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

[Grizz1963]

Remember the stables I went to help mate Craig pull down along with Fil from Cambridge.

That came down to allow for “redevelopment” as a residence.

In the mean time groundwork and foundations have been done.

Yesterday at 09.00 the new homes stud walls came onto site.

Pics from Craig.





We all need a strong long arm.





By 3.30 pm this was the status.



And this morning the chilly sunrise brought this view.






Not sure when exactly I or we will get the call to go help Craig raise the walls on the stables and get the roof on top of them.

Hopefully the weather will be kind when the time comes.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by realvc

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

Thank you Vince.

Yes it certainly is.

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

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

Thank you very much.

Not a problem.

[jmarkha1]

Wow - that house literally went up in a few hours - modern construction.
belated BD Grizz - hope you had a goodun.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by jmarkha1

Wow - that house literally went up in a few hours - modern construction.
belated BD Grizz - hope you had a goodun.

Thanks mate.

I built my first house in South Africa in Cape Town 30 years ago, and that was a timber frame. 13 weeks from agreement to key in my hand.

It is quick for sure.






I had planned on making the template for the front screen tonight and possibly drilling the scuttle.

But this cold, wet fog and along, hard day decided it was not a clever idea. Wusss?

Ordered these tonight.

£40.00 delivered.

Lets hope I do not see a pair for half the price.



Fitting as soon as it lands.

[Grizz1963]

So when rebuilding the front end I missed out on he track rod ends.

No real reason, but I did.

So……….



Now, on Ebay these items are available, but they do look different to what is fitted to the car.

Typically I cannot figure whether it will be the right fit for the car.



Described:

Ford Cortina Mk3,4 & 5

All Models 1970 to 1982

Pair Track/Tie Rod Ends

Top quality Delphi Steering Parts


Would this be the right fit, but just looking a bit different.

[Grizz1963]

Self harm 101.

Made me chuckle.

Upside down welding.



Yesterday I popped in at Sally’s Uncle Bob to see if I could squeeze one or two wiper motors out of him for a sensible price.

From this Land Rover.



His response was rather typical of a hoarder, both the value he knew they carry, but also his nephew is going to restore it…….

Missed out then.



While I was there I got some fine mesh……… stop screaming in the back.



This is still in the back of my mind.



Also, while rummaging in Bobs yard, I saw this old rusted out fuel can.

The MX5 battery is mounted inside the rear side of the trunk/boot so in the RR I need to mount it in the rear and figure a cover……

Could this work?

I think so. Lined in ply and coated in paint, or clear lacquer.



Also today when I got in Mickey had my new rear shocks.

Nice.

Weekend job I guess.



Also ordered new tie rod ends tonight, delivery next week Wednesday.



And then the rattle snake in the grass……….




I am concerned……

[Grizz1963]

This week has been a bit (very) busy with admin stuff, targeting and target lists and general day job stuff.

However, I do want to ask all the IT geniuses out there, why would an XL spreadsheet on Teams only allow one person at a time to edit it. (No need to reply)

Spectacular inefficiency again from the bosses, they give you a rally car with one wheel missing and expect you to win the race.

Seriously.



Anyway.

While waiting my turn to go in and edit the list, I was angry enough to pop to the garage and grab the new rear shocks.

15 minutes later I closed the garage.

Job done.

Old



New




Little wins ehhhh.




Today I want to go make up the drilling template for the screen support and scuttle and get the holes drilled in the body and steel that I welded in upside down on Sunday when @nickwheeler came over so we could create the supports and framework from which the steering and dash will be grown.

It was a good day for sure.

Once the scuttle is drilled, the template needs to be reverse marked onto the underside of the glazed Land Rover screen which then needs 5 holes drilled in order for the threaded bar or cut off bolts to be fitted in there and then Tig welded in place at Nicks place or possibly here as fitting studs for the screen.

I also need to start thinking of removing the seats again so the body can be lifted and the underside painted black, either with underseal or some regular black gloss paint to get it looking uniform. Of course I already have a load of regular black paint…….

Remember this messy underside?





Onwards as @pauly says.

[Grizz1963]

So my day started, thinking it would be a quick 5 holes measured…….



Drilled……..




Ooooooppppssss……..

Stop right there.

Well, the next size drill did, after the 5mm pilot holes were drilled.

It was almost like the holes were glazed, despite cutting fluid the 8mm drill bit after the 5mm pilot holes just seemed to spin and create smoke in the holes.

I also tried a new 9mm bit and failed.

So after trying to drill all 5 mounting holes, I called it a day and went indoors.

Sally was busy with her artwork, so I distracted her and offered a quick shopping trip.

When she bought the Fiesta it was only supplied with one key, whe. The key was handed over, I objected and Dan the salesman took a moment and then agreed to paying the £75.00 for a spare, immobiliser chipped key for her.

So today we went and had one cut and programmed.

While out, I also went to B&Q (Big hardware store) and bought a set of various TiN Titanium Nitride drill bits for £22.00




I hope to get back to drilling the holes tomorrow.

Of course a hand held, corded drill and no support or stabilisation of the angle iron may make it a touch awkward, but I am hopeful.

