Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Turns out you did it on cruise control

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

And the driver's side step is done. I had some measurement irregularities, so this one didn't weld up as tastily. I know you just buy reman ones of these, but they are $150CDN each - I save $300 cutting them down myself

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...9s-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Also started figuring out the gas tank, and then started making a trailer hitch.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...5s-672x378.jpg

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...4s-672x378.jpg

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...6s-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Reused the original in-cab tank straps, but I'm not sold on that yet.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...3s-672x378.jpg

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...2s-672x378.jpg

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...2s-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

I wasn't happy with the first version of the upper straps, so I made new ones out of 1-1/4" square tubing sliced to 3/8". The top straps had to be removable, because the back panel had to be removable, because the hitch had to be removable, and this arrangement made sense to me. Which, of course, required finishing the trailer hitch (yes, the chain loop thingies are not on yet). Truck is only rated to pull 6000lbs.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...2s-672x378.jpg

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...5s-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

And here is where I got by the end of Christmas break 2020:

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...8s-672x377.jpg

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...1s-672x378.jpg

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...1s-672x378.jpg

And you can hardly tell the bed was raised 4":

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...0s-672x377.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Wow!! That looks awesome!

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Dadgum, that looks great!

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

x2!

Great progress!

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Awesome work!

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

That's some fine work being done!

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Damn SkinnyG, that is some awesome work!!!

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Looking good there sir!

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Great work bud

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Latest video:

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

I reinforced the Sheet Metal Brake I made last spring and was successful in folding 30" of 18ga.

Also used my Nutsert tool for the first time, installing 5/16-18 nutserts into the passenger door for a mirror. The skin is already braced from the underside, but no factory weld nuts to fasten. While these stick a little proud of the surface, it's going to be fine.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...29-672x378.jpg

Also spent a LOT of time corresponding with Universal Air regarding bag choice on the '61, and after we talked about motion ratio, sprung weight, suspension frequency, ride height, and air pressure, I think I have finalized the way I want to go about this - this will be documented later. Universal Air gave me fantastic customer service over this (thank you!).

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Great idea using the nut serts for the mirrors! I'm gonna copy that one when I get back to working on my doors

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Great idea on the nutserts for your mirror. I just bought a nutset tool and I'm planning to use it for my roof lights. Seeing yours gives me the confidence that they are going to work. Thanks for the post.

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

This will be roughly ride height. Needs a bit more rake - front could easily go down an inch, rear could go up some.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...9s-672x378.jpg

Not sure to start on the fender rust repair, so I'm starting with the nose. This is just behind the headlights. I'll need to drag this outside for sand blasting, then epoxy primer, before I weld it in.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...9s-672x378.jpg

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...6s-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

And another patch:

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...0s-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

nice damn work sir....

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

And another patch:

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...9s-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

And another patch. Ready for blasting and epoxy priming underneath Friday or Saturday.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...0s-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Repair area blasted and primed:

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...9s-672x378.jpg

Unrelated - anyone ever widen the rear fenders to better match the front?

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Bringing up the wheel opening?

Member vin63 brought the wheel opening down some on the front fenders to better match the rears.

Also, your work with the sand blaster makes me want to get one before I start the rest of my rust repair