Grizz's Redneck Express 1966 Chevy Short Fleetside RESTO-GO!

[Grizz1963]

Soooooooo


Out the house only at 12.30 to start working….//

Felt like I was on the set of Magnum PI

Helicopter over my garage……



Procrastinating

It was possibly the prospect of trying to remove that broken bolt.

@pauly told me that when he worked in the trade they saw a fair amount of these broken.

So they drilled them out and fitted new bolts and nuts.

What could go wrong.

So I jacked the front up, removed the wheel, unbolted the new shock, and put some axle stands in place.

Plan was to grind the broken stud flush, use a punch, mark a centre and then start with the 4mm drill and then hopefully follow up with the 9mm drill.

Laying there, I thought about it and then fetched the BFH

What was to be lost.

Wallop

Wallop

Wallop

WALLOP !!

Felt the riveted head and thought it felt like a small gap had developed.

Two more whacks and PING !



Burger !



What a pleasure, having then put a 9mm drill through the hole, I threaded a new bolt in there, refitted the shock absorber and using a spring washer and a long necked ring spanner, I managed to get it all tightened down.

10 minutes later.

Job done.



While reassembling the front end, I looked back toward the rear wheel and found myself talking to the car, saying to it that I really liked it and enjoyed what was happening.

The 195 width is actually wider than the photo shows, and the way it sits in the wheel arch as well as the steel rim, made my heart pretty happy.

The planned 215 will be just a bit wider, a bit better.



In life we need to celebrate the little wins.

Today the BFH ensured that I celebrate.


.

[Grizz1963]

So…….

That license plate placement chestnut.

Trying to somehow camouflage the front suspension a bit.



Placement options.

Straight cover of the view



Or offset below…. Not my choice.



Standard, conservative look.

Maybe just tucked under, canted rearward.



Looking at it again……….

Makes me wonder.


While working down at the garage, I went up to the house to sort selling the small fridge.

Walking back, I saw this pic and realised my privilege, thankful that I built the carport last year, and also previous planning and changes previously set up for the future, which is now, what I am missing is actually………

Gas station forecourt boards hanging down from the top of the carport roof.

Need to give this a bit of thought I think.


Imagine a 450mm to 750mm high frontal facade with some gas station advertising.

[jmarkha1]

what a result - one for the BFH.
number plate works well to cover some of the gubbins.

those front indicators are dying to be replaced with round hella jobs underneath the headlights to emulate early jeep / series 1 land rover - sorry just another opinion :-)

then you could use a rectangular plate on the wing...

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by jmarkha1

what a result - one for the BFH.
number plate works well to cover some of the gubbins.

those front indicators are dying to be replaced with round hella jobs underneath the headlights to emulate early jeep / series 1 land rover - sorry just another opinion :-)

then you could use a rectangular plate on the wing...

I like your thinking….

A LOT !!

However, gotta be cautious with a 92 Q-Plate.





Making the drivers seat main support as a copy of the wooden one I had done.

Cut steel.



Measure, drill, fit up, flapwheel and prep.



Paint up.



Trial fit to seat.



Bolt to body.



Result was a very adjustable seat.

@nickwheeler hopefully this will mean getting the steering column set up just right.

Mounted and set right back.



And forward all the way.



Followed by a nice sunrise today to start my year back at work.



Next job, mount and fix the passenger seat, followed by mocking up the new roll bar.

.

[Grizz1963]

Because the BFH negated the need to use those special drill bit, I decided to see if they would refund or credit me.

Any option was acceptable to the shop, so I traded them for some shiny stuff that will get used.

From M12 downward in size.





I worked in hospital today, so after work a few hours spent getting the passenger seat lined up and bolted dowm.

Followed by another little job.

[Grizz1963]

Another random entry.

Based on a comment elsewhere, I went up into the loft and took photos of 41 year old photos of my first car after school.

This was my 1979 140Y SDX (still no idea what it really meant as an SDX other than matt black bumpers which I stripped the week I got it in 1981)





This little car used to go like hell and was driven like that too at times.

RWD ruled.

[realvc]

SDX=Super DeluXe

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by realvc

SDX=Super DeluXe

May be Vince.

I always wondered what it had that made it special, ie. Matt black bumpers and also a bit of paint over the rear light chrome bezels.

It certainly was an eager little car, a cousin had a different 1400cc, same year model and it was not as eager as mine.

Could it have been a different level of tune, jetting etc?

Who knows, but it was a great car.

Replaced by my 1982 Ford Cortina P100 one ton pickup which was another great tool.







One more thought on the roll bar design.

I am thinking that the rearward supports should be quite low, at the same shoulder level as the safety harness mounting points, and tucking into the rear corners, thus leaving a bit of space for beers and BBQ in the rear.

