47-55.1 My 54

[8man]

In the "Wife's 48" thread, I started on a 54 when I thought the 48 was going to a friend. When his health kept him from taking the project, I got back on it, but I had started the 54. So, the start of this truck in in http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...87#post9150387 page 94 the two are mingled together from there. I could repost pictures if it makes the build more cohesive. Let me know.

Well, MD2020 got me all inspired to try something out of my skill set - fabricating a part. I have a dash that was cut up by a PO, so I tried to rebuild it to hold two ac vents and a double din stereo, someday. I thought about plastic under dash vent holders, but just didn't like the idea. So, MD got me thinking. Go see his work for how it's done. Look at my work if you don't mind chuckling a little.

First, I started with the front bed panel from a junk bed.
IMG_1173 (1) by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

Now I'll give you your first chuckle, I didn't realize it was at least 16-gauge metal. Talk about hard to bend!

So here are some of the hammers and dollies I had to use.
IMG_1183 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

I used the 4 lb hammer the most. It is still really hard to make it do anything.

The first thing I did was use the bed roll at the top and I cut the spot welds out and it sprung open just a little.
IMG_1176 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

So, I strapped it down, and used that 4 lb hammer and bent a lip over so it will be stiffer length wise, and I won't cut my hand when I reach under the dash for something.
IMG_1175 (1) by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

Then I cut a strip and bent a lip on it to use for the top part that bolts to the underside of the dash. I then used a couple of clamps and clamped it to the dash I bought for use just in case this doesn't all work out.
IMG_1179 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

After a day of welding and grinding, here is what I have.
IMG_1185 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
And the scallps on the end to mimic the dash.
IMG_1184 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

That's it for today.