![]() |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Spoke to Thomas the alloy wheel guy who did the refurbishment of the S10 wheels.
He agreed to £100.00 to remove the tyres and strip and sandblast the wheels for me. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds They do all sorts and sizes, from 18 wheeler steels to 23/24.25 inch alloys and custom work. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds The blasting cabinet takes multiple wheels. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Damage repair, Finishing, Priming and repainting them was up to me. For some reason, the tyres were returned like this, not sure if they use soap to remove as well. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Washed, dried, packed away. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds More to come. Obviously. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Satnav took me back into Oklahoma…….
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Between Andy and good friend Carol, they have pretty much single handedly built this 5 floor house, with incredible 360’ views from the cupola, but also every floor. The odd contractor came on site to deliver things like foundation concrete, foam insulation etc…… As for the rest…… pure bull headed determination and a lot of grit and sweat. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Snakes abound in this area. I saw this one at the house Carol lives in near the building site. Note the “mask” on it’s forehead. Not pleasant at all. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Also, last night we went out for dinner……. Andy’s treat. THANK YOU for not taking my money Andy 😉 https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Headed home, we stopped for gas as my truck was down to half a tank and next stop,is Thursday in Fayettevill, Arkansas. The sunset was rather delicious, looked like a calendar shot. Straight from my iPhone. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds So that is your 2022 update on Andy Martin. All is good. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So…….?
What does £100.00 worth of wheel cleaning look like. Imagine me sitting at home,,doing this all by hand, yup….. ain’t ever gonna happen again. Done that before, years ago, still remember it as a sh!t job to do. My time is worth more than the £100.00 And the results speak https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Next job was to get then rims tidied up where they had kissed the kerb/curb before. Trusty tools to the rescue. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Then set them all out and get on with the next step. Etch primer. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Easy. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
|
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Headed out in a bit.
Only 210 miles today. Advertising is all around. Some fuel pumps run there screens all the time. https://youtu.be/mCw8R-c0-V8 Bit like being in a games arcade. Also Dennis playing with the flame thrower…… https://youtu.be/jksGpgNz7oo Great way to start a BBQ Or fight wasps. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Etch primer.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds And more. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds So what next……? Off back to Oklahoma to a big, BIG scrapyard to search for a few things. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
|
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So for anyone interested in this intergalactic build.
Yes, I am travelling back and forth to get things done here…. Next step was painting the outer edges of the rims in Cream. SURPRIIIIISE !!! https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds [URL=https://app.photobucket.com/u/niknakpix/p/93f47532-31b9-4132-b00f-0246d9e2fdeb]https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds[/URL https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds And then as an afterthought. Whatcha think? I like. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Forgot to show the alloys wheels on.
Bit of a Marmite look. Well, a lot really. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Sorry to the CDO gang for being out of sync. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Happy Labour Day from the Lakes of the Ozarks Gas pump girls.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds No, I got no boat. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
What next…?
Indeed, and when you have @nickwheeler over for a visit and to check up and in on various progressing jobs….. Not saying a thing, kinda says a lot. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Amazingly simple trick, use recycling bags to wrap the wheels before masking off I also use old, large T-shirts when I paint wheels with the tyres attached, to prevent overspray on the rubber. So I guess colour next. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Real time road trip update.
I had lunch late in Hannibal. cooked by Holly in the kitchen, and served by the delightful Savannah https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds LIFE IS GOOD. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So back to the chainsaw build.