Still need to create some kind of cover and mounting point for the battery in there too, as the MX5 wiring loom and positioning was in the trunk/boot.



Another crazy thought was to use box section, repeatedly pie cut and shaped to form the bends needed and welding all the cuts, shaping with flap wheel and painting up.

Crazy yes, a load of work, yes…… BUT.

[Grizz1963]

Another useful bit of free cash collected last night.

1780mm tall, 800mm wide, 400mm deep.

Will replace a cabinet half that size and allow me to collect more junk and display it to collect dust.



Free cash guys, remember that.

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Another useful bit of free cash collected last night.

1780mm tall, 800mm wide, 400mm deep.

Will replace a cabinet half that size and allow me to collect more junk and display it to collect dust.

Free cash guys, remember that.

We must be related

Free Cash is always good!

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by aggie91

We must be related

Free Cash is always good!

Karl, no doubt.


Eyes open…….

Money in the streets.






Got home today from getting the Focus serviced.

Mickey shouted over the fence…… “Got a parcel for you”

So he hoiked a 19 pound box over the hedge.

It had a Home Office pass tape on it, so I guess inspected and passed.



Dennis had sent me a parcel with some treasures.

I actually only got to unpacking it at about 8.00pm and it made me laugh out loudly, tears in my eyes.

Generous yes, and crazy for sure.

Just reminded me that family is a lot more than blood.

Karma is a strange mistress, but I love her and know she balances the books at all times.

Unpacked the parcel, T-shirts for me and Craig and Sally from Clem in Arkansas and Dennis in St Louis.

I sent some cash to Clem’s Tuba Trucks Toy Drive via Dennis’ daughter in law Hanna on Paypal (you see we can all be kind and contribute to worthwhile charities) and in return I got a T-shirt.

Also included was some Oatmeal cream cookies, an all time favourite, and what had me laughing loudly was some of Roger Orf’s hunted smoked deer sausage.

The sausage was wrapped in bodyshop panel paper and masking tape to keep the wrapping together.

Just perfect.



Then parcel no 2 in a Rural King bag delivered a hoody for Sally and I each.

Way too generous.



And then, for the Rezin Rockit a pair of high end, 5 point racing harnesses.

Simpson.



And one for the passenger.



So there you go.



Karma bucket overflowing.


Life is good.

Roll on the weekend.

[Grizz1963]

[quote author="@glenanderson" source="/post/2715104/thread" timestamp="1642164024"]At or slightly above. [/quote]

What I thought.

But it seems downward is recommended.

[quote author="@nickwheeler" source="/post/2715105/thread" timestamp="1642164315"]I expect the manufacturers' websites will provide definitive information[/quote]

Spot on.

[quote author="@jimil" source="/post/2715125/thread" timestamp="1642170062"][a href="https://simpson-europe.com/en/content/harness-geometry.html"]Simpson[/a][/quote]


Thank you Jimi, that is great, I would not have found it that quickly.





A. Crotch belt must be split at about 20 degrees to create the stabilization of the pelvis bone (hip area).
B. Crotch belt routed through seat vertical or slightly backwards. Try to avoid that the belt pivot on edge of hole through the seat.
C. Shoulder belts must be angled 10 to max 20 degrees down behind the neck. Belts should never pivot or touch the edge of hole through seat.
D. Lap belt is where we want to remove as much energy as possible in a crash. The pelvis (hip area) is the strongest bone in the body. Therefore, it is paramount the lap belt is mounted with correct geometry and height so it can work properly. Install backwards 20-45 degrees from vertical line, make sure lap belt can hook and secure the pelvis bone. The harness lock-mechanism should be placed as low as possible to avoid submarining and damaged to stomach and lower back.
E. Shoulder belts should be mounted as close as possible behind seat back (20-50cm). If HANS is used it can be wisely to angle the belts 20 degrees towards center to avoid belts sliding off the HANS.

[Grizz1963]

Friday…..

WEEEEEEKKKEND ! !

So today I took my lunch break and grabbed a coffee and headed down to the garage.

I had started on the mock up of the roll bar the other day, so continued with that.

Also a few other little jobs.

Do note, the drivers seat has been mounted lower because in the fully back position it needs to slide back and downward on the rails.

So if you move it forward for shortarsess if will raise it vertically.

Make sense?



And finally, drawn for copying, the cross bar for the harness mounts are at shoulder height.



I think I am liking this so far.


Remember 28 August 2020 ?

First pic or is that PIG entry on this thread.



When I came in today there were a few letters and a recycled padded envelope (my kinda thinking) addressed to me……..

