1958 Pontiac Wagon Build

[raggedjim]

Nice work! I have started on the cab of my truck, I'm not doing as well as you are!

Rg

[Tempest67]

Well, the quarter panel is on.

I finished off the inner wheel well and 'truck drop off' area, and welded the quarter on. There was also a piece at the front and rear that needed a small patch.

The weld seam will be under the quarter molding, so it will not be seen.

Overall, I am pleased with with my first home made exterior patch panel.

Time to move on to the next rusted area.

[Tempest67]

I removed the windshield and NO rust in the window channel.

The rear Passenger side window is solid, but the Driver's side rear needs work.

2 out of 3 ain't bad

[Tempest67]

Hey Guys

Started working on the tail gate.

The outer panel only needed a small patch, but the inner panel was gone.


....onward and upward

[dsraven]

Getting serious now.
Good work

[Tempest67]

Thanks, a lot of pieces to make this one.

[HO455]

Great work! I have a question if you don't mind.

I can't tell from the photos as to what you did with the factory folded edge on the bottom. Did you have to cut it off or somehow unfold it and re-crimp it back down?
Thanks in advance.

[Tempest67]

Yes, I unfolded it and crimped it back down (hammer and dolly)

1 corner, where the patch was, the metal was rotted, so I made a new piece and welded on a new 'folded' piece, you can see the edge piece hanging there in the first pic

After I epoxy prime it, a little filler will hide the welding imperfections, I hope

[HO455]

Thanks. I have this fantasy that someday I will replace the rusted metal in my spare hatch for my Burban. And after some paint I would have a nice rust free hatch.

[Tempest67]

welded in another patch along the lower edge of the tail gate opening and a little one in the corner. Then put rear wheel on and lowered onto hoist to see new quarter patch.

[Tempest67]

Time for an update.

I turned the car around (I can only work on 1 side at a time) and started on making the rear 1/4 patch for the driver's side.

I used the same paper template I made for the passenger side, bought some metal, and the pics tell the story. It is not welded in yet as I have a lot of inner wheel well work to do, but it's getting there.

note, that cheap little English wheel did OK.


onward and upward....

[Tempest67]

Driver's side rear quarter update

you can see in pic 2 the piece I removed after the 'Cut 'n Butt'


more welding and grinding to do, but coming along

[Tempest67]

Hi guys

Well, work has slowed down due to other summer activities, but I was able to finish up the driver side rear window channel, and finish up the quarter and put the wheel back on. Inner wheel well finishing up will be done when the body is off the frame.

Enjoy the summer

[Tempest67]

started working on the tail light area with another 2 patches

[scottofksu]

GORGEOUS work! Thanks for sharing!

[Tempest67]

Had a busy weekend with family stuff, but was able to do another small patch on the firewall, and more grinding needed beside that patch, but it will be easier to get at when the body is lifted

[Tempest67]

I finally found a pair of tail lights for the wagon (sedan and coupe tail lights are different) from Desert Valley Auto Parts in Arizona. (DVAP)

This is the first time I have dealt with them and all went well. They sent pics, gave a description, and even called me to discuss the pics. The tail lights were not cheap, but they are in decent condition and could be used 'as is' on a "driver".

pic shows the tail lights, after a quick polish, and the difference in size beside a coupe/sedan bezel



onward and upward,

[Tempest67]

I am back at it.

I am working on finishing up the firewall and the heater delete plate I made earlier was bugging me. (too big and looked home made...whatever it was I was not happy)

So, I filled in the semi-circle hole on the upper part, welded in some new metal aorund the square hole, and made a new plate to cover the hole. I thought of welding in the plate, but decided to go with the 8 bolts instead. I also welded up a bunch of holes that I don't want.

I am planning on a Vintage Air kit and am not sure how/where it will attach to the firewall, but I hope this will work.

[HO455]

Your firewall is looking good!
I just noticed the frame is fully boxed. Is it boxed full length? Does it have an large X-menber like later cars?

[Tempest67]

All 1958 to 1964 GM fullsized cars had the X frame with the drive shaft going through the middle with a hanger bearing

It makes things a little different, and routing the exhaust will be awkward.

[Tempest67]

still plodding away at rust, this time the drivers door


onward and upward

[Tempest67]

Hi Guys

Working on getting front bucket seats and console mounted before I paint the floor.

I welded some feet to the seat bases, and here they are propped in the car. Now I need to make some floor braces.

progress continues, ..........slowly

[3drburb]

Very impressive work!! Love it.

[Tempest67]

Thanks burb,

Custom work takes time, and I am trying to make it look like a period correct option. (does that make sense?)

as they say, it's your car, do it your way

[3drburb]

Originally Posted by Tempest67

Thanks burb,

Custom work takes time, and I am trying to make it look like a period correct option. (does that make sense?)

as they say, it's your car, do it your way

It make sense to me, but I am still amazed of the metal work on some of the repair, and like the use of the newer Pontiac parts.

As for doing it your way I totally get it as I have deeply cut and modded my 64 Olds Cutlass that I have owned for about 20 years, and the only time I got nervous was cutting into my spare hood to add the 66 Pontiac GTO hood scoop.