm satified with total legenth, then I figure rear wheel placement. Wheelbase and overhang. Tag-axle location if requested for a single axle unit. Same with allowing the weight of a liftgate if requested.
Point being that I will know the weights before I begin. I will know where the box tops the cab. Can I fit a refrigation unit in?
Before I turn the first bolt, I know what I expect it to look like. I know what the weights will be, within a few pounds.
Frame rails are indeed new. Both the outer rails that are seen, and the inner rails that are not see. As are the cross members added...I know before I begin, how many I need, and where I need them.
As to the driveline...lets just say I can do my job. Driveshaft angle, rear end pitch...it's all measured. Figured & refigured. Carrier bearing placed.
Let's put it this way. I build 5-second wheel-standing race cars. 750 horse engines. I've built more show cars than I can remember.
I know how to do what I do.
In cutting a frame, the truck is locked in a jig. Preventing it from moving. Perfectly straight. You're right...when I launch a drag car pulling 5 G's on two wheels running 135 mph, I DEMAND to know I'm going straight. Or I'm dead.
As to the welding...No, I'm not a certified welder. But the man who does my welding is. Professional. Neither am I a CPA. But the man that does my taxes is. Now, what was your point? I'm not a doctor either. But I 'm smart enough to know when I need one.
I'm not looking for an argument here. No long drawn out discussions. Sure enough, the total aligment on any truck can be out, LDB. Not just one that was stretched. That's why line-up shops are in business. And I'm talking to you LDB. Make no mistake. I would think any semi-intelligent truck driver would notice an odd tire wear pattern. And have his equipment lined up. Total aligment. Common sense. Don't know about you, but if I have to put steer tires on, I run it through a line-up. Maybe I notice the truck pulling one way or the other...just use common sense.
And A-team...you my friend, are dangerous. Do you even have a clue about owning a truck? THE FIRST CLUE? How many trucks have you owned? Is ZERO the correct number? Owning a truck is a lot different than driving for someone. Ask people that actually own trucks...they do what they've got to do. And they do it the best they can. Don't misunderstand me A-team. There is nothing wrong with being a driver on someone else's truck. But why not be honest, and tell people you don't have a clue about owning a truck?
Now, I don't know how to add all that fancy stuff under my name, so I'll just list it here one time, and one time only.
Darrell Marcum
"Toes"
Small fleet owner. (Three years Expediting)
Four trucks...Expediting
Two T-T Reefers
Two dump trucks
....Three that I stretched myself and they havn't fell apart yet.
Total trucks stretched last year....7
Total shortened last year.............3
Total truck engines overhauled last year...4
Top-end Heads..................................... 3
Fifteen years as an owner operator with Atlas Van Lines. (tractor-trailer)
Dump truck owner...having two leased & running
Ten years in General Motors dealership. Certified Mechanic.
Four year school-bus driver.
CDL instructor, school bus driver, in the state of Ohio. Cerified Bus Mechanic.
Having built...
...a five-second Corvette (still own) (race car)
....five second 66 Nova (sold incomplete...less paint)
...750 horse wheel-standing 71 Demon (race car)
...6 second 71 Demon (race car)
...6 second 70 Nova (race car)
...6.5 second 69 Valient (race car)
...6.9 65 Valient small-block (race car)
And more engines than I can remember...going fast cost)
Show cars...list 42 here. Mostly Mopar, the muscle era. I've had a real love affair with old iron.
Presently doing a 1937 Plymouth for Dad. And a 1984 Peterbilt, restro in progress.
Have owned more cars & trucks than I can begin to remember. Oldest working truck was a 61 B-Model Mack, coal-bucket
So ....A-team and LBD...I believe I can build a straight frame. Can you?