First thought was that I had not ordered anything off Ebay, nobody had said they were sending a small envelope.

So I opened it………..

@peteh1969 had gone and created a 3D printing programme for the Rocket Pig and printed me some logos for the Rezin Rockit to use once it is ready to be on the road.

I will need to try paint them in chrome, and then hopefully get some clear resin to fill them in as badges for the sides.



I was chuffed as a chuffed thing can be.



These little details make a big difference.

I have another plan.

Small triangular side plates to add to the outsides of the seats, just to prevent sliding out, more as a visual detail.

In the style that @dez put on his Transit, recovery.

With dimple die holes in three sizes. Or just step drilled in different sizes and finished off.

Or something like that.

Picture lifted from Dez’ thread.



Using the seatbelt bolt and securing pin to keep it in place.




Adding more and more little details, hmmmmmmm….?

maybe tomorrow will see some real work again.

[Grizz1963]

Foggy and cold till midday today.

Remember the rescued scrap wagon.

Cleaned it all up, disassembled the cushions, washed them, reassembled.

Of course one panel missing…….



So I made a replacement rear panel up after getting all four wheels pumped up. What a pita when you cannot get to the valves.



Painted it white, then added some “distressed” blue stripes.

An inverse “Stars n Stripes” design due to the red wagon and white stars.



Then selected from my collection of motorcycle license plates, a plate to add to the rear.



Not really the plate I wanted to use but I had three AZ plates.

Have to wait for the enamel paint to dry fully as 4’C is not the optimal temperature for paint to dry.




So not much Rezin Rockit time, but a nice change of pace.

[Grizz1963]

[quote author="@westbay"]"A Change is as Good as a Rest"[/quote]


Thanks Tony.

Absolutely agree, and change on my terms, means not Christmas or shopping or yard work.

So woodwork in stead of metalwork is quite therapeutic too.

I did spend some time clearing a load of epoxy or whatever from inside the Rezin Rockit body in preparation for taking on the A-pillars and steering or dash support today.

This morning after a night indoors, the paint was fully dried on themrear panel of the wagon.

Reinstalled it does look a bit weird, but I am leaving it like that, good enough to be a wagon for carting around treasures or work.

Garden wagon for Sally maybe.



Now off to the garage to get going with measurements, cutting, and tacking the flat bar and angle iron to create a strong carrier for the dash supports.

[Grizz1963]

The headlights on the RR will need replacing.

I have seen a few designs I like, or that have grown on me.

Now I give you: 24 volt, LED, ex-Humvee and from Afghanistan headlights.



Closer up.




So tonight, or tomorrow mornings question of the clever electrical types……

These lamps are 24V

Can one simplistically convert a regular 12V system to deliver 24 volts to these headlights?

Thanks for the input.

[Grizz1963]

Yesterday i started out with some yard work, and by 11.00 started on the RR.

Plan was to start creating a strong, supportive frame to support the Land Rover screen @glenanderson donated to the build and also make a place to attach the dash and steering column etc.

Space to lay the foundation.



First lengths of angle iron cut, drilled and bolted down to create a starting point, also drilled for eventual kick panel fixing.

Awkward reach, stretch, tighten.



Walked up to grab a coffee at the house and also go check up on Mickey next door, as I came back from looking through Micks front room window (he was asleep in his chair) @nickwheeler pulled in over the street.

He had come over to add to my limited hands, skills and planning. Perfect,

It is amazing how long some awkward jobs take,

Nothing is exact in this body tub, so every bit of steel has to be custom cut, shaped and made to fit, assembling, disassembling repeatedly takes time to get a decent fit before tacking and welding.

Upright tacked and welded to the bottom, and then top angle iron inside scuttle return clamped, welded in place, and then cross braced from sides upward.

Also pre drilled the holes for the door hinges.

Currently Land Rover items fitted, but liable to change if I cannot get them to open and shut easily.



Another slow but nice job was cleaning all the old silicon, epoxy, resin and paint from the top of the screen mounting surface.

But needed to be done to generate a decent fit.

Interestingly there is a 10mm deep dip between the sides and centre which will need some rectification later.

Also need to figure simple small, bottom mounted windscreen wipers and motors to be externally fitted on the screen.



Door frame and hinges looking good.

Holes above the top hinge, ready to fit the mirrors.



Mock up of door, panels and netting, along with Nick holding the screen frame in the position it will probably be fitted in.



Happy with that so far.



Followed by more welding and swearing as there is not space for a welding helmet under the dash, so open eye tacking before removing and doing a full stick weld.



Next job was to add in the scuttle brace for the screen and its 375mm diagonal braces.