When we were at Tom’s yards, I saw a pile of hacksaw frames, walking around there was a lot of chain lengths scattered, hanging and laying about. So I asked Tom how much for the one rusty frame…… “You can take it” he said after I told him the plan. Next job was to find the right size chain, not easy. As they are mostly large link, or wire chains for animals. But I found a short, damaged length. Asked Tom how much…… “That’ll be a Dollar to you” was his reply. Back home, mid washed off them. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Into the workshop, in the sandblasting cabinet, cleaned the,links, then cut to size. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds I chose not to weld it together, but just to tension it as a blade would be. Given two coats of satin clear to retain the look. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Job done. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Gave it to Dennis when I got back, he loved it and hung it up in the gas station. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Perfect. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Out with the copper paint.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Copper Done…… https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Only problem…… I ran out of paint, only three wheel centres done. So ordered another two large cans off eBay, delivered after I left for the USA. Optimistically Offered up to the car…… In the shade. This colour loves the light. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
The highlight of every trip is stopping by at Ethyls in O’Fallon for wings and a few beers……
As always served by the unstoppable institution that is Kelly. She also helped me get some bottle caps for a buddy “PistonPopper” https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Bryan came to have a few beers as well. Always great company. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds She also dropped me a sweet message on my FB page: I'm so happy you came by to see me before you left! As always, it was a pleasure to see you! Xoxo Kelly. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Saw this on my road trip, in Hannibal
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Back on it soon. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Yesterday afternoon, while fighting the urge to go sleep after my return flight from the USA trip https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread...p-grizz-sumore
I went to see the wheels. Remember that I only had enough paint for three wheels, so ran out before getting no 4 done. Ordered the same item from Ebay “DEEP COPPER” as what I had got from @Redratbike and expected the same, or a slight variation in colour, maybe from a batch difference. When I sprayed one of the centre caps as a test………. Errrrrmmmmmm…..? FAIL. So it seems (without investigating) that the manufacturer has radically changed the colour at some point. The paint from Redratbik was stock he had bought for a build and not used, so in both cases, nobody to blame. Just enough to P!$$ me off, and force me to repaint all four wheels. I actually liked the first colour, but original plans was a decent contrast, and the original colour blended more. Now I have a contrast, lets see if it works when the time comes to do the lace paint on the roof. So……….. 200ml originals vs 400ml extras bought off eBay https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Centre cap. Contrast in differing light. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds And of course the huge difference in colours. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Knowing that I could not match the original colour, I had to go ahead and repaint the original three wheels. After all , I had paid for the paint. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds I will take a few more pics of the colour in daylight, though it seems to be a bit cloudy today. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
@nickwheeler popped in yesterday afternoon to check up on me, we chatted colours etc.
Had to clean my house as it needs a clean and decluttering (read rubbish bin emptied) so he declined helping with that. Being preoccupied with the whole jobless potential scenario, I was and will be for a while, not completely in the room. Back to this car briefly. New colour out in the light. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Alongside the car. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Suggestion from Nick is the copper lace over a black background. My plan is a cream base, like the wheels rims edges are, note, they are not white, and the copper lace paint over the top of that for a dark on light contrast. But there are more important things to deal with before that happens. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Unmasked the wheels this morning early before work.
I think I like that, a lot. Better contrast than expected, and to be honest, the cream works better with the copper than it would have with the original,colour. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Later in the day I also sprayed all the surfaces with two coats of clear lacquer Not sure if the photos will show it, but certainly works for the naked eye. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds After work I needed a walk to unwind from the day. “Bat Ears outta hell” https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Calling Australia. Trenching monster. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Amazing how therapeutic this dog is. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Kinda forgot to mention the most important welcommback from America.
George the cat I don’t have. He also had another human born at his real home last week, so I suspect a longer tenancy is in the offing. Become a bit of a shadow. I like that. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Micra Build will stop for a while.
But I removed the roof strips yesterday. Not sure when I will get back to it. Got sh!t to deal with for now. Later gang. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
|
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Possibly the most inane thing done to/with my S10 truck to date.
On my USA road trip I bought a sticker that really resonated with me. I like/love animals a whole lot, and I love my 🇺🇸 road trips. ROAD TRIP REPORT HERE: https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread...rip-grizz-2022 Sticker applied. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Nothing special, but a reminder and it makes me happy to fly the Stars n Stripes. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
I still need to figure (find out) what wheel bolts for alloys, these wheels need.
Not got any. I think they are longer than standard and may have a specific collar. Contacted @mercdan ‘s favourite insurers. Quoted £275.00 for comprehensive cover…. Said to be best combo to cover this car. Sounds like a lot of bollloxx. Anyway, took the wheels to town. Loaded, https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Stretching…. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Balancing act. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Yup……… looks decent. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Back home. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Simple mock up, well…. Placed side by side. Typically, George, the cat I don’t have, was waiting for his dinner. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds This cat is no fool. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Plan yesterday was to get reacquainted with the Rockit.
