Welcome back to the StealthBuilt shop for Part 2 of our high-speed, low-drag build on the 1967 International Loadstar, where we’re merging old-school steel with modern muscle using a Chevy Express van chassis and a whole lot of grinders, welders, and caffeine.

If Part 1 was all about gutting the van and prepping the battlefield, Part 2 is where the real chaos begins. We’re test-fitting the Loadstar cab, trimming everything that doesn’t cooperate, and fabbing up mounts like our lives depend on it. Spoiler: it’s not pretty, but it’s strong.

Chassis Fitment: Plans Changed Fast

HWhat started as a “let’s leave the floor and firewall” plan turned into a full gut job. Once we dropped the Loadstar body onto the Chevy chassis, clearances weren’t playing nice:

• The LS engine clashed with our floor plan
• The steering box required major firewall cuts
• The front frame rails were a foot too long

So what did we do? We grabbed a Sawzall and cut everything apart.

Sam hacked off the radiator support, trimmed the chassis back, and lowered the Loadstar cab into place. It was tight—too tight—but with some creative grinding and a little luck, we were in business.

Mounting the Loadstar Cab

Getting the cab to sit right on the Chevy frame meant fabrication from scratch:

• Custom front cab mounts built using boxed steel and captured nuts
• Rear mounts added with internal nut plates, aligned with original van points
• Sam used wood blocks for alignment, eyeballing the gaps like a mad scientist

“I’m happy to say the mounts lined up really nice. Got the bolts in on the first try.” – Sam

We also tackled the crusty front fender support, welding angle iron onto the frame, and bolting it into the old core structure. It ain’t pretty, but it’s farm-truck solid.

Fabrication Tricks and Tips

This episode is packed with tech and takeaways:

• Step bit rotating for cleaning up deep holes
• Cardboard templates turned into clean firewall panels
• Threaded bolt gravity hold for welding alignment

“It’s not the prettiest mount I ever made, but that’s kind of the point of this truck.”

We even got into wiring cleanup — Roger stripped down the OEM harness, bundled the essentials, and made room for future firewall work.

Prepping the Front End

Before calling it a night, Sam mocked up the front:

• Hood and center section bolted on to check gaps
• Fender sag corrected with lift assistance
• Plans drawn for a simple tube bumper mount using frame access

Everything is tracking solid. Gaps look great. The cab is level. And the firewall and floor are up next.

What’s Next?

Now that the cab is mounted:

• Firewall fabrication begins
• Radiator and electric fan setup planned
• Steering, brakes, gas pedal, and wiring still to be installed

We’re aiming to have this thing running and driving within the next 3-4 days. That’s not a promise. It’s a challenge. Sam is waiting on parts, and this Loadstar build is the perfect in-between madness to keep the channel rolling.

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