Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Hammer and chisel?
Masonary bit in a drill or on a dremmel tool would have been my guess.

Looks completely awesome so far, you are so crafty my friend !!

By the way, thank you immensely for all the kind comments on the Garage Journal site.
That was quite a treat !! (or treatment, depending on how you look at it) :metal:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Hi Michael, thanks for your comments and compliments.

I am the kind of guy, who, If I cannot say something good, would shut up.

However your ingenuity and attention to detail (I want a lit up grille too) makes me want to share and gush like a teenager.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Well, since buying the truck, I have wanted to replace the wheels on the Teardrop trailer with smoothies.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps970430ad.jpg

Of course this would mean finding just two, getting tyres, then having new adapter plates made up to get the trailer from 4 stud hubs to Chevy bolt pattern.

Yesterday I was at a loose end and getting bored as one does, ended up buying a pair of Wheel Vinteques Chrome Smoothies for reasonable money (that I should not have spent) off a nice member on a forum who drives a rather lush car that did not get on with the smoothies.

No chrome caps unfortunately, but hopefully I will find some somewhere.

Now I need to get my mate Julian to make up a pair of adapters and get two tyres from the existing rims as I cannot justify fitting a pair of thin whitewalls as well.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps9e7a13b1.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Quick update as I need to get to bed.

Spent about 2.5hrs in the garage tonight working at the block.

Halfway done on the front, still need to complete it, and then design the rest of the sides and carve them.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4d65048e.jpg

Takes time, and I would hate to break it by being impatient or hard handed.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psf6fc32e7.jpg

And this is how far I got tonight.
The rest of the front still needs to be carved around the rings.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps01d1f686.jpg

At this point I think Nicola will be happy with what I have created, and if she is happy.... I am happy.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

When Mommas Happy, Everybody is Happy...:metal:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

that celtic cross is really cool. very crafty work.

been quietly following along for quite a while but that cross made me bust out and say... darn good job.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Same sentiments here. I never cease to be amazed at your talents. That cross is over the top, and a nice handmade treasure. Nicola will never forget where it came from or the consideration behind making it. Hope Mum is holding up. Keep up the good work.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Thank you.

Mark, looking at whatever you touch turn to gold, I am really humbled by your comments and compliments.

Thanks to everyone who replies on here.

In other news.

Ebay strikes again after my last helmet got wet (inside the garage on a shelf????? )

£27.99 including delivery.....

6 free lens replacements, cap, storage bag, leather gauntlets all included.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pse4648e55.jpg

Now we are ready to rock n roll on the weldathon when the restoration panels get here.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Carried on tonight, doing the sides.

Original plan was to do lattice work sides, but decided to keep it very plain, so as not to detract from the front detail that I finished as well tonight.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps50315d72.jpg

Side details completed.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps1c20ad4e.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps8a5ea886.jpg

Altogether now.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psea1e5e79.jpg

Next up will be doing Nicola's birth year in Roman numerals across the back.

[font size="7"]MCMLXIV[/font]

Then I need to keep my mouth shut till the 5th Feb.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Cross is Very Nice!!;)

Here's a couple of pics for ya… your parts should be in the post tomorrow!:metal:

Cheers Mate!

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Is your new hood an auto darkening?
I hope so, mine was a total game changer !!

Man that cross looks amazing !! :metal:

You just chisled all that out?
I may have to give that a go one day.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Thanks Don, all grins now.

Morning Mike, yes the welding hood is solar powered and auto dimming. 1/100000's of a second according to the spec.
Also can switch between welding and grinding which is usefull

Cinder block or Thremalite is easy to work.

And yes, it is all chisseled out but mainly gouged as I did not want to risk it with the shock a hammer or mallet puts to it. Takes longer but seems to survive better.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Love seeing those parts! Rian your are a master of many things. Still stumps me that you don't prefer engine work.

Bret

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Hey Bret, not that I don't prefer engine work, just never learned the dark secrets of the internal combustion engine.
Guess we all have strengths and weaknesses.

