4x4chevette build

This is a pretty old build. But thought id toss a few pics up.

Started in 02. Sold it "uncompleted" in late 05.

bought it back in worst shape than it was when I sold it in july of 12.

Now I'm working on getting it fixed up.

Current setup:
85 chevette body
chevy luv/homemade frame
3.8 buick v6
th400 from commando
d18 from ecj5
front leaves from ecj5
d30 front and d44 rear from 71 waggy
35" tires
open difs.

I was 16 when I started this and ha dno knowledge at all. Now ive gained alot and there is ALOT I need to change. But it'll happen slowly.

$50 car I started with.



The "first" build


Day I sold it


Day I bought it back


Yesterday


All pics of the frame, engine, axles, etc are here
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v135/4x4chevette/1986 CS Chevette 4x4/#!cpZZ1QQtppZZ24

Current plans: replace front 30 with a 44 and a 4link front suspension.
dual lockers
front tube bumper and winch
Redo the ugly inner fenders.
Repalce all missing interior components, and the front valance from under the bumper to "clean" it up. (you can see the valance under the bumper in the 2nd pic)
Internal rollcage
Paint.
More aggressive tires.

 

Not a big fan of 4X4 cars, but that looks awesome. Looking forward to the build. Love the small GM cars. I modified a Chevy Vega in my day.

 

it could look ALOT better bu tlike I said at the time its the best I could do. I tried like hell to make the frame go with the car unlike most where they just stick bodie sontop of frames.

 

It could use some tweaking, but I like it.

Doesn't look bubba'd, something I see all too often.

 

yep, when I was 16, it was perfect, now that I have 10 years of build exsperiance under my belt I need to change some things but it still looks better than most trars ya see out in imho.

 

Cut the top off and put in a cage!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSNHZvkmI4Q

 

Had it in the garage changing out the front axle to a scout 44 and going 5.13 gears with dual lockers. Also trimmed the fenders while it was in there and install a fron valance panel ( it was missing when I got it back)




Took it out saturday and broke the front driveshaft. I built the driveshaft back in 05 so I'm not disapointed it broke.


Got a new one built and took it back our riding sunday


Flopped it over





Video of the flop
http://youtu.be/Mx5zw5vBY70

Video of the first half the the trail excalibur at Heiney Farm in Roseville OH
http://youtu.be/b53oKC5Lzhk

The 3.8 lost oil pressure on the way home. changed the oil and it is holding pressure for now, gonna run it a few days an dsee what happens but it might be getting a 4.3 real soon