Project Vitamin C-10

[Alan's Classic]

Started to work the Lt bed panel. First I worked on shaving the chain area and the rear stake pocket.



I left this piece a little long and once I welded it I trimmed to fit.



Alll done with chain area and rear stake pocket



Moved on up the bedside to another problem. I tried heat to straighten this out with no luck.





I put it on the vise and beat it back into submission and welded what was left of the hole. This is where it is now. Got pulled away.

[Alan's Classic]

Here is a link to the thread in photoshop.

[Captainfab]

I'm really happy to see you fill in that little notch.




I think every rear of a truck I've seen that has been 'shaved' this little detail has not been done, and it bugs the crap outta me. This is just another example of the fine detail that sets you above most of the guys Alan

[jonzcustomshop]

I like the "chevrolet" logo on the 2002-2006 avalanche tailgates.. I always wanted to put it on a project... however I found out that those tailgates are plastic...
is there a way to bond that logo to a smooth metal gate?
that would be my suggestion!

[65Custom]

I'm with captianfab
I agree that notch should be filled by all with out chains, it is just another detail that many over look, but Alan's Keen eye for detail is at it again and definitely will be apparent when in shows.

Tailgate script or no script

I prefer the original script tailgates, this is my opinion. I don't like the script on the Mar-K tailgates, it is different from original and reversed from original and does not suite me, I like the latch system and wish they would make us a kit to adapt to the original tailgates and as for the links to hold the tail gate those are Ok too in keeping with the original equipment later models or the newer cables are cool too,

So Alan in your case I'm voting for the non script and then you can letter it or do what ever design on the tailgate you wish, but what ever you do it will be detailed and cool we are all waiting to see what you do and then drool.

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I'm really happy to see you fill in that little notch.

I think every rear of a truck I've seen that has been 'shaved' this little detail has not been done, and it bugs the crap outta me. This is just another example of the fine detail that sets you above most of the guys Alan

Thanks Capt. I hope I'm happy on the final product. There will always be something that one wish they did different. Right now I'm wishing I put frame notches in and bored and sleeved the trailing arm crossmember for exhaust.

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

I like the "chevrolet" logo on the 2002-2006 avalanche tailgates.. I always wanted to put it on a project... however I found out that those tailgates are plastic...
is there a way to bond that logo to a smooth metal gate?
that would be my suggestion!

One could probably use 8115 panel bond from 3m. It's amazing stuff. We use it to bond 1/4 panels on in some areas.

Originally Posted by 65Custom

I'm with captianfab
I agree that notch should be filled by all with out chains, it is just another detail that many over look, but Alan's Keen eye for detail is at it again and definitely will be apparent when in shows.

Tailgate script or no script

I prefer the original script tailgates, this is my opinion. I don't like the script on the Mar-K tailgates, it is different from original and reversed from original and does not suite me, I like the latch system and wish they would make us a kit to adapt to the original tailgates and as for the links to hold the tail gate those are Ok too in keeping with the original equipment later models or the newer cables are cool too,

So Alan in your case I'm voting for the non script and then you can letter it or do what ever design on the tailgate you wish, but what ever you do it will be detailed and cool we are all waiting to see what you do and then drool.

Thanks Kevin!!

I use these pull pins to handle the panel until it is ready to weld then use tape to hold it where I want it til it is tacked.



Since I removed the stake pocket I needed a reinforcement to brace it up.



Getting ready to wipe.



This is all I can wipe at one time due to the heat (97 in the shop). Due to the heat I have to reduce the hardener that is used, in turn the crust stays sticky longer. It kicks really fast but due to the sticky crust it gums up the sand paper. Sometimes I can wipe the sticky stuff off with a laquer rag if I can't wait. It's still drying now. I should be able to sand pretty soon when it is fully cured without using thinner.



First wipe



Nine wipes later. It took almost an hour just to wipe it. I couldn't take my time like I usually would. I just had to get it on as quick as possible.

[tonypaul]

What product are you using on your wipes?
Thanks!

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by tonypaul

What product are you using on your wipes?
Thanks!

I love this stuff, but it's about $40/gallon.

I knocked the crust off with 36 grit on an assortment of air tools. I don't like blocking so I do as much with air tools as possible.





Then I went over it with a long block with 80 grit. Still have a few low spots that need attention.

[jonzcustomshop]

I like that you are showing this part...
most of the time you see a bare metal shot, and then a shot of finished with paint..
I think that alot of people don't realize that to get any vehicle super straight like the 6 figure show cars, there will be a skim coat of some sort of filler over the whole vehicle...might only be a millimeter thick, but it will be there.

[ruffrida2005]

Originally Posted by bubba327

Useless Trivia of the day Alan . Pigs have no sweat glands and do not perspire, and can overheat , They love water misters and MUD. (As my girls learned in a 4-H /FFA swine project this summer.)
As for the humidity. I was in Washington DC this July during the 100* days & it was miserable. I never have been in the humid heat before made me sick and dehydrated.
Idaho has 100 degrees heat but desert humidity and is manageable to work in.

You want to know about Heat. I was in Kuwait in Aug of 03, it was 160* + and were right at the sea, in a metal building building wheels. We had a swamp cooler that did no good.

I like the stand Alan.