Ended up pushing the Rockit out, cleaned the carport and pushed it back. Went to Sally to help her in her garden. The last two weeks have been hard with the redundancy, some jetlag, doing the day job as if nothing was wrong, I then got invited last Friday to interview on Wednesday for my own job with presentation and CBI . So sleep, even after Wednesday’s interview has been lacking. Being knackered yesterday I just was not feeling any of it. Last night I managed a decent night for the first time in a while. Today……. ? Let’s see what happens. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Mate JB Math shared a great pic of his Godzilla powered Cobra.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds .remember the counter chair I got for Dennis In Iowa? https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds He ordered a new seat surface and fitted it. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Impressive for sure. Now it will fit into the Gas Station. The road trip keeps giving. Yesterday Dennis needed to cut down a massive Oak tree that partially overhangs the workshop. Remember one of them ended up on the roof last year during a storm. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Mate Jessie sprang tomthe rescue….. 50 Ton will do the job. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Seems the tree is now awaiting a future bonfire. Problem solved, we hope. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Weekend saw me clean the carport and rearranging stuff.
Great way to get started. Except, I did not get started. Instead I did other jobs, like helping Sally in her garden, and a few other house jobs. Sunday I decided not to go bootfair, unusual, but also evidence of my state of mind currently with the redundancy bollloxx hanging about. So I used a foot pump (small compressor power switch seems to have died, along with the compressor) to pump the Rockit rear tyres, both were at 1 Bar, and got them to 3 Bar. Sat around for a bit, then headed out to buy another pair of trainers, as the last expensive pair give zero support when walking the fields. Followed by some food shopping, stuff sure has spiralled from a price point of view. Lets hope new trainers are better. As I got home, @nickwheeler arrived, bringing Hotrod magazines and staying a couple of hours to chat. Of course we drifted down to the garage. Various discussions around both cars. Including the right wheel nuts to be bought for the alloys. I found one in my stash…… So we decided to lift the car, remove the steel and try the painted and tyred up wheel. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds I am still liking the direction this is headed. And discussed an added bit of paint with Nick. He is a lot more “conservative” than I am. Have a good week all. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Ordered new chrome (obviously Chinese quality) nuts for the painted alloys.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Should look decent till the first wash, or rain or wet road hits it. Still, worth doing. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
So I am back on UK time, after the USA Roadtrip.
The job situation is currently up in the air. I interviewed for my own/old soon to be revamped and not mine, job, last Wednesday. No idea if I will stand a chance, despite past successes and track record. These days it seems the process decides. Anyway, seems the winners and losers (everyone gets a prize, even if it stinks) will be informed next Tuesday. In the mean time, I just keep doing what I am paid for. Back to the UK and Roadtrips. Adam, Dennis’ son, wife Hanna and son Tripp, along with her mum and husband Ginger and Clark came over last weekend to spend some time in the UK as tourists. AirBnB was their choice, near Paddington. Of course the country ended up in all sorts of turmoil with the death of the Queen and subsequent actions, including cancellation of tours of Buckingham Palace etc. So they were somewhat left to their own devices to entertain themselves and a one year old. Yesterday I took a day vacation and hired a 9 seater Ford Tourneo van, 10 years old and a bit rough around the edges, but for £110.00 including some diesel it seemed good enough as other local companies could not help Mickey next door gave me a kiddie seat to use, though they brought theirs along as well. George loved it. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Said transport. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds After a late start, dictated by Tripp, they took an Uber from Paddington to meet me at Rochester, plan was originally to take a train. From there we headed down to Dover, our target. Clark wanted to see the white cliffs and we managed to get some of that done, visiting the lovely Battle of Britain memorial. Memorial is a lovely place. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Planes. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Clouds really enhanced the pics and mood. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds From there we headed to Dover Castle. A venue one really needs a whole day for. Great mix of very old history and more modern (1945-ish WW11 era) We only got there at 3.00pm and did one short tour of the underground hospital, then decided to pull the plug on being tourists and headed back to Chatham for an early dinner. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Return trip was uneventful. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Group pic of course. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds And inside of course. Tripp charmed all the staff, a lot like his grandfather Dennis. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Food as always amazing. Affordability is certainly something offered here, along with service and being welcomed as family. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds After dinner, the tourists took the train back to London from Rochester. I returned the hire car, and discovered Tripps entertainment centre under the seat. Ooooopppps. And of course an overnight postal delivery was impossible, as the postal,service is striking tomorrow and Saturday. And Adam and co leave at midday tomorrow. So Clark took a train to Lewisham this morning and we met up to give him the last part of the puzzle. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds All in all, I was really pleased to have a day off work, and more importantly, spending it with friends Life is good for sure. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
I forgot to post these pics.
