Wife's 48

[Fountain]

Great build and great ideas

[8man]

Thanks Fountain.

[8man]

I got the patch panel made and welded in to cover the cowl vent. Made the first pass welding dots until I had a bead all the way around, ground it down and then made more spot welds until it was good.

IMG_0524 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

It'll take a little filler so smooth it out to suit.

[Gregski]

Originally Posted by 8man

I got the patch panel made and welded in to cover the cowl vent. Made the first pass welding dots until I had a bead all the way around, ground it down and then made more spot welds until it was good.

Looks great, is that the proper way to do it, I am on the fence whether to grind down that first pass and remove some of the meat we just added, or leave it and run a bead over it? follow me?

[8man]

I believe the correct way is to spot weld all the way around, then let it cool, then grind it down, then repeat until done. I just don't have the patience! I try, but I just get going and don't want to stop.

Truthfully, it was easier to grind down the individual spots the last time around where I just spotted the pinholes. I'll try to do better.

[Gregski]

Since you have the "advantage" of having two trucks to where I only have one, how about a challenge to see who drives their first? LoL

[8man]

While I like a good challenge, that is a stretch. The '48 is first, and I'm hoping for a car show in October. So if you spot me 6 months...

[Gregski]

Originally Posted by 8man

While I like a good challenge, that is a stretch. The '48 is first, and I'm hoping for a car show in October. So if you spot me 6 months...

You're on!

[Tempest67]

be careful with Deadlines.......... it can transform a fun hobby, into a stressful job

[Gregski]

Originally Posted by Tempest67

be careful with Deadlines.......... it can transform a fun hobby, into a stressful job

Well said and I 100% agree, Robert and I have a great report and he knows I am just kidding.

[Tinbasher]

Hahaha 8man, i wasn't trying to call you out on anything! I was just trying to help a brotha out! I spend a lot of time drinking beer and "staring" as my wife likes to say and tend to over think things lol but I'm glad i could help. Nice work keep the pics coming!

Ps thanks for the pic upload instructions

[8man]

Ok, I'm adding the rear and interior cross bracing to the floor.
IMG_0528 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
I got it fitted up, primed and tacked or welded in place. Still a lot of welding to do on that rear lip. At the far end of the picture you can see where I was starting to weld the lip to the cross brace. Tomorrow I'll get back on that and when done there, I'll lean it back on the dolly to get underneath and finish up welding the bottom side.

Thanks for the idea Tinbasher. I just wish I knew what seats I was going to use so I could go ahead and drill those holes when I drill the holes in the floor for the plug welds.

[joedoh]

holy geeze that went from a strong floor to a floor capable of hosting a dance.

[8man]

Thanks Joe, and yes it is now a really strong floor, or it will be when finished.

[Jedema]

jeepers! no concerns about Fred Flinstone-ing there!!!!

[8man]

Thanks Jedema. It should provide "adequate" anchor spots for seats and seatbelts.

[NorCalGal]

Don’t be like me Robert, life kept getting in the way and when I turned around it’s been like 12 yrs I’ve been playing with my truck, now I’m ready to be done.

[olcarguy]

I'm in the same boat I think it's more like 15yrs for me...I really can't remember it's bean so long. I keep telling my self it will get done....ya right. ;(

[8man]

I got the floor pan marked from underneath, took it out and proceeded to drill 107 holes. Then I got a larger drill bit and did 107 holes again.
IMG_0530 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

Did I mention how much fun this pan is to put in and take out?

But after the holes, I sprayed some weld through primer on the underneath side, turned it over, wrestled it into the cab, and after almost 4 hours I have this...
IMG_0531 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

Yes, it is a very sturdy floor. I stitched welded it across the back and plug welded it all over.

I test fit the firewall, and it is pretty close. I'm going to sit and think about it for a while before I weld it in, and I want to do all the behind the dash work while I can get to it. So I'll probably need the vents and radio to cut the holes and mount them before I do the firewall.

[Gregski]

Originally Posted by 8man

I got the floor pan marked from underneath, took it out and proceeded to drill 107 holes. Then I got a larger drill bit and did 107 holes again.

wait, so there I am filling in 107 holes in my firewall and here you is drilling 107 out in your floor, I guess it's the yin and the yang!

[8man]

Yeah, if we could ever get in sync we could get one of these rigs running!

[joedoh]

haha 214 holes well worth it!

[NorCalGal]

I spy that new firewall in the background, looks good!

[8man]

Thanks Jan and Joe.

Yeah, that is 214 holes and all the wrestling it around. I was whupped!

The firewall has been test fit, but won't go in until I get some dash work done. However, I feel GOOD right now! Just sat there looking at it and making notes on what is next for that cab.

I hope to get back on 48 in a day or so and get it running. It'll be in primer, but to drive it would be a real boost to the get it done mantra.

[Tinbasher]

Looking good Robert! I Hope you plan on posting a vid when you fire up the 48!