[scotts62]

Yeah the heat makes you move a lot faster especially when it your money going into the materials that dry fast

Is that a Hutchins line sander? You like it? I have heard good and bad about them but i guess its all in how you take care of them..

[my67chevytruck]

nice progress!

[MacAttack]

As usual, beautiful work - Alan.

[tonypaul]

Originally Posted by Alan's Classic

I love this stuff, but it's about $40/gallon.

I knocked the crust off with 36 grit on an assortment of air tools. I don't like blocking so I do as much with air tools as possible.





Then I went over it with a long block with 80 grit. Still have a few low spots that need attention.

Thanks! I gonna try it out, I have never used the xtreme, I have only used the gold.... Thanks again, keep up the great work!

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

I like that you are showing this part...
most of the time you see a bare metal shot, and then a shot of finished with paint..
I think that alot of people don't realize that to get any vehicle super straight like the 6 figure show cars, there will be a skim coat of some sort of filler over the whole vehicle...might only be a millimeter thick, but it will be there.

I noticed that as well when I signed up over 3 years ago. I wanted to show all stages of body work. Like you said most don't know how much prep work goes into a slick paint job.

Originally Posted by ruffrida2005

You want to know about Heat. I was in Kuwait in Aug of 03, it was 160* + and were right at the sea, in a metal building building wheels. We had a swamp cooler that did no good.

I like the stand Alan.

That's hot!! BTW thanks!!

Originally Posted by scotts62

Is that a Hutchins line sander? You like it? I have heard good and bad about them but i guess its all in how you take care of them..

I used a straight line sander for a while and didn't like it. I bought this one used after borrowing a coworkers hutch air file. I love it it's basically a DA file board, because it orbits unlike the straight line ones. My first pic is the 8" mud hog.

Originally Posted by my67chevytruck

nice progress!

Originally Posted by MacAttack

As usual, beautiful work - Alan.

Originally Posted by tonypaul

Thanks! I gonna try it out, I have never used the xtreme, I have only used the gold.... Thanks again, keep up the great work!

I use to use the gold, but that was 5-6 years ago. Rage extreme is basically in between gold and Metal glaze #416 as far as consistancy goes.

Went out tonight did more sanding and filled some low spots. I'll knock it down tomorrow.

KMACD71 did this in Photo shop for me. He took the letters off the T/G. He said doing a color change can't be done. I'm trying to find out what is needed to see my vision. Maybe I can do a search for a Hugger orange truck and just have the PS guys do some changes. That should be OK don't you think?

[likaroc13]

hey Alan, i have this pic if it helps any...not hugger orange, but maybe a photoshopper can work with it

[4dranch]

Alan,
I ran across this today.

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by likaroc13

hey Alan, i have this pic if it helps any...not hugger orange, but maybe a photoshopper can work with it

Originally Posted by 4dranch

Alan,
I ran across this today.

Thanks guys. I posted the pics on the PS thread.

I also did some searching. I haven't found an orange one yet with the view I am looking for. I did find TR65's truck with the perfect angles. Thanks TR for letting me use pics of your awesome truck. I just hope the PS guys can work with the color. They mentioned dark colors and white are hard to work with. I don't believe it is white but a light gray.

[Alan's Classic]

Had a little shop time today. Blocked on the bedside with 80 with air tools then blocked it by hand with a long board. Around the wheel arch needs more attention as well as a couple more areas. I sprayed guide coat to see where I have been, plus to check his/lows.



Here's a neat trick for those hard to reach areas when spreading filler. I use an acid brush.



I tried another video of how to block into a curve, but I'm not happy with it(my performance). It could have been better arranged and thought out. Maybe I wouldn't stumble as much. I'm having problems getting the video link working like I want it too. I'm doing what I normally do but the video box doesn't show in the message.

[shortbed70]

Man alan I wish you and me were closer I would bring my bed to you after I get the metal work done to smear it. I hate that part. Progress looks good.

[my67chevytruck]

nice progress Alan!

[structures]

alan thanks for the tip. I'm looking forward to that video!

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by shortbed70

Man alan I wish you and me were closer I would bring my bed to you after I get the metal work done to smear it. I hate that part. Progress looks good.

I here ya. Since it is cooling off a little (10 degrees) it makes it a little easier to get more done.

Originally Posted by my67chevytruck

nice progress Alan!

Originally Posted by structures

alan thanks for the tip. I'm looking forward to that video!

I hope to get it remade soon.

Somedays we all have bad days in what we do best. I couldn't get the filler like I wanted so I had to rewipe the bottom section.

[ruffrida2005]

Alan if you want I'll just bring you my cab and bed, and you can make a video. I'll be the cam guy and will sell it for $20 a pop.

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by ruffrida2005

Alan if you want I'll just bring you my cab and bed, and you can make a video. I'll be the cam guy and will sell it for $20 a pop.

Might as well bring a framing crew to build another bay. I think the walls are buldging now.

I need to make this statement. I know that there are several people that follow this build. There are a couple products that I use and have recommended. Slick Sand being one of them. While I feel comfortable using it, it might not be the right thing for others. In a nut shell read the label and talk to paint reps and make an educated decision on what is best for you.

Now that is over on with the build.

The left bedside is getting closer. I installed the fuel door to see how it looks.





This a great seat for working the bed, it's almost at the perfect height.