I really need to get these holes drilled and the screen prepped for Tig welding.

Now for some alcohol…….

[Grizz1963]

Today was a success……. Kind of.

Somewhere between LOL-ing and swearing at myself.

It is stiff, sore and not quite right.

Off to A&E to see if an X-Ray sheds and light or shadow on it in the morning.

[Braunschweiger]

Ouch... get well soon.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Braunschweiger

Ouch... get well soon.

Thank you.

I never used to worry about stuff like that, but we get older…….



Well, it is a thick, swollen, sensitive thing today, and that is just my finger.

I will head out to have it seen to as it is never impossible to damage yourself without realising.

Back later.

[Grizz1963]

One of those random posts today…..


As always, thanks for checking in and commenting.

I have not done anything like this for some time. Well, since my charity bicycle ride a few years ago that so many people supported. And that went beautifully because people literally donated what they could. From the coins in their cars to some amazingly generous and large donations that had me choking back real tears.

Sally is doing this Moon Walk from a point of real conviction and the least I can do for her is to spread the word.

If you feel this is not your circus, not your monkeys, it is quite OK.
But if you feel inclined to donate any amount to this worthy cause, please follow the link and donate.
Sharing the link, if you feel it may help spread the word is good too.
I can only thank you deeply on behalf of Sally and those who benefit from Breast Cancer research, male and female.


Click the link to see more and decide if this is a worthy cause to contribute to.

https://eur03.safelinks.protection.o...amp;reserved=0

Thanks again for any responses.

[Grizz1963]

RIGHT…… TIME FOR A GROUP HUG



OK, just pulling your communal dip sticks.



After removing the glass and sealant etc from the Land Rover screen, I decided to measure it for the holes, of course.


Stepping away and looking at it the basic look was good.


Texting @glenanderson about screen sealant or the original fitting “putty” for want of a better word, he reminded me that in the dark distant past I had also mentioned chopping the screen down a bit to enhance the whole lowered look.

I had forgotten about that mostly as more important things were getting done.

But seeing as he has now poked the hornets nest, or is that poking the Grizz? I may as well investigate and look at these options again.

I am sure the likes of @rich @admin @westbay @pauly @atomman @grenade @jamesd1972 @peteh1969 @pistonpopper @jimi @v8 @kevins @spacekadett @mr2fc @turbom @quickrack1 and many others will help here with confusing me, but ultimately pointing the way to go.


So I placed the screen in the position it should finally be fixed in.

This is to ensure maximum contact, stability once bolted down on the scuttle as it should never be accessible once the rest is built into the dash, steering, electrics, clocks etc.


Here you go.


Stock standard.






Now, for those who read the actual words and text I then took 50mm or 2” wide masking tape and added a new “top of the screen” below the existing top frame.

You need your virtual, or imaginative glasses on now.

Imagine the masking tape is the new frame, forget about the existing frame, it will be cut and welded lower, as will the glass, hopefully.


Sitting in the driving seat, my vision did not feel encumbered in any way having lost the 50mm of horizon.


I did try get the pics from the same position on a timer, mounting the phone in a roll of ductape on a ladder.


50mm or 2” chopped.





After this I added another 50mm or 2” of tape and got back inside.

Remember, when it is cut down, only the bottom line of tape represents the actual frame to be mounted on the car.

My horizon was slightly impaired at 4” 100mm chop, so not ideal.

I did not do a 3” 75mm version, but suspect I will be able to live with that if the collective feels the 50mm is not worth the effort.


100mm or 4” chop





Next, I took two photos of the 50mm chop from 1/4 side front view.

You have to visualise what it all will look like chopped, along with the body lowered as it stands.

Deducting the existing top of frame and seeing only the masking tape as the new screen top.

Can you see it?





Then, just to really mess with my own, and you guys’ minds…….


I put the screen flat in front of where it will be mounted, again, just to create the illusion to help me think, but at this point I was struggling to really see it.


At this point you need to actually look at the original top of the screen to see where 50mm would be relative to the body, or is]f you screw your eyes up, maybe the masking tape will show where 100mm would land, though it would suck to drive, like a chopped rat rod may be.




Thank you all for your interest, input and opinions, advice etc.

The glass will need to be cut as well, so where to cut and shorten the frame comes into play.

I have no idea what sort of money new glass may be.


Off we all go…….

[jmarkha1]

If 4 inch chop "gets in the way a bit" personally I would go with 75mm to get the proportion looking right for Rezzin's new lower stance :-)

hopefully toughened glass is not too pricey if its flat

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by jmarkha1

If 4 inch chop "gets in the way a bit" personally I would go with 75mm to get the proportion looking right for Rezzin's new lower stance :-)

hopefully toughened glass is not too pricey if its flat

Thank you.

The glass could be cheap from a plant repair company, they replace digger glass regularly.


I agree on less is more too.



Early BONUS Pic.

My buddy JB in Oklahoma is building a monster Cobra with Godzilla motor.

11” rear wheels.

Tyres or Tires in the USA are getting fitted today.



That is a brute.

[jmarkha1]

11 inch rims - thats a whole lot of tyre :-) - but probably needs it with that motor.

