Project: Bad Bagged '68.5

[mcbassin]

It's much easier to tig than I thought and it's damn fun! So far, I've only worked on mild steel. I want to get the hang of that before graduating to stainless or aluminum. I've mostly worked on 1/8 material. Thinner stuff is definitely harder and will take some practice.

Believe it or not, I've found it's easier to weld stainless and aluminum. Mild steel is very difficult to keep clean. I have experienced much more porosity with mild steel. If you have nice clean steel, it's better. Your welds look really good. Looks like you're ready to move on to Stainless and Aluminum any time to me.

Does that unit have a high frequency start? I didn't see a pedal or does it have the controls on torch?

I didn't see a foot control box either. I wondered how you were controlling current?

[jlaird]

Originally Posted by 68 Four on the Floor

Does that unit have a high frequency start? I didn't see a pedal or does it have the controls on torch?

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Believe it or not, I've found it's easier to weld stainless and aluminum. Mild steel is very difficult to keep clean. I have experienced much more porosity with mild steel. If you have nice clean steel, it's better. Your welds look really good. Looks like you're ready to move on to Stainless and Aluminum any time to me.


I didn't see a foot control box either. I wondered how you were controlling current?

Yup, its got a foot control, just not in the pictures.

[79azc10]

Trucks looks great , its definitely going to be a dime when done

[jlaird]

It's been a while since I've updated my build thread and just wanted to tell you why. All my free time has been dedicated to creating a line of parts for our trucks. This is something that I have been thinking about for a LONG time. Take a look at my post about the first part here.

Let me know what you guys think about the mirror housings. If you want a little more info, check out my site. I have some more pictures there.

I hope to get back on the truck very soon. I need to finish that bed! I have some cool ideas for it that can't wait to show.

If you have any questions on anything, I'm happy to help.

[mcbassin]

The mirror housing looks pretty cool. Hope to see you have some good success with your endeavor.

[jlaird]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

The mirror housing looks pretty cool. Hope to see you have some good success with your endeavor.

Thanks man, I really appreciate that.

[808_67C10]

Sign me up... Just saw ur post in the artistic thread and had to check out your site... Totally relate to your bio and vision bro!

[knomadd]

Wow, I must say you do some impressive work. I just came across your thread from another build I've been following. I love the welding cart, especially the filler rod holder. Very nice! And I must agree with some of the guys, thanks for sharing your opinion/experience with the TIG welder. I've been skeptical about stepping into that type of welding. From what I've read on your thread, I might start looking at a TIG welder as my next big tool purchase.

Your mirrors look fantastic by the way! And I'll be following along on your build. I'm looking forward to some updates. Keep up the good work!

[jlaird]

Originally Posted by 808_67C10

Sign me up... Just saw ur post in the artistic thread and had to check out your site... Totally relate to your bio and vision bro!

You mean somebody actually read that bio? Haha, thanks. That means a lot.

Originally Posted by knomadd

Wow, I must say you do some impressive work. I just came across your thread from another build I've been following. I love the welding cart, especially the filler rod holder. Very nice! And I must agree with some of the guys, thanks for sharing your opinion/experience with the TIG welder. I've been skeptical about stepping into that type of welding. From what I've read on your thread, I might start looking at a TIG welder as my next big tool purchase.

Your mirrors look fantastic by the way! And I'll be following along on your build. I'm looking forward to some updates. Keep up the good work!

Cool, glad to help another person with the TIG post. I need to fire that thing up again asap! Thanks for the encouragement.

[jlaird]

Got some time to work on the truck this past weekend. First I made mounting tabs for the wheel tubs. I relocated all the mounting holes on the tubs so there would be now clearance issues. That was a hoot. Thank God Harbor Frieght had a square file!





Then I put these four corner braces in.

[808_67C10]

I like what you did with the rear tubs. I am trying so hard not to raise my bed floor but yours looks awesome so far... giving me great ideas.

[jlaird]

I've got a couple more tricks up my sleeve for that bed!

[joey8383]

Beautiful work! Love this project

[mcbassin]

Very nice work as always.

[jlaird]

Not huge progress, but got my rear bumper brackets welded.



MIG welded these.

[Bennett68C10]

Nice fab work on the rear brackets

[greystoke]

getting really good at your welding

[jlaird]

Originally Posted by greystoke

getting really good at your welding

Yeah, I figured out out to make MIG look like TIG (which is a huge controversy and there are MONSTER discussions on it around the web)

I've been meaning to share my technique with you guys. I'll try to do that soon.

[knomadd]

That would be awesome, please do share when you can.

[tonythezeek]

Indeed! Always ready to learn!

[jlaird]

Originally Posted by knomadd

That would be awesome, please do share when you can.

Originally Posted by tonythezeek

Indeed! Always ready to learn!

Just posted this write-up on some MIG Welding techniques.

[taylor.]

Awesome work! Subscribed.

[jlaird]

My poor build thread back from the ashes! I've really got to carve out some time for her. This is getting crazy! Lol

[mcbassin]

Killer work on the bumper brackets!

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by jlaird

Speaking of Porterbuilt, I owe the following rear wheel tub mod how-to to him. Thanks for posting those pics in the Old Aux thread Nate!

Marked out the 3.25 inches I had to remove:




First Cut


Second Cut


Ready to tack. Notice the one relief cut required.

Thanks for the right up on the tubs. What did you use to lay out the lines on the angled part of the tubs? I'm having a hard time trying to get them right. I'm going to try an laser level this evening to see if that helps. Keep up the good work.