Dennis had ordered me a super cool zip up hoody. He felt the legend on the back was reflective of me……. It was not delivered in time when I traveled there, so he sent it, along with some models along for me with Adam. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds On display, pretty rare, collectable, I just like them, from mate the late Ray, his wife Eve wanted me to have these. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds So the Roadtrip just keeps giving. Back in St Louis, Dennis was fitting a newly painted door to the race truck transporter yesterday. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds That was until son Adam’s best mate since school, and all round great, not just good, guy, Tyler and he returned from Indiana where they had fetched Tyler’s dream-bucketlist car. A 1960 VW Beetle. All of 1100cc aircooled power. For a guy in big displacement cars and trucks, including his “little” S10 4.3 liter, this is an interesting departure. But we know about itches. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds And typically, Dennis was straight in there to get it running. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Looking forward to seeing what Tyler does with this car. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Right
Good news. Thanks for all the support from those who knew I was made redundant. I get to keep my job. Thankfully. Guess another excuse not to progress too fast on projects. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Wheel nuts for Scruffy came in the post.
I am not sure they really should be called “chromed” The finish is shoddy, and if they survive one season without falling apart on the chrome aspect, I will be surprised. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Still, we have wheel nuts, so the alloys can be attached, once it passes MOT. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Remember the LACE PAINT idea?
Well, Poundland delivered. May be a better option, or a fail, but at £2.00 each. These Halloween spiders web tablecloth’s could work better than the planned old lace curtains. We will see when the time comes to lay them down. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Weekend is here. Stuff to do. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
@nickwheeler popped in today for a coffee, a chat and to have a dig (around) Looks like there is a lot more to be done here.
And yes, it will get done. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Not much else done today. Cut the grass, finished up the small trailer I got on Tuesday. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Had a clever little plan.
But it failed (probably) Bought a cheap 4x3 foot trailer from a deceased estate. Sight unseen. Collected it. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Should have gone to Spec Savers or another optician. Still………. Committed. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Realised back home, after Mickey helped me collect it, that typically, the tires/tyres were dry rotted and needed replacing.
Got them off, ordered two new ones, slightly wider with lower profile, near enough the same. £70.00 fitted, with new valves and old ones disposed of. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Removed the rear panel and light board as I wanted it removable for the proposed coming tasks. Then used a trusty skateboard to move the wheel-less body up the driveway. Pressure cleaner and some serious attention saw me get to know all the flaws. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Left to dry for 48 hours. Then had some time to knock together a slip on frame. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Done. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds After work Thursday evening I found some old black paint in my stash (mistake) and painted the underside of the floor, all the steel and mudguards and wooden sides with this enamel paint. On the wood just to act as a sealer in case another colour came into play. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Now some of you may know this, but @nickwheeler thinks that I am a whizzz with a brush and pot of paint. So the last drops of green in a tin, made it onto the wheels. Still need a pair of random hubcaps for them. Green stripe. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds But that was not enough, so I dug out some red Hammerite as well. Better. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Friday I took a day off work to do things like shopping, coffee and lunch with Sally. She very rarely asks me for anything, and even this was forced on her. We had a good day. Before she came over I painted all the white panels, again, more wood protection than aesthetics https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Reassembled the tailgate, lights, and fitted the wheels yesterday morning. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds I think I am happy with that. Seems the original reason for buying it, will not be happening. Still, I have a neat trailer for a few hours work. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
This morning I got going early and got the Micra up in the air.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Laid out the first job. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Prepping some of the parts and surfaces needed to reinstate the exhaust system. Cleaned up, drilled out the studs to enable the use of nuts and bolts. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds While crawling around I took a decent look at what the four corners looked like. Not inspired. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Still…….. I felt up to the challenge. When @nickwheeler arrived with his welder we got straight to getting the bolts welded onto the catalytic converter https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Once I reintroduced the downpipe and had the Lambda sensor refitted that Nick had removed from its plug, the rest of the refitting, including some clear silicone on the gaskets and contact surfaces (clear silicone does not degenerate with excess heat) it looked good. Nick tried the start up and I could feel there was no leak or blowby. Perfect, just bloody awesome. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Looking great. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds That was a good way to start the day. Coffee next. . |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Once we assessed the rust damage, and what was needing attention….. including a lot of screwdriver poking, mashing and banging, it was time to make a few test bits up.
