Project "My Happy Mess"

[litew8]

Bedsides getting some primer tonight.

[litew8]

Ran out of paint after finishing these. Didn't get the bottoms
covered entirely. That's fine, I'll shoot some rubberized undercoating on them later.












We're calling this a factory look.



Houston, we have a problem. Went to take this bolt off from previously being
temporarily installed and the nut was fused to the bolt somehow and wouldn't
turn loose. It ended up spinning, screwing up the cutout and then the bolt
snapped (while being held) after getting hot enough from all the friction.
Nicked the paint up a little, but should be fine.

[Molberg]

Wow...real nice. Was that perhaps a stainless bolt? They love to gall up. Use lots of them in my industry.

[litew8]

Thanks man and yes they are ss. What a pita.

[litew8]

Drilled holes and bolted down driver's side.
Pass. side tomorrow and tailgate.

[litew8]

The money shot

[litew8]

What a journey. They're a little smaller, but here are some pics...

[litew8]

Thanks Johnathan! My 4 favorites of these trucks:

1) Tailgate
2) Front/hood curves
3) Roundness of cab top
4) Rear wheel tubs


Here are some better pics from outside.
Still needs clear sanded and polished.

[litew8]

Hit the bedsides today. Tailgate tomorrow.
We may only hit the tubs on the inside and leave the rest.
Look at the funny picture of my brother in the reflection haha

[Molberg]

You're gonna flip when a bird craps on it! (Pot callin kettle black here..). Looks sweet brother

[litew8]

First payload



Bumper + lights

[Molberg]

Originally Posted by litew8

First payload



Bumper + lights

Awesome!!.....
I had freshly painted my '49 when "someone" threw a 2x4 in the back... It bounced and spiked off the back of the cab. First dent about a week in. Ugh... "It's no that bad. Can't even see it". Aaaaaaaaaagh!!!

[litew8]

Duct tape and a shop rag = no scratches

[litew8]

[Molberg]

Originally Posted by litew8

Ummmm.... What ya got there litew8?

[litew8]

Not mine (wish it were). I think it's a 1957 Oldsmobile 88 convertible.
My brother's next project. I don't know what he's doing to it.
Maybe he'll (budmoore) chime in.

[litew8]

My bro got the upper trim installed.

[litew8]

[litew8]

I think I'll just keep/use the original mirrors.
They need a little cleaning. Do you think steel wool will clean them up?
From what I think I've read, these originals were triple plated.

[litew8]

Spent some time yesterday cleaning up the side mirrors.
I only used NevrDull and they brightened up some.
There's pitting on the underside of the elbow that isn't too visible.
Good enough for a driver. Still need some attention.
I'll probably replace the steel/nylon washers too.


















8' tall tomato plant

[litew8]

Downy Woodpecker




Autumn has arrived




Wax on






Wax off






Last but not least, a shot of the tailgate handle.

[litew8]

This may be an overkill of pictures, but who really cares?
I'm no photographer, so I'm not sure which may be considered good, if any.
Nice 72 degree weather today, took advantage and hit a local lake for photos.
Wish I had extra time and fishing gear... IOWA autumn [residential/country]. Enjoy

[litew8]

Inching closer
No photo shoot, but I've got some pics
I know how everyone likes seeing fresh paint drilled, got plenty

Got the tailgate trim knocked out



































Up next, blind nuts for the original side mirrors.




















Test run











Clean!










One down, 5 more to go...

[litew8]

A few more...

[litew8]

Got a little more accomplished today.
Installed the remaining window regulator on driver's side.
Installed the inside door and window handles w/escutcheons.
Found a busted spring for the driver's side door latch control.
Installed the original (manual) radio antenna.