Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Looks great. I love the color.

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Skinny,

That looks really good.

Nicely done Sir.

P. :D

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

The truck is looking awesome! You can really tell that a lot of time and effort went into the prep work. Looks great from here and hope you're satisfied with the paint results.

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Puttering in the shop, trying to stay relaxed leading into the new school year (one week left till show time).

Grill center was removed (drilled out the rivets), had slight tweaks and was straightened, the center epoxy primed, PPG Delfleet Flat Black, and the letters sanded up to 1500grit:

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...22-672x378.jpg

(Fender removed because the bed will be coming off for some more chassis work).

Also testing out a multipurpose welder to see if it's any good:

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...26-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Very nice grille. Is that a MIller?

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Thanks.

No, it's an off-shore "Vevor" brand. In theory it's a 270A welder, which should weld 1/4" in one go easy. I have a 140 Lincoln, but it can't really do much more than 1/8".

I have a 200A TIG for thicker stuff, but I'd like something more skookum for the "quick and dirty" jobs that don't require such perfection.

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

When I bought the truck, it came with a wack of keys, none of which fit the truck. I drove the truck home, and the keys are still in my office at work.

Today I disassembled the door locks (just pop out a c-clip), and took the locks down to the local locksmith along with the brand new ignition key and tumbler.

Cost to re-key the doors to match the ignition: $140

Cost to cut keys according to the code on the locks: $30

I suppose I can put up with two keys.

At least I have keys.

Also changed out the hood insulators. I was not happy at all with the ones I got here in Canada. I ordered another set from LMC and they fit and stay much better.

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Rear bumper arrived today, so I painted that (and some grill fasteners) with the last of the white.

Window rubber arrived as well. Still waiting on windshield. Debating what to do with the rear glass.

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Perfect Job, really nice.

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Nothing to report.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...00-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Disassembled, blasted, and primed, the headlight hardware.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...06-672x378.jpg

Blasted, and then primed the headlight adjusters while shaking them in a basket. So much easier.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...22-672x378.jpg

Blasted and primed the rusty coils:

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...47-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Got the signal-light/hood-inserts back in.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...44-672x378.jpg

And I'm experimenting.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...55-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

I'm curious what it will be, the truck looks great.

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Tentatively set in place with a set of Hella H4/H1's. Will affix when the grill supports are painted 2K black.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...33-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Skinny...if you're cutting down an original wheel, please post pics and pointer if you have any. I'm thinking of cutting a deluxe wheel down a couple of inches. Your truck is really looking good too!

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Nothing to add.

Just enjoying it all.

Love the shop pic.

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Modernize your vintage steering wheel. 17" pencil-thin to 14.5" 1" thick.

First, make a hoop. I took a length of 1" tubing and bent it around the drop center of an old Cavalier wheel (perfect diameter to get 14.5"):

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...16-672x378.png

Cut where they overlap with a cutting disc on your angle grinder:

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...08-672x377.png

Clamp in a vice and weld together:

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...50-672x378.png

Cut and shape to fit:

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...56-672x378.png

Tack in place (I used a stack of metal to get the right height, and square):

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...00-672x376.png

Fill the voids (I used JB Weld's Plastic Putty, and I also chased and filled the age-cracks):

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...12-672x378.jpg

Start mixing primer:

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...26-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

SkinnyG - Thank you so much for the awesome Videos!!! I am not a painter or body guy, BUT I am also going with Flat colors so maybe a bit easier on the body work. with that said, again, thank you so much for the awesome videos!! And Come on Tylenol throw my fiend some free samples!!! LOL

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Could you give me some details on that supplied air mask? sorry forgot to ask

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

A bit of a detour from the truck.

SkinnyKid1 just got his license, and then ten days into it, he "nerfed" a curb (and by "nerfed" I think he means "did you even lift, bro?")

So I'm making him do ALL the work (except welding), AND he has to walk the 75 minute trip to school until the car is road worthy again. And SkinnyKid2 has to walk as well, which helps kid1 see the farther-reaching impact of poor decision.

So far, he's into it for a control, a ball joint, and a pair of struts.

Today I had him cut off the bent lip as well as a good lip off another wheel, and I welded them together.

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/....0-504x672.jpg

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...22-672x378.jpg

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...33-672x378.jpg

https://www.gwellwood.com/wordpress/...35-672x378.jpg

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

Well i am sorry for him, BUT happy that your teaching real life things, actions have consequences and they can suck alot.

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

A common thread in conversation over the last year has been "every decision has a price; good decision or bad decision, there is always a price."

Re: SkinnyG's '61 Apache
 

We have all learned lessons from actions, whether good or not so good, is part of development. If the rim is so rare, that you have taken this route?
Which looks great, we rarely do it.