Once you go to complex folds, there is a better or worserer sequence in which to fold the metal in preparation for welding in. Even a Z-fold with unequal sides has a sequence. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Tappy Tappy and away we go. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds I took the wheels off as well, as it clears up space to work and get tools in. And of course mounting the car as high as possible helps too. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Drivers seat removed, carpets and side panels out the way, rather safe than run for a fire extinguisher. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Going to the passenger side, more SPECTACULAR BODGERY became evident. Bits of plate siliconed and then seam sealed over rust. Impressive MOT you passed there mate. And a lot more on both sides became evident as we proceeded. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds So making two outer sill plates and everything else in a 600mm or 24 inch length became the plan of action. Starting on the drivers side. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Then I climbed in with the grinder and Knotwheel of truth (TM @pauly) exposing as much healthy metal as I could, creating two existing reference points on the underside where plates joined. Making sure these points are absolutely pristine, means the welder just does exactly what you ask of it. After cutting some back, before cleaning. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Nick climbed in with the welder, fixing the first Z-folded plate at the ends, then carefully welded it all together down the inner seam Fitting and finesse first. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Prepped for inside puddle welds. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Weld next. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds After this, the outer plate was prepared for a load of puddle welds. And welded on. Patiently, with the use of multiple vise grips to prevent misplacing or distortion. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Once fully welded it was left to cool off. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds At which point I got onto the welds, grinding them back to a decent finish. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds At this point it was 18.30 so we stopped welding, things seem to take a touch longer when you start to chase previous mistakes, bodges and have to custom fit things. Part 2 of side 1 was to create a plate, again multi-contoured for the back section of the repair, looks easy, but a few aspects to considder. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds I made a CAD that works as a mirror, so both sides are created at the same time. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Cut them out of the 1mm plate and started the shaping, which Nick completed with a hammer and dolly shaper on the vice. Ready https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds I will carry on with the welding as I get time after work this week The preparation is what takes the most time. And this is not an MOT bodge to squeeze another year or two from a car. Have a good week. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Got home from work and cooked dinner quickly, easy to heat up later
Then headed to the garage. Unpacked tools. I wanted to complete the rest of the drivers side rear arch repair. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds So I continued shaping the plate for starters. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Offered up. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Welded in three pieces to make up a total repair. The used some seam sealer to tidy up the joins after grinding the welds back. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Happy with that. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Passenger side next, and then underseal for both sides once I mask the sills off to prevent overspray. Need to hope the weather plays along. Getting chilly already. |
Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
Part 2.
Unfortunately, the welder stopped feeding wire just when I wanted to infill the gaps. Job for another day. The passenger side was an even worse bodge, aluminium plate glued in over holes etc. So I cut back to good metal brutally and started by making a new inner panel to be a foundation. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Staggering…… https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds New back foundation. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Hole got to be a lot bigger. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds More shaping due before I started welding it in. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Decent puddle welds along the bottom edge, and tacks along the top. At which point the welder stopped feeding the wire. I am sure it may just be a tension setting. But I had enough and decided it was time to come in, my eyes were tired and spotlight was messing with my vision. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds I packed away tools, which sometimes is the right thing to do. And collected the excess material that had been removed so far to make it good. Currently we have this. Last MOT pass. https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...080&fit=bounds Bit more to do, then I will be happy. |
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:56 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com