Previous owner '68

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by Roostre

My day job is for an agricultural equipment manufacturer. We have several suppliers that provide parts with e-coat. We always paint the parts even if they are meant to be black on the finished product, and I was told that it is because the e-coat does not hold up well to UV exposure. So my intention is to topcoat any e-coat parts that are exposed to the elements. Example: My outer roof skin was e-coated and I painted the top of it, but did not paint the bottom of it because it is sealed within the roof.

It's easy insurance. I think I do it because I used to see rusty aftermarket fenders people had put on and not painted. Not sure if they were e-coat but I ain't taking no chances!

[68 C10 Driver]

Looks like you are doing everything I did to my cab. It was a lot of work! But cleaning the underside was very satisfying!

[68 C10 Driver]

Here is how the under dash cowl area turned out.

[CG]

Wow, looks great. Its really coming together!

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by 68 C10 Driver

Here is how the under dash cowl area turned out.

Your's looks a good deal better than mine! Nice work. As long as mine doesn't leak I'll be happy!

[raggedjim]

Finally got the windshield area good enough to go ahead and flip the cab. It's close enough that I can finish it working overhead.

[raggedjim]

Then I started working on the firewall trying to straighten it a bit. These things have more dimples than the bearded lady but I like to get them as smooth as I can. No secret methods that I use, just a buttload of bondo and tons of sanding.

Still a long way to go before it's ready for paint. I'm thinking I'll paint the firewall and then get the cab mounted to the frame to finish the rest of the bodywork on the cab.

Do you guys do it this way or would you finish the cab while it's not on the frame?

[clay68c10]

Nice work man!
I would finish it off the truck unless you’re pinched for space.

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by clay68c10

Nice work man!
I would finish it off the truck unless you’re pinched for space.

Thanks! That's what I've decided to do, it makes it easier to get access to some areas.

[loudchevy]

I did all my bodywork and paint on the cab dolly. Not sure that is the correct way to do it, but like you mentioned it gives way more access and space to get to everything.

[Roostre]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

Then I started working on the firewall trying to straighten it a bit. These things have more dimples than the bearded lady but I like to get them as smooth as I can. No secret methods that I use, just a buttload of bondo and tons of sanding.

Still a long way to go before it's ready for paint. I'm thinking I'll paint the firewall and then get the cab mounted to the frame to finish the rest of the bodywork on the cab.

Do you guys do it this way or would you finish the cab while it's not on the frame?

Looking good. My plan for my cab is to paint the bottom, inside, and back of the cab then put it back on the frame to paint the entire outside in one shot. I'm certainly not an expert, but that seems like the best way to get everything to look the same.

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by Roostre

Looking good. My plan for my cab is to paint the bottom, inside, and back of the cab then put it back on the frame to paint the entire outside in one shot. I'm certainly not an expert, but that seems like the best way to get everything to look the same.

Well, I thought about doing exactly that, mostly because I know I'm like a bull in a china shop at times. I can see me painting everything separately and then scratching the Hades out of every panel trying to assemble them.

I ain't got 6 friends and a film crew to help me do this... So I reserve the right to change my mind on how it's going to go.

[Roostre]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

Well, I thought about doing exactly that, mostly because I know I'm like a bull in a china shop at times. I can see me painting everything separately and then scratching the Hades out of every panel trying to assemble them.

I ain't got 6 friends and a film crew to help me do this... So I reserve the right to change my mind on how it's going to go.

That is another reason I'm going to paint it all together. I typically work late at night and by myself, so scratching panels is a real concern. I'll paint the stuff I can't reach while it is together first, so it won't be seen when together.

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by Roostre

That is another reason I'm going to paint it all together. I typically work late at night and by myself, so scratching panels is a real concern. I'll paint the stuff I can't reach while it is together first, so it won't be seen when together.

I feel ya brother.

I have been working on the firewall, mostly spreading bondo and then sanding it all off. Sprayed it with a coat of primer (we all know primer hides a multitude of ills) and took a pic. At this blistering pace I should finish the work on the cab by November...









2031.

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

Well, I thought about doing exactly that, mostly because I know I'm like a bull in a china shop at times. I can see me painting everything separately and then scratching the Hades out of every panel trying to assemble them.

I ain't got 6 friends and a film crew to help me do this... So I reserve the right to change my mind on how it's going to go.

LMAO Im going down that same path and all my friends and film crew will help me to get there ...crazy.... I plan on putting it all together in driving mode and then disassemble paint and reassemble......no overspray on frame and its components .....im cancelling the appointment to have my head examined
GREAT PROGRESS Roger

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by zicc1835

LMAO Im going down that same path and all my friends and film crew will help me to get there ...crazy.... I plan on putting it all together in driving mode and then disassemble paint and reassemble......no overspray on frame and its components .....im cancelling the appointment to have my head examined
GREAT PROGRESS Roger

Both ways have their own pros and cons. It's really just the doors I worry about, I THINK I can mount the bed and fenders without destroying anything.

Truth is, I have plenty of time to think about it!

[7dee2]

I almost always build out the interior (including wiring) with the doors off (installed later without glass, lighter weight) these days. Usually have the motor running, tuned, leaks addressed, etc. Then the doors and finally the front clip last. There is plenty of room to work, and the detail will be better when finished. I also enlist help (2-man jobs) to hang all the painted sheet metal using lots of painters' tape. That's just my 2 cents.

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by 7dee2

I almost always build out the interior (including wiring) with the doors off (installed later without glass, lighter weight) these days. Usually have the motor running, tuned, leaks addressed, etc. Then the doors and finally the front clip last. There is plenty of room to work, and the detail will be better when finished. I also enlist help (2-man jobs) to hang all the painted sheet metal using lots of painters' tape. That's just my 2 cents.

That's a good point. Having to deal with the doors while getting in and out would be a hassle and more chance to scratch and dent.

[68Gold/white]

Hey,
You O.K.?
Just checking.
Jeff

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

Hey,
You O.K.?
Just checking.
Jeff

wondering TOO!

[raggedjim]

Thanks for checking on me guys. I've been working on a side project and haven't touched the truck in a while. I expect to be posting again in about 2 weeks if all goes well.

[HO455]

I finally finished reading your thread (Complicated by my constantly having to prove I'm a human ). It's great work you've been doing. I've picked up some good tips too but I'm wondering where do you get piano wood? I've never seen it at the home centers.

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by HO455

I finally finished reading your thread (Complicated by my constantly having to prove I'm a human ). It's great work you've been doing. I've picked up some good tips too but I'm wondering where do you get piano wood? I've never seen it at the home centers.

From a piano...

I've torn down a couple of pianos to re-purpose them over the years.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

Then I started working on the firewall trying to straighten it a bit....Do you guys do it this way or would you finish the cab while it's not on the frame?

You are doing the cab the same way I am, while it is off the frame. To me it makes it easier if I have to get back under the cab like I did to install Adel clamps for power cable going back an inverter I installed. I am trying to get my frame cleaned up and back together now. Seems like you started with the frame and power train first, where I started with my cab.

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by 68 C10 Driver

You are doing the cab the same way I am, while it is off the frame. To me it makes it easier if I have to get back under the cab like I did to install Adel clamps for power cable going back an inverter I installed. I am trying to get my frame cleaned up and back together now. Seems like you started with the frame and power train first, where I started with my cab.

There's a lot of similarities in our builds, we have similar taste and almost started out with the same truck! I'm glad you started with the cab, I've been using it as reference for my cab!

I only started with the frame/drivetrain because I hate bodywork! The cab I'm using shoulda been scrapped...