Re: My 56 build
 

Coming out really nice!!. I like it! Steve

Re: My 56 build
 

You appear to be doing a very nice job!!

Re: My 56 build
 

can't wait to see it all together

looks great

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks guys… it’s been a long road. Current goal is to have it driving by spring. Almost done painting, but lots of cut n buffing. The assembly willl be a winter project.

Re: My 56 build
 

Last of the color is down.

Re: My 56 build
 

Bed wood is stained. Just needs to be cleared. Probably next weekend

Re: My 56 build
 

Coming out nice! I love the color combo.

Re: My 56 build
 

Nice! Maybe its the photo, but is there a little groove for the trim to sit in, or is that whole notch just a bit lower?

Re: My 56 build
 

All the edges we’re taken down with a dado blade so the stainless strips sit slightly higher than the bed wood. I decided not to use any trim around the inner wheel wells. I couldn’t get the trim to look right around the rounded corners. Just a cleaner look.

Re: My 56 build
 

Wow that's really nice figure! Curly Maple?

Re: My 56 build
 

Yes curly maple. I’m doing a two tone stain. I experimented with it last winter before I planed it down to 3/4”.

Here’s a link to a short video of the final result:

https://youtube.com/shorts/Y6x0TttjBIo?feature=share

Re: My 56 build
 

Bed wood is done. Because it’s wood I had to spray it with 2 coats. Let it dry, sand it, then 2 more coats of clear. The grain lifts after the first 2 coats. Turned out pretty nice. Surprising how dark it is after the stain - 2nd picture. Much of it gets sanded off. 3rd picture- sanded. 4th picture sanded after 2 coats. Last picture is the final product.

A short video even!

https://youtu.be/OYB-O6iJCKE?feature=shared

Re: My 56 build
 

Looks nice. Maple is one of the hardest woods to take stain uniformly. Did you do both sides or will you oil the back or something else maybe?

Re: My 56 build
 

Both sides are now cleared. I started with the backside on Friday. That received 3 consecutive coats. It’s weather sealed. Amazing how much clear the wood sucks up! You really can’t get a clean finish without letting the first coat soak in and dry. Doing the back first I realized that the same rules apply as varnish. Sanding between coats also applies to automotive clear. Just a wood thing :lol:

Re: My 56 build
 

The bed wood looks great. I have the same goal as you. Get all the paint work done before the weather gets cold then assemble over winter. So on your bed wood did you use a oil based stain then automotive urethane clear? I have a scrap piece of pine stained and am going to put some urethane automotive clear on it when I paint the bed sides, gate and front panel to see how it looks. Steve

Re: My 56 build
 

No oil, I’m actually using dye and mixing my own stain. All from Amazon. To get the color change effect I’m first using blue mixed in water. That gets soaked into the wood. I apply it with a large oral syringe and spread it around with rubber gloves. After that dries I apply a quick coat of brown that’s mixed In lacquer thinner. It’s applied with a rag. The quick drying lacquer thinner keeps the stain on the surface. Dries, then sanded with 400 until I get the look I like. Then 2 coats of automotive urethane. Let dry overnight. Sand smooth and apply 2 more coats. I experimented last winter and perfected the process.

Re: My 56 build
 

Thank You, I used some minwax stain so will see what happens when I clear it. I am trying to keep this project on the simple side plus I am not experienced with this. Thank you for the rundown on what you did. Steve

Re: My 56 build
 

Last of the painting is done! Wheels look good :metal:

Re: My 56 build
 

As of today I’m officially done with spraying paint. I put the last of my raptor bed liner on. So I’m ready for cold weather. Now the assembly begins. I’m looking forward to that process.

Re: My 56 build
 

Looking Great!! I am right behind you on my build. Doing the same thing with the raptor liner. Enjoy the rest of the build...The dirty work is over. Steve

Re: My 56 build
 

I’ve been following. You’re making good progress. It’s tough painting in the garage this far north. I only have about 5 months a year

Re: My 56 build
 

After taking a couple months off I’m back at it. Not much to show. Just color sanding as I assemble. I put the drivetrain back in. I’m not going to tear into the engine and change the lifters. At this point I just want to get it together! The box is together and I finished the inside of the cab yesterday. Here’s a few pictures.

Re: My 56 build
 

Looks Great. Making great progress. Steve

Re: My 56 build
 

Some progress to report. Front fender are cut, buffed and installed. Interior is also cut, buffed and the steering column is in. Just finished some sound deadening yesterday. Today I’m looking forward to assembling. No sanding or polishing today. It’s looking good, but I’m sick of sanding! :lol:

Re: My 56 build
 

looks really good. curious, what is thatbig box above the drivers front wheel, does it have clearance for the tire to go through a full suspension travel with the wheels turned to the right? looks tight in the pics but then pics can do that.
I like the color combo, looks rich.

Re: My 56 build
 

looks very nice!! Making great progress. Steve

Re: My 56 build
 

that is a beauty, keep at it

Re: My 56 build
 

It’s where all the engine electronics are housed. The fuse panel bolts to the inside of the cover. All you see is the wire loom entering the fender. There’s about 8” of clearance. So no problem with the static suspension.

Re: My 56 build
 

great idea on the electrical box, thanks for the pics.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Re: My 56 build
 

is your fuse/relay panel in there too? good access to work on it if required?

Re: My 56 build
 

I just went through your build, and it is awesome. Some real thought and skill went into it. Glad I found it.

Re: My 56 build
 

Did you use the Specialty Power Windows kit? If not, which one did you use and is it working well for you?

Also, I've seen a couple of one piece window kits that have the glass with them, what kit did you use for the one piece and did a local glass company cut the window?

Thanks.

Re: My 56 build
 

its really coming together. Color looks great

Re: My 56 build
 

good lord, those colors look even better as it's going together

Re: My 56 build
 

Yes they are Specialty Power Windows. Kit is from classic parts. I got my side window glass and seals from Vintage Glass: Balls Rod and Kustom.

Re: My 56 build
 

Yes, it’s in there too. There’s a cover to the box. The panel bolts to the inside of the cover. So the panel can be pulled out. You can see the 4 screw heads in the picture. It’s snug, but well ventilated.

Re: My 56 build
 

Funny story… I was reading another post on the forum. It was mentioned to make sure your windshield fits if you are replacing the upper eyebrow area over the window. That was about a month ago. So I’ve been sweating a little. I’m nearly ready to install my new windshield in its new hole that hasn’t been fitted. :dohh: After some thought I decided to install the old seal on the windshield and cut both the inner and outer lip seals off. Just left me with the windshield as it should sit without the rubber pulling on it. With much relief everything fit. :metal: soon to be installed permanently!

Re: My 56 build
 

Otherwise I’ve been wiring for about 2 weeks now. Getting cliose to finishing that. Airbox is also installed.

Re: My 56 build
 

great job Jason, all your pics show great work, detail and perfection. Again, great job.

Re: My 56 build
 

Radiator and fan are installed. Finished the a/c system. Dryer is installed and it’s ready for a charge.