I have a lot of patience, so making and shaping and finishing is easy but the technical stuff intimidates me. I am sure I would be able to build an engine if I had guidance as I learn by looking or imagining.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Nice score on the welding helmet and the bits are in the post...

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Thanks Don, will Skype you in a bit, just having my Baked Potato dinner, perfect for a cold evening.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Carried on tonight after work.

Roman Numerals for 1964 pencil drawn, but as you can see, freehand left some space, so I just freehand carved over the pencil.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps37cdfce1.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps63994539.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4192bfc0.jpg

Back where we started, a before and after together.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscd4f9727.jpg

Now to wait till the 5th February.....

Going to be difficult to keep quiet and not show her.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Can't wait to see the update when the patch panels arrive!!! :metal:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Thought the welder was working and on my first arc I struck, it struck out again.....

Went shopping with Nicola on Sunday to distract her a bit, found this ornament in a shop for £3.00.

Needs one propeller to be remade and dome head screws to be fitted.

Got to be a good enough alternative to a regular hood ornament.

I have bid on a couple, but once you add the postage from the USA it becomes a bit silly.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psd04e2b3b.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

You are showing your creative side on here Rian more so than on retro rides.
Keep it up its cool.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Love the plane...:metal:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Thanks Adrian.

I have threads on the "Readers Other Modifications" section on RR's

Thanks Don.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Tried the hood ornament on to get an idea of what it will look like.

Still very much in two minds.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psde17b71c.jpg


Also bought a 4 ton, short bottle jack from Machine Mart for the truck last weekend.
£15.00 well spent, as long as you have a tyre spanner on the day.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps069ad3d7.jpg

Tonight I also bought a steel grille from a '66 which I may just have to use on my truck, as mine is a bit damaged.
Just need to get it collected at Beccles in Suffolk and brought back here.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7bbb4751.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

looking forward to pics of your new to you grilles...

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

WOOOTTT !!!!

Along with the steel grille I bought off Ebay, the seller is throwing in a knackered one that will be used to experiment with once I have straightened it out.

Grilles being collected tomorrow by mate Henry "51Rider" who is off to fix his parents' electrics in their home.

I will pick them up on Monday from his house in Romford.

Actually really pleased and excited at this point.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Whilst you dream about truck parts tonight, I'll give ya a heads up… I will have a set of those step bits in the post as a belated BDay gift this week...:metal:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Ok Mate… It's Monday, Where are the Grille Pix??? :lol:

The Plane is Spot-On!!! :metal:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Well, another forum buddy, Henry "51 Rider" picked up the grilles and then brought them home to his place where I collected them before work today.

The Ebay seller under described the grille he was selling and the free one he threw in.
They were both much better than expected.

Check the pic and let me know what you think.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5d037d08.jpg

This is driving my head mad (well, it was mad before) made by McMurphy up in North Pole Alaska, where they have great creativity held captive......

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...0&d=1388267707

The "free" ally grille is in better condition than the one on my truck, and the new steel one is spotless, so I suspect the ally one on the truck may just be headed for modification.

There are a few dents and the major one, not easy to see in this pic, where the "E" may have hit a fence post and then been repaired with a ball pein hammer.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps25cb3a1d.jpg

So there you go...... more thinking to be done.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

So now you have 3 grilles.
The white one, looks pristene in form... my guess this is going to be your target for mounting after modifications.

The chrome one you got with it totally looks salvageable; I would consider tinkering with it until it is straight, and reselling it. I do not imagine it would be hard to sell where you are, for enough to recoupe your expenditures at this point...

Your original that is currently on your truck is what I would use for experimentation. If you think this is going to be a time consuming effort, then I would rattle can the white one, and swap it out on the truck.

So there are some of the thoughts you asked for...hope it helps ya !!

I cannot wait to see how much better your grille comes out than mine, I hope you totally rock it :metal:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

With the inspiration you guys on here bring to my build, I am hoping I can deliver Michael.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Just to add to the block work entries.....

