Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

jeeze your gorgeous work makes me feel like a caveman banging rocks together sometimes.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks Scott

I know your not that bad:lol:, appreicate the thoughts...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Today's update. I had stuff I had to do this morning early, so Mark picked back up where we left off Saturday.

Pic 1 The right brace not lining up with other holes.

Pic 2 Mark cut off the top of brace and rewelded in new location.

Pic 3 Much better that before. Just a note, when top panel is attached it pulls the grill in line with the new hole.

Pic 4 & 5 The bottom of same brace needed to be moved, so Mark cut and welded, so it lines up with bottom panel.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Here you can see the grill, fenders, hood are looking a lot better that when we started.

Mark and I also took the time to place each chrome bar back on main frame, checked and the tips of each bar was going to hit the fenders. Mark took his aluminum hammer and worked the ends to give us the clearance we needed.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

While truck was still in the shop, I had Mark weld in new tabs for the headlight bucket. The newer Hagen set-up has the tabs in different locations than the orginal I did 13 or 14 yrs ago. I cut out the old tabs, Mark made new ones and welded them in place. I'm out of the shop for a few days, customers first, so I'll update as necessary...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Nothing major, just put the grill back together, and took it to the basement, till needed...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

boy howdy that blue tape on the grille. I thought you had switched to riviera blue for a second. thats my very favorite color, so dont blame me for getting excited.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

:metal::lol:...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Well you folks ready for my sob :whine: story. It's been at least two weeks with nothing to show. But was finally able to get a little work done. Lots of pics with "how and why", might get boring.

Pic 1 This is how the Hagen lamp base aligns with tabs, drill holes and install screws (weather bad sat 4/29 when to house)

Pic 2 Back in shop, installed lamp assembly and installed retainer ring.

Pic 3 Drivers side same as pass.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

A few days later after finding some problems, Mark and I talked about not being able to adjust highlights without removing retainer ring, so it was decided to modify the retainer ring so the large holes align with the screw heads with lamp base, and just drill new holes for retainer ring to screw into lamp base. Which is what I did today. (sorry not pics)

Pic 1 I also found out that the chrome ring for light would not sit level on the lamp, because of two nubs on the glass (made during manuf). These are new LED stuff I bought some time back. The lamp assembly is by HELLA made in Germany and DOT approved, has glass lens and metal housing, nice stuff.

Pic 2 So after about 30 minutes of grinding I cut down the nubs to clear.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Pic 1 This is the lamp assembly with metal piece for the notch in base.

Pic 2 LED light

Pic 3 New LED light assembly (plug and play)

Pic 4 All assembled

Pic 5 Light on low beam, way better that the old H4 bulbs

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Looks like you're closing in - and, it's going to be even better then before.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Nice Jim....curious is Mark going to modify the lamp base by adding steel like he has done before for better adjusting (see pics for reference)? I just bought some 11g steel today to make a couple new base rings and follow Mark's lead. Your repair is looking good.

Marc

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Nice to know about the LED upgrade. I need to pull the trigger on those myself. Did you get them off of EBay?

Marc

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

After supper and watching the news, I came back to shop and hooked up my new LED running and turn signals. They are much brighter that the pics show.

Pic 1 Running light

Pic 2 Turn signal

Pic 3 Off

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thank you...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Oh Yeah! That was worth the headache for you, at least I think I would be Happy with it.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

As of right now, NO, but that could change.

No I got them through Watson's street works. They are pretty steep on price but nice. The only reason I went this way is I didn't already have lamp assy's to just change to the LED lights. (one was broken in the accident) I already had these before I seen lower50's post, otherwise I would have done the same. My turn signal is also from Watson's. Mark and I have used their stuff for years with no problems, and he will work with you to fix someone else's stuff, nice guy...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks Ray, yes I'm real happy with both the LED changes...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Well, I couldn't help myself, wanted to see how the headlight worked. These isn't a good comparison because I only have one headlight working on the 50 and the new Buick has both, but I'm happy with what I see. Once both are in and adjusted they will be better..Jim

Pic 1 Buick lights

Pic 2 50 lights

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Since I've been so slow in getting anything done. Mark and I talked about the NSRA mid-american nats, last of this month. I've been to every one since I finished my truck, and I not going to miss this one (13 yrs). So, I will remove the drivers fender and inner, spray with epoxy primer, do body work, spray with sandable primer, reinstall everything. Give it a good shake down run and drive it to the event. Then after that I will tear it back apart, clean up everything, and start getting it ready for paint. Soooo hopefully I will have some more to post soon...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Looking good Jim!! I like the marker lights. One thing it looks like the cut off on the '50 is better than the Buick.

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Glad to hear you have a Goal! I was wondering if you were going to make the Nat's. Don't forget your Camera and take Lots of Pictures-PLEASE!

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks lower, I'm very pleased so far...Jim

Re: My 50 roadster pickup build
 

Thanks Ray, having a goal, and getting it done, that's the hard part. I will take pics...Jim