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Starting Where It Counts!

In the Bible we are told of a story of a wise man that, when building his house, he:

Dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. (Luke 6:48)

Where better to seek advise when you start to build anything. So with keeping this in mind as we started the “Nana's Going Big” build, we chose to build our house (Jeep) on the solid ground of a new Throttle Down Kustom’s frame. After digging deep in search for the best foundation, our search ended HERE:

For the best in a frame, we turned to one of the best frame builders in the industry:

            Throttle Down Kustoms
            PO Box 172
            Moore, Mt. 59464
            406-374-2285

While in Moab, Ut, last year, after installing the new TDK bumper on the Project Dodge Truck, Jeremy Pulse, owner and operator of TDK, inquired about being a part of Brad’s next custom build. He suggested the use of one of his custom Jeep frames and his mandrel bent frame rails. After years of testing and building frames, it has proven that for quality, precision, and strength, the mandrel bending process gives the foundation for the type of frame that we desired.

At this time we didn’t know for sure what project that would be but we knew there would be one. Upon the determination that it would be the “Nana’s Going Big” project our decision was made and Jeremy went to work building the foundation for Nana’s new ride. A short time later, the frame arrived in Oklahoma City. Step one is set into motion.

After being kept in the barn for about a month or so the TDK frame was moved to a new build location. This location is where this masterpiece will be prepared. There will also be more disclosed on this location at the end of this project, but for now this secret location will remain as such... “A SECRET”. Why is the secret location being kept a secret you say? Well, because I can!!!!!!. Just kidding there, it is because it has to do with a Big New announcement that will be released later this year and I have been sworn to remain silent.

Since the arrival of the TDK frame a few plans have changed. The build has moved to a more aggressive built rig. It has been determined that Nana will receive a totally custom built back half. Now don’t get me in trouble here, I am still talking about the Jeep!

With the Jeep body and the new frame sitting on the lift, it is time for the sheet metal to fly. Brad set in and cut the YJ off right behind the driver’s seat. He then chopped off the last few feet of the TDK custom built frame (OUCH, THAT HURTS!) But, this must be done to do the full tubed back half.

Next the ends of the frame are boxed and a new cross member is welded into place. Next, we moved on into the beginning of the custom cage to protect our little Nana if she should ever show off her undercarriage. Yep, now its time for the driver’s section on the roll cage. Measurements were taken and drawn out on the computer so we could give 'er the protection and fit we desired.

The cage will be molded into the sheet metal of the body just behind the driver's seat. The front section will run through body gussets, down through the floor, and tie into the frame. The lower side bars will curve down and flow smoothly along the insides to meet the seat support section and then forward into the front down bars. The front down bars will be tied into the cross over bars for a custom designed dash.

The tubing is cut to length and then taken to the bender to be bent to the computer’s specifications. Upon completion each section is then taken to the notcher and cut so the fit will be precise. As each section is completed it is then taken over and welded into the proper place as prescribed by the computer. As this section of the cage came together, we set Nana’s new Premier Highback Racing seats from PRP into position atop the seat sliders (also from PRP) and test fit it all around Nana, so that she will be wheelin in comfort.

Then it is back to the computer to map out the back half of the cage. The two rear loops are mapped and then taken to the bender so the 1.75” DOM tubing can be bent to specs. Again we stop at the notcher with each piece. This process is carried out through each of the many pieces of the puzzle. Then each piece is carefully checked for fit and welded into place. After hours of cutting, bending, notching, looking and welding the puzzle all comes together. Now this is really starting to look like something.

We will pause at this point, load up the Jeeps, and head for Geary, Ok. for the “Out West Run” this weekend. The Suburban White Guys video crew will be arriving tomorrow and will be shooting video of the event for a new video called “Return To Power” that they are preparing. We can’t miss that….

After the weekend we will be right back at the shop hitting it hard as Nana continues to crack the whip as she anxiously awaits the completion of the “Project Nana’s Going Big" Jeep.

Until later may God be with You and Your's as you travel the trails of your life. May your trails be smooth and your obstacles be small in your daily runs.

So for now!!!!

OKIE – OUT

David Austin
WHEELS UP