That garage looks special - dutch barn style roof - superb place to play...

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by jmarkha1

11 inch rims - thats a whole lot of tyre :-) - but probably needs it with that motor.

That garage looks special - dutch barn style roof - superb place to play...

Click this link.

This is his world thread.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/...y-hole.261352/

JB is a cool crazy guy.

[Grizz1963]

Saw this on FB

S10 meets Jeep with added Big Block.








Thought it would have a few of you frothing at the mouth.

[aggie91]

Hey Rian! Thanks for the pics that ship/restaurant looks amazing!

As for the Rockit, I would go with the 50mm chop. Subtle, but effective.

[Grizz1963]

Big Milestone ???


Well, depends on what you look at.


@nickwheeler and I were talking and he said the screen support and anchoring the steering wheel would be a major milestone.


At this point one could start draping the loom and planning where stuff goes.


Relocating the air box and MAF meant I need to get some 65mm drain pipe to connect the air box and MAF Sensor.


Plus I need to order 100mm of 63mm inner diameter rubber hose to connect the extension pipe, MAF sensor and Airbox.


I also ordered a hole saw in order to cut some holes for the wiring looms to move about.

[Palf70Step]

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Hey Rian! Thanks for the pics that ship/restaurant looks amazing!

As for the Rockit, I would go with the 50mm chop. Subtle, but effective.

It was amazing.

Absolute privilege to experience.

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

👍




Well.

Mate Martin who does the disability conversions popped in unexpectedly to sniff around.
Thankfully I could take a break from my desk.
He was always pro-chopping
But sat in the seat with screen up and I could see that maybe if was pushing it with a chop.

So I asked him to take a pic for me so I can see the proportions

The result it seems would suggest holding back on even the 50mm chop for now.

The seat height is fine on the chopped screen.

However, mentally adding the roll bar behind and above the seats somewhat seems to be wrong.

So for now, I think leaving it alone will be the answer.



Leaving more time for the important stuff over the weekend.

Day job has now fully kicked back into gear.

[Grizz1963]

Quick change of direction.

Two day heavy duty business meeting in London this week.

31 years later, I have never forgotten my roots or the privilege of my life, even though I know I have paid my dues.

Lunch view on Tuesday.



Later……. London.



In the evening a walk along the Thames river, a boat cruise and another walk.

Eventually leading here……

Bloody freezing yes.







Where are we then?



Cutty Sark is a British clipper ship. Built on the River Leven, Dumbarton, Scotland in 1869 for the Jock Willis Shipping Line, she was one of the last tea clippers to be built and one of the fastest, coming at the end of a long period of design development for this type of vessel, which halted as steamships took over their routes.

After the big improvement in the fuel efficiency of steamships in 1866, the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 gave them a shorter route to China, so Cutty Sark spent only a few years on the tea trade before turning to the trade in wool from Australia, where she held the record time to Britain for ten years.[5] Continuing improvements in steam technology meant that gradually steamships also came to dominate the longer sailing route to Australia, and the ship was sold to the Portuguese company Ferreira and Co. in 1895 and renamed Ferreira. She continued as a cargo ship until purchased in 1922 by retired sea captain Wilfred Dowman, who used her as a training ship operating from Falmouth, Cornwall. After his death, Cutty Sark was transferred to the Thames Nautical Training College, Greenhithe in 1938 where she became an auxiliary cadet training ship alongside HMS Worcester. By 1954, she had ceased to be useful as a cadet ship and was transferred to permanent dry dock at Greenwich, London, for public display.

Cutty Sark is listed by National Historic Ships as part of the National Historic Fleet (the nautical equivalent of a Grade 1 Listed Building). She is one of only three remaining original composite construction (wooden hull on an iron frame) clipper ships from the nineteenth century in part or whole, the others being the City of Adelaide, which arrived in Port Adelaide, South Australia on 3 February 2014 for preservation, and the beached skeleton of Ambassador of 1869 near Punta Arenas, Chile.

The ship has been damaged by fire twice in recent years, first on 21 May 2007 while undergoing conservation. She was restored and was reopened to the public on 25 April 2012.[6] Funders for the Cutty Sark conservation project include: HLF, DCMS, Sammy Ofer Foundation, Greenwich Council, Greater London Authority, The Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Berry Brothers & Rudd, Michael Edwards, Alisher Usmanov.[7]

On 19 October 2014 she was damaged in a smaller fire.[8]

Cutty Sark whisky derives its name from the ship. An image of the clipper appears on the label, and the maker formerly sponsored the Cutty Sark Tall Ships' Race. The ship also inspired the name of the Saunders Roe Cutty Sark flying boat.


Walking down into the dry dock for dinner.



Not so much a request, but an opinion when you are sober and would rather be at home with a mug of tea and a sandwich.




Two days of hard work underscored by a nice reward.


Did I mention that Life is Good?

[Grizz1963]

What a week.

Tomorrow blocked for building this thing.

Despite the options did include having a go at this little car.

But it won’t get the RR on the road.



Day job first though.


.

[Grizz1963]

Contact with the new owner today.

So in 2022 this was the look.





Looking good.

New owner loves it too.