"Geronimo" 54' 3100 LS built in PA

[99 to Life]

2-17 Got the hideous dash hole repaired. Still need to run the shrinking disc from proshaper on it and do the metal finish. Dash will be painted blue of some sort ontop and prolly tan on bottom. Got a HF shear since a real beverly is too much for me right now and they are hard to find used. It makes life so much easier, don't know how i'v gone this far without one.

[99 to Life]

Tool update, got Ewheel done, just need a better shaft for the top wheel, too much slop with a 3/4" bolt. Then I need to paint it. Ordered up a shot bag and hammer. I plan to make some good hammers in the future outta hardrock maple from skateboard decks. (I worked for my friend for years making skateboards). I'm also going to make a couple different stumps. Then I need some sheetmetal and time to play around with shaping. Should be getting the Mittler shrinker/stretcher set in march. Waiting on bead roller to show up, I'll add electric motor to it. Oh... and should have a new 80g air compressor when it comes in. I wanted a Quincy made in USA but got 10% off an 80g IGrand from tractor supply. So I guess the IGrand will have to do. It is cheaper and I get an 80g over the 60g.

[lower50's]

Your tool collection is growing really fast.

[Flysocal]

Excellent dash repair!!!

[oldman3]

99, Nice job on the dash repair, and keeping the Chevrolet intact. Tool additions are coming on strong...Jim

[Advanced Design]

Nice work on the dash repair 99. Have fun with the e-wheel!

[youngrodder]

Nice dash repair. The before pic reminded me of an old rotting carved pumpkin that was starting to fall in.. Very nice.

Marc

[MIKESAD50]

Nice work on the dash repair and the tools.

[99 to Life]

thanks guys, I'm still new to all this compared to most. I got six years under my belt which is still green IMO. But... I'm trying to really step up this year. Early on I spent all my spare money which wasn't much, on my builds or projects I'v saved or collected. So if I didn't spend money on them I coulda had tools or a good garage. But no worries on looking back.

As for Geronimo, I final welded the IFS and am going to coat it this weekend since the heat wave is coming, its really helping me out. Some weld pics, tiny tiny undercut I can live with. I made some gussets for the top hats, I seen someones pull up one time and I thought well maybe I should reinforce that area. Any tips on welding I'm all ears. Little splatter maybe I could get that down with cleaner metal or more gas?

Once front is coated I'm putting engine back in to make sure that and the trans will line up proper. I'll do the trans xmember and exhaust. Then Cab can come off next month. I took bed back off, so I'll work on the shocks and Fuel tank. Maybe do fuel and brake lines too.

[99 to Life]

2-18 Got one coat of chassis saver on the front. Going to put engine back in for now so I can run exhaust and make sure everything is still where I want it. I'll then take cab off and eventually the engine back out. I'll mate it to the final trans and put back in all together. once cab and engine are off frame I'll do all the coating again. Then finish cab and once that is back on, its onto wiring so be a couple months till that.

Onto the rear. The xmember where the shock is, was originally in the very back of the truck. I'm utilizing it in this location and will make a mount on it for the shocks. I started moching up the fuel tank too.

[youngrodder]

Nice progress...if your like me you end up more paint on your hands than the frame..

Marc

[iowaboynca]

Originally Posted by 99 to Life

thanks guys, I'm still new to all this compared to most. I got six years under my belt which is still green IMO. But... I'm trying to really step up this year. Early on I spent all my spare money which wasn't much, on my builds or projects I'v saved or collected. So if I didn't spend money on them I coulda had tools or a good garage. But no worries on looking back.

As for Geronimo, I final welded the IFS and am going to coat it this weekend since the heat wave is coming, its really helping me out. Some weld pics, tiny tiny undercut I can live with. I made some gussets for the top hats, I seen someones pull up one time and I thought well maybe I should reinforce that area. Any tips on welding I'm all ears. Little splatter maybe I could get that down with cleaner metal or more gas? ...