Robbie is what Nicola called him.

But his name is actually Zibbi, no idea why.

Been tossing this idea around in my head since making the Celtic Cross.

Today, after helping a mate move some gym equipment (two trips) I came home, and got going with it as Nicola was out shopping.

First up, I drew up a rough robot to get placement and size on the block.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps1c346e10.jpg

Started by cutting away the excess.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbe1262b0.jpg

Hand held blade works a treat to get into tight spots.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psbed5e7fd.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psd2501da3.jpg

Arms made thinner.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps26684abf.jpg

About four hours later my wife thinks I am a hero.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps1f744bd3.jpg

And in my opinion ...... enough of a reason to spend more than 4 hours in the garage sucking dust.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7cfe9ae0.jpg

Ohhhh, and she still does not have the Celtic Cross.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

and I thought those blocks would be useful in building something like a foundation...:haha:

Great work Mate!!!
We want pics of Nicola when she gets the Cross!;)

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Parcel of patch panels arrived today.

Thanks Don for helping out to get them here.

Will unpack tomorrow evening.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

:metal:

You are more than Welcome, Glad to be of assistance...:mm:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Well, sometimes the smallest victories are the sweetest.

I have been looking for a large truck brake drum or wheel rim to use as a base to a mobile vice stand, like Kiwi Kev on Garage Journal made.

Went in to a haulage company this week to ask about one (no success) but then saw their neighbour was a large engineering shop. So rang the number from my mobile while outside as no one responded to me ringing the gate bell, and had someone come open up.... he could not help, but I had my eyeballs in their skip and saw a lump of steel which I asked for..... he said, yes take it.

So now I have that little piece of steel you sometimes need to hammer a bit of metal straight on.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psf6921798.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

That robot is just too cool!! I have a few chunks of metal like that, they sure do come in handy for a lot of things including just holding stuff in place.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Thanks Mark.

She was really impressed and pleased with it, so I am looking forward to her reaction to the cross when she gets it.

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Well, got me a parcel in the post this week from America.....Thanks Ta2Don.

Postage alone was $97.80 which included the $17.10 cost from Top Banana to Donz place in Arkansas.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psfc0fa9c1.jpg

So what was in the box were two inner fender supports as mine is rotten, a pair of fender repair panels and for Martin a paid of cab corners for his build.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psf602bfad.jpg


Had to do a quick test fit with the welding magnets....

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psf3c44737.jpg

Expecting Martin here later to collect these.....

The cup was a £1.00 charity shop find by Nicola for his work van, as customers pee him off regularly. It is a rather LARGE but exactly what you need on a job out there.....

Just to put this in perspective, the two panels Martin ordered cost him £51.00 or $85.00 landed. Panels themselves were $13.00 each.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps67adfac0.jpg

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Glad they arrived sans damage…:mm:

Time for disassembly, cutting, Welding, Grinding etc...:metal::metal::metal:

Re: Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside BILLYBOB
 

Well, it is winter, and we have had the wettest January since 1909 when records were begun.

Today Nicola and I decided to take the truck out for a decent run as we both have a bit of cabin fever, and deliver mate Martin the latest copy of Classic American (we subscribe to different mags and swop after reading them)

So we made a few stops at Chatham Dockyard where we were chased away by security........

Then off to the yacht basin to get a few pics.

I have been looking for a decent photo of the truck to enlarge to about 1200mm X 1500mm for my study, to replace the Super Hero wall I have there at the moment.

Not sure if any of the pics I ended up keeping really make the grade. I may have to look for a better setting at some point.

So please give your opinions too.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psf92ef065.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps1289b5be.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psacf71f36.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4a5766af.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7182816b.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps53dabf12.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3c6d6c98.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psebdc95c7.jpg

So there went another weekend.

Frustrating PotatoBucket !!!

Turns pics about.

No idea how to overide it, tried rotating in files.

Last try

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3035a872.jpg