Some G-clamps,muupside down tacking and a lot of swearing when I welded all the upside down contact points, amazing how welding splatter burns through 3 layers of synthetic fibers and continues to burn, a bit like getting a wasp up your trouser leg.



Amazing how many hands you need for some of the jobs, at times three G-clamps and four hands just got the jobs done.

MX5 dash and steering support being trimmed back while I was welding.



I really enjoy the company, but what it also great between Nick and I is actually getting on with other jobs if one of us is busy doing a one man job.

Looking back, we had little to show for the time spent, but in fact it was a huge step forward.

Tons of planning, proposing and visualisation went into yesterday as well.

Next jobs include cutting the old dash out, well, quite a bit as a new one will be created.

I also need to make a template for the screen support for the studs to be welded into the screen, holes marked and drilled for mounting and a good long look at the original fuel tank which may be completely FUBAR or reusable in order to create space for the exhaust to be mounted as a rear exit.

Dinner at Sally’s tonight, her treat for my birthday.

Later gang.

[Braunschweiger]

Nothing can shake you, it's fun to follow your thread. Greetings from Germany

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

Nothing can shake you, it's fun to follow your thread. Greetings from Germany

Thank you very much.

I will get back to it.

My Psyche is now ready again.








Found this pic of the originals I saw in 2015.


Loved the headlights.

[realvc]

Happy Birthday Rian!!!!!
Your Resin Rocket is getting closer to launch.

[Grizz1963]

RESOUNDING MONUMENTAL FAILURE AT THE GARAGE.



Carefully measured out and drew in screen base size.

Measured 5 holes on scuttle top and drilled first pilots with 5mm HSS bit, managed to snap it on hole 5 due to corder hand drill and my cack handed position over it.
Replaced the bit from my stash of smaller bits and finished hole no 5

Then up to 8mm as I was headed toward 12mm to allow ease of fitting and some movement space once the studs are welded on.

So started hole no 1 again, using some cutting spray from the drill press.

And suddenly I was skating on ice.

Tried the other holes, changed bits and Fail after Fail.


I recall when cleaning and preparing the angle iron for welding the sparks were of the type typical of harder steel.

Maybe the angle iron was from some structure that was built to resist corrosion or have a certain strength.

In the end I walked away, defeated.


I guess next step will be to go find one of those clever coated drill bits in the hope it will penetrate the steel.


Frustrated as can be right now…….


Fun?

[Grizz1963]

So yesterday was filled with a load of odd jobs, as was Saturday.

But stuff got done and to be honest, I was still pleased with my progress or results.

The finger getting hurt did not stop me working, it only really went bad last night and overnight, but I should live 😉

I pulled out my large corded drill and fitted the 12mm TiN coated bit.

First hole went through reasonably easy, but it was no 2 that whacked my finger when it caught itself , locking in the steel, spinning the drill and cord around my hand.

So a couple of gentle approaches saw hole no 2 go through fine followed by 3, 4, 5 being easy.



Next job was to remove the trims, glass, and sealant from the full screen that @glenanderson had donated to this build from his stash of spares.

Loads of tiny screws kept it all together, and not one broke, but I was careful all the way.



I also drilled out the backs of the rivets that had held the foamy insulation strips to seal the windows on the doors, mounted on some pretty resilient steel strips.

Then ground the drilled sides back with a flap wheel followed by my electric keyhole sander.

So the rounded rivet heads are still seated on the insides of the frame, looking tidy.



And then measured and marked the holes where the studs will need to go.

Drilling and Tig welding will be next, later.



Later I scraped and cleaned the laminated glass screens as well and washed them.

QUESTION TIME:

How high is the risk of losing one of both screens if I were to firstly find, and then have a glass “specialist” cut and trim 50mm or 2” off the top of these glasses?

I do not really want to destroy them if the risk is too high.

But have seen laminated glass cut on some TV car resto programme.



Advice appreciated

Thanks.


PS:

VERDICT ON THE TiN DRILL BITS.

ABSOLUTELY WORTH THE £22.00 THE WHOLE SET COST ME.

I REALLY COULD FEEL THE DIFFERENCE WHEN WORKING.



.

[Grizz1963]

New tie rod ends came today.

Popped out at lunch to fit them.

How can one new one not fit despite being able to swap them. Binds after a turn. Old one goes in and out easy too.

I swapped them around and both new ones fit the drivers side smoothly.

But both new ones refused to go on passenger side.

Yet old item I removed goes on and off easily.

Help….!!

[Grizz1963]

And then it was sorted.

Run through and run over with appropriate Tap and Dies to clean it all up,

Borrowed from neighbour Stuart who has bought Sally’s Opel Corsa.

Old and new.

Weird sh!t

[Braunschweiger]

Oh... damn I missed that, happy birthday.