You know, you could itemize any tool purchase as a needed item against the project...at least to justify the purchase

Regarding your welds...man, I wish mine looked half as good

[99 to Life]

youngrodder, ha this stuff is deadly man, I wear gloves and still manage to get it on me. Got some on my ear and it won't come off and irritates my skin real bad.

iowaboy, thanks. I'm self taught welder and don't do it everyday. but I have a desire to get better every time I weld. I look back and see my progress all the time. As for tools yeah sometimes I look at it as how you are saying it, sometimes I simply don't care as I just want to make my life easier and tools are so important to most things in what we do. I'm getting a cold cut chop saw very soon. couple hundred bucks and a blade lasts about 750 cuts. Sure beats dealing with abrasive discs. So things like that, Im getting tired of my health breathing in all metal and dust, Iv made the decision to spend the money. I'v wanted a chop saw for years, kinda glad I never bought one cause I'd never use it once the cold cut saw gets here.

I justify buying whole projects or parts to my women, I say hey this is all an investment that can see a return. all your shoes, clothes and make up have little return!!!!

[yossarian19]

You say things like that and you're still breathing? You must be tougher than I am...
Work looks good, enjoying the build!

[joedoh]

cold cut saws are great, I had one for a while and it made such precise cuts, instead of the melting cuts abrasive wheel cutoff saws make. those little chips are murder on your shoes though, get a couple big subwoofer speaker magnets and put one under the saw and one behind it, it will catch most of the bits.

[lower50's]

I would use my chop saw outside, still a huge mess. Cold cut saws are really nice. Your welds look good I would suggest a bit more wire, it will help smooth out the weld and reduce undercut. Also are you using co2 or co2/argon mix? The mix will reduce spatter but cost more. It is all looking good tho

[99 to Life]

bob, yah I do alot of grinding outside when weather permits. Its breaking here, been nice and will be warm all week, but rain. I use a 80/20 mix. Yeah I tend to run lower wire speeds than suggested. I'll bump it up next time and play with it. I just need to practice weld all day trying out what I like. So many variables, heat, wire speed, gas, push pull and your motion of circles or whatever pattern you do plus the speed you go. add position and lighting and it makes for a big combo of getting it perfect.

[Flysocal]

Welds look good to me. A professional welder takes pride in laying down sweet dimes but your not gonna have problems with these welds good job!

I can relate to the grinding dust and stuff with welding and grinding on these old projects. I've been breathing this stuff for over a year now not to mention the eye strain and a couple of trips to the doc to get metal removed from my eye. Not direct hits but with all the dust in my hair it eventually ends up in my eye. I'm happy to report everything is back from powder coat so the bulk of welding and grinding is behind me. Keep up the good work on your build.

[lower50's]

Yup your on the right track. Just play with settings and motion till you and your welder are happy.

[99 to Life]

3-4 Got engine back in. Put springs in up front and I hate it. They need to settle really bad. balljoints look stressed as heck, height is a bit high. So its kinda throwing me in a loop on setting up my pinion angle. Originally I leveled the frame and set engine 3* down. right now I'm around 5* and my trans can't come up much more or else I'm making a tunnel in the floor. I think once the front comes down I should be ok. I know I mounted the engine a bit higher than most, but it really helps with exhaust.

Speaking of exhaust, I got a kit to get started. Much easier than trying to buy individual pieces or having them bent. I took some to a place to get flared over one another. This is my first X style exhaust. Normally I just run them straight back. I most likely will be dumping them in front of rear wheels, just like my last build.

Started on the rear shock mounts. Need some material to make my gas tank straps. Have a lead on a rebuilt trans, so hopefully I can snag it.

Cab is coming off soon to do final metal work and prep for paint. Also the AC unit is on way. I decided to piece it together than get the surefit kit that is pricey and honestly a bit cheesy IMO. They want you to put a huge piece on the front of the firewall and "silicone" it. Seriously vintage air?? Once that is done, I'll finish up the rear of frame and mate them back. Then its onto wiring and final assembly.

[joedoh]

looks great, make sure you dont tighten the crossshafts and lower arm bolts till you have weight on it*

[lower50's]

Seems a bit odd to be sitting that high.

[99 to Life]

bob, you referring to frame?

[lower50's]

Sorry yes the frame, is something binding?

[MIKESAD50]

Someone else on the board had that issue, caused by the front and had gotten the wrong springs, something like 450lbs versus the correct in the 320lbs range.

Not sure who that was though.