Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

I use copper pipe. Smash it with a hammer and weld on that. Works great

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Got some drip rail shaving done today. Welded across the back end of the cab. I also shaved the seams in the door jams. Plus the lower windshield seam. It probably won't show, but I shaved it just in case. I'm just a shaving fool. :lol:

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/627116758_vC6sd-L.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/627116869_m3ANg-L.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/627116932_TJ82k-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Looks good. You worked on your steering linkage yet?:uhmk:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Yes a long time ago. All I had left to do was install the steering shaft. It steers, just doesn't drive yet. :lol:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

[QUOTE=Strodder;3478892]Got some drip rail shaving done today. Welded across the back end of the cab. I also shaved the seams in the door jams. Plus the lower windshield seam. It probably won't show, but I shaved it just in case. I'm just a shaving fool. :lol:
QUOTE]

maybe you should change youre screenname to gillette or wilkinson and eeeeeh be careful around the family jewels :lol:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

[quote=watahyahknow;3479979]I'll never change my screen name. Strodder means Street Rodder. If you read between the lines it says Gillette. :haha:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Got work on the bed today. This is how I got the bed. The guy cut the top of the rail to make it flip up. He then drilled a hole in the top of the fender to fill it with gas. Cool idea, but I didn't like it, besides It wouldn't work with the gas tank that I'm putting in between the rear of the frame. Next I gave to remove the fender to fill the hole. I already started to take the fill tube out.
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/634972459_xMpMd-L.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/634972575_SAEbM-L.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/634983161_fCaxe-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Next I shaved the original gas fill hole.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/634972363_DTzDY-L.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/634972655_a2zL5-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

The 73 bed had side running lights. They had to go. So here's how I did it. First cut a cardboard to fit the hole (the same as I did with the gas fill hole) Then transfer that shape to metal and trim it to fit perfect. Then be patient and tack it in a little at a time so you don't heat the panel too much and warp it. I also welded up all the little holes that were drilled on the top of the bed rails for tonneau cover and other stupid things he bolted to the bed.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/634972750_7YsbQ-L.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/634972906_47p3V-L.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/634972911_ppk5R-L.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/634973333_6Ap3c-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Who ever did the body work on the cab was an idiot. He dented in the side trim holes, and filled them with bondo. First I ground out the bondo, then I hammered them back to shape as best I could. Now I have to finish the rest of the holes. In the bottom corner I had to make a patch panel to repair a small amount of rust. Doesn't look good in the picture, but actually doesn't look to bad in person.

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/634983072_jmJgQ-L.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/634973412_DxdWc-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

I like how the lines of the 73-87 style step bed looks on the 60-66. I would not have thought it would have blended in that well. IT didn't on my 70, but that looks really good on yours.

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Thanks. I though so too. I've always liked the look of those beds best of all. It just so happens that it looks really good on my year. I got lucky when I found it, and at a great price. :metal:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Very Nice Dennis. I hope to be that good soon.

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

I agree it looks sharp.

Dennis either you need to slow down or I need to speed up. Nice progress and work. Stuff like this is what motivates others.:metal:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

When you get done with this truck I have one you can work on!

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Thanks guys. I can't slow down. If I do it will be stop mode.:lol: I want to get this project on the road ASAP, but can't get time on my own lift. That's why I doing the body work on the one side. After this side I am going to turn it around and do the drivers side. At least I'm getting something done on it.

After the Studebaker I have a Jeep to move the engine back to the stock position and make it steer with a new Signaw steering box, and fill the fire wall where the engine was, then I just picked up an other customer to do a frame off restoration on a 62 Impala SS. He's the original owner, and want's it all stock.

The Lark is getting there.
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/631229498_NPMj9-L.jpg

And here's the 62 SS
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/634513451_dfshw-L.jpg

After these 2 I can start yours Ruffrida :lol:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

:agree:It really motivates us not so talented folks also.....

Super nice work Dennis..:metal:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Thanks Dave

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Really nice work Dennis!! I have question, when you say to take your time welding in for example that filler piece for the signal light, about how long do you take to complete it and how long between doing a weld? I am novice at this and fixing to do some work on the body myself so I am trying to gauge at what speed I should be going. Thanks!

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Thanks for the complement. I cool it by spraying a mist of water on it from a squirt bottle, and then blow it dry with compressed air. I don't want it to cool too fast. When I can touch it with my hand I start tacking again. I get impatient and tack too many times in a row. I keep saying to myself to slow down. :lol:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Thanks for info Dennis. I take it you are not concerned with making the weld brittle with the water? So you are saying this is a continuous process? meaning you weld/cool off/weld... Sorry if I sound really amateurish!

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

I don't drench it with water I just spray it lightly, and blow the water off after it has cooled off a little already. If you don't get it too hot to begin with. I'm not really a body man, I'm a mechanic. My biggest problem is I'm impatient, and want to spot weld too much at a time.
What do you think Allan? Am I doing it right?

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

sweet looking truck project, inspires me to work on mine !!

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

i heared about some sort of a sticky clay/wet paperstuff they put around a welding area as a dam that prevent heat to go too far beyond the bead itself , it might speed up the process een further and prevent warping

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

I heard about that too, but for this small job I don't think you really need it. I just have to go slow, and it won't warp.

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Thanks, start a build thread when you do yours. :thumbs:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

I'm digging the shaving!!

gonna be super smooth!! :thumbs:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Then put some mustard on it and you can make a sandwich. :haha:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

:lol:

mmmm....doing some welding and a fresh and toasty sandwich...BONUS!!!

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Subway Fabricating..:haha:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

LOL...that is funny! Thanks for the insight though Dennis, and like you I am impatient as well hence my questions on time hahaha

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Patience....What is that LMAO !!



I still havent really put a cap on that :lol: It seems to get out of control quick.



Any full shots of the lark ?

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

This is a picture of it before I started working on it.
http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/400759816_Y6J9F-L.jpg

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Just took in another job to do. This Willies Jeep I have to install a steering column, power steering box, and move the engine forward. Then fill the fire wall hole where the engine was. That's besides finishing the Lark, then I have to start the frame off on the 62 Impala. Crap it's getting too crowded here. I need a bigger shop. :waah: I'm going to try to sneak the truck on the lift this weekend. http://belair.smugmug.com/photos/639630255_Se3RD-L.jpg

Have a great Labor Day Weekend everybody. :ennyd:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Your kidding right Dennis....
You need to hire some help...Congrats on the work.it could be worst and have no work.

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Dave don't get me wrong. I'm very happy to have all this work. I feel really lucky in this economy. It's not affecting me like other repair and body shops. I've talked to other guys that do what I do, and they are busier than ever too. I have to charge more per hour for working this hard. As far as hiring some help, it's not going to happen. I did that at my other shop, and he cost me money, and slowed me down. So I fired him. Especially since he didn't install a air bag correctly, and the truck was towed back the next day with a blown air bag. And this was after I asked him to check the bag clearance when the truck was aired out. :devil:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

If I could I would. At least I won't have to keep an eye on you to make sure it's done right. Besides the commute for you would be a *****. :haha:

Re: 1965/73 Cheap Build Up
 

:haha: