My 56 build

[Jason 56]

Merry Christmas everyone. Been working on the heat/AC install. Trying to mount it so it can be removed after I fill in the dash. After much thought I decided to use a post and grommet on the dash side. So a cleat on the top of the firewall and 2 studs welded on the bottom.

[Jason 56]

Also finished beating the crap out of the dash panels. They’re held up with clecos now so I can work on the center counsel. That’s why there’s a gap between them. We’ll see how that turns out

[Jason 56]

Little more progress today. The bracket on the dash side of the air box isn’t going to work. So I’m just going to use the rear bracket. Just no room! I’m trying to build it so I can remove it in the future if needed. I managed to get the heater/AC control mounted. My angle iron had to be notched for that. Also have the steering column figured out and had to rebuild the dash side of my pedal box. Here’s a couple pictures.

[dsraven]

Tilt column?

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by dsraven

Tilt column?

Yes

[dsraven]

Gotta love the cleco fasteners, I have a bunch, mostly 1/8, different sizes and a few of the clamps as well. I generally work alone so the help from a cleco, a c clamp vice grip, a strong magnet or even some sheet metal screws is nice.
Youre doing some great work and progress. Keep the pics and dialogue coming as you go forward.

[dsraven]

Those el cheapo deluxe sheet metal clamps also work great for jobs where you can access the back side and the areas are flat. You know the ones with the little square bar on the backside? Harbor freight sells them as well as other places.

[Jason 56]

Thanks DS, here’s a picture of the butt welding clamps you’re talking about for anyone interested. I got mine from Amazon. They can be a bit of a pain to use but do a nice job. Clecos are nice, but I prefer to butt weld exterior panels to avoid rust in the overlap area. Not a concern in the interior… hopefully unless I drive into a lake

[dsraven]

That's the ones.
I'm a butt welder too.
That came out wrong, didnt it. Haha.

[dsraven]

You can use clecos for butt welding too. They are a bit of a pain as well.where the 2 parts butt together make a 1/2 hole on the edge of each part so when they fit together you have a full hole the size needed for the cleco. Use a small washer on the backside for the cleco to bite on. Magnets work well to keep the panels where you need them while you get the cleco set up.

[my56chevytruck]

Good job Jason, your work is spot on. Keep us all posted.

[mrbuck]

:Lovin’ the extended dash

[57FleetsideC4]

Great work. Coming along nice. Steve

[Jason 56]

Center console is nearly done. Took about 8 hours of beating on it, but it turned out pretty good. I plan on finishing the lower part with plywood covered with whatever material I use on the seats/door panels.

[Jason 56]

Here’s a before and after.

[dsraven]

Do you plan to attach it so that it is removable?

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by dsraven

Do you plan to attach it so that it is removable?

Not sure yet. That’s a good idea! Today’s project is to see if I can get the heat/AC box out. We’ll see

[6DoF]

props on the sheet metal work! Interesting design i can't wait to see done.

[slammed57]

lookin good jason, do a test run for the A/C unit to slide up in there before you weld'er up.

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by 6DoF

props on the sheet metal work! Interesting design i can't wait to see done.

Thanks 6DoF. I’m hoping it turns out well. So far so good. I know you mentioned you don’t care for sheet metal work on your build thread. I enjoy the metal work, but don’t care for the body filler/sanding part

Originally Posted by slammed57

lookin good jason, do a test run for the A/C unit to slide up in there before you weld'er up.

Definitely a good call. I’ve had it in and out many times so far. Think it will come out. When I’m ready to weld I plan on tacking everything in a few places… remove all the clamps and see if it still comes out. It’s tight, but I think I can get it out.

[Jason 56]

Few pictures of today’s progress. I finally got my last 90* heater core hose. I installed my crossover and the valve under the dash right next to the core. Heater lines are all done now!

[Jason 56]

Also modified the air duct box for the 2 round vents I’m putting in the center console. I finished the corners and mounted the vents. Next is the cup holders which will be to the right of the shifter.

[duramax55]

looking good jason nice job

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by duramax55

looking good jason nice job

Thanks

[G&R's57GMC]

You would be happier with the vents at the highest point on the dash and at the ends of the dashboard also .