So you want patina.....

[ebfabman]

You want to build an original looking truck with an aged look to it. No expensive paint and body. A trucks finish is only original until someone starts sanding and priming it. Then is gone. Never original again. You're building a custom sleeper with state of the art aftermarket suspension. And maybe an interior that has a few creature comforts and a really cool set of wheels. Its a Chevy so it will naturally have a reliable drive train. You want a medium blue but can only find that blue with the aged look you're after in a long bed and you're building a short wheelbase fleetside truck. The challenge. Cut down the long bed bedsides to short bed bedsides and do it without bondo or primer. Keep as much of the original finish as possible. Maybe just a dusting of color over the welded joints so its not eye grabbing obvious. Let's see what we can do.

[ebfabman]

These are for veteran truck builder ATP so it should turn out nice. Can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve on this build!

[Dirt's72]

Now thats talent. Very nice!

[68bowtie]

that's amazing

[65standard]

That came out great. Very nice work.

[jessemthompson]

That came out really nice. Great job

[sourkraut]

looks good

[D-rock1981]

Nice work

[tommys72]

Looks real good

[Boog]

That's some fine cuttin and stichin right there. I am enjoying seeing what methods all you guys come up with for shortening these bedsides. Talent and patience. I love it. Thanks for sharing.

[3drburb]

That is freaking awesome! I thought it was trickery at first, until I looked really good.

[swamp rat]

Your using ESAB Easygrind .023 correct? could you please tell me the heat and feed setting your using and the diameter of the individual spot welds please. Send a PM if you wish, Thanks.

[rustylew]

Can you give us a peek at how you did the front!!!

[ebfabman]

Yes easygrind .023 I like to bounce around on the heat. Fast wire feed because its thin wire and soft. I like to hit each weld hot and fast so penetration will be good and keep the haz to a minimum. As far as diameter, 1/8th ish. These pics may help.

[ebfabman]

Those are mig welds on some nasty scrap.

[swamp rat]

Originally Posted by ebfabman

Those are mig welds on some nasty scrap.

But on the body work you are using spot welds right, the picks look like your laying a regular weld. Thanks for the reply.

[ebfabman]

Both the same, just a little slower on the bedside to help control the heat.

[ebfabman]

Originally Posted by rustylew

Can you give us a peek at how you did the front!!!

I'll show the front Monday. That's the easy part. It's just 12 inches from the leading edge. I need to get some color that is closer because the blues I have in the shop need a bit of green in them. When the color is closer and its out in the weather a while, should start to look real good.

[lolife99]

ebfabman,... have you seen this thread?
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=667694

Totally different approach to shortening a 67-72 bed.
I'm sure you could pull this method off also, with your welding skills.

[ebfabman]

Originally Posted by lolife99

ebfabman,... have you seen this thread?
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=667694

Totally different approach to shortening a 67-72 bed.
I'm sure you could pull this method off also, with your welding skills.

That came out nice. I like how he did the marker lamps and the sheetmetal work is very nice. I like to cut the frames in front of the crossmember but that's me. Good job.