53 GMC 5 window RestoMod Bagged

[99 to Life]

I got some tips for my Lotos (extended tips, nickel plated) I can't get them to work, so I used the shorter copper tips and it worked fine. Cut this .25" angle iron and then blew some holes in it so I could drill the holes.

Doing this method is still faster than doing a pilot hole with a drill bit, but.... the hole you plasma out seems to get hardened so its tuff to get the drill bit to cut through that part. So I went back n' forth on both sides of the hole and used different uni bits. Once it can break through that hard part or cut around the hardened part its a fast process. I had one hole give me no trouble and then 4 holes give me the same consistent problem, like the dross is still in the hole and is harder than the original metal.

[BIGglaSS]

Having plasma really steps up your game on what you can fabricate. I have also noticed that the cut edge is hardened. I ruined a file trying to file it. Now I use a flap wheel to clean up the edges.

[Layedoutsonoma91]

I had a lotos plasma cutter, the exact one you got. Had it about a year before i really got to use it. Like 3 times using it. Something inside blew up. They wouldnt replace it because it was out of warranty. Hope you have better luck. Have a buddy that bought the same one and his died shortly after buying it too.

[aknovaman]

How many years ago was it built? Older versions has MOSFET power transistors that are prone to burn up. IGBT versions are more durable and last much longer. These are ysed in newer better TIG welders.

[Layedoutsonoma91]

Got it in 2011 burnt up early 2013. Tried contacting them but they werent helpful. Its just sitting there on my shelf collecting dust. Would love to get it going again. It was very nice to have when it worked.

[aknovaman]

Have you opened it up to ses whats burned up ? Parts are available.

[Layedoutsonoma91]

Originally Posted by aknovaman

Have you opened it up to ses whats burned up ? Parts are available.

Havent touched it. Wouldnt really know what i am doing.

[aknovaman]

Plasma repair guy.

http://www.georgesplasmacuttershop.com/

[WorkinWrenchs]

Originally Posted by Layedoutsonoma91

I had a lotos plasma cutter, the exact one you got. Had it about a year before i really got to use it. Like 3 times using it. Something inside blew up. They wouldnt replace it because it was out of warranty. Hope you have better luck. Have a buddy that bought the same one and his died shortly after buying it too.

That makes me nervous but if it makes it through this build then it will be money well spent. If you do decide to get it repaired keep me updated so I know if it is something simple.

[Layedoutsonoma91]

Well the cutter is only like 200 bux. So if i gotta pay to ship it to him, then pay for repairs, then shipping back..... its closing in on the cost of a new one

[aknovaman]

Layedout check your PM.

[WorkinWrenchs]

Got some goodies in the mail today, woodward fab bead roller, cleco's with pliers and a neiko punch for sheetmetal.

Waiting for some more things to come in, rocker panels and Uvex Bionic Face Shield. I currently have the HF special face shield and dont like how wide it is and I have read nothing but good things about the UVEX.

Still waiting on my lower cups as well, thorbros sucks. Changed the motor that I will be running in this only because i couldnt pass this deal on a 2year old rebuilt 350 sbc and th400 for $300 for the pair. I pick those up on Saturday, once i get them i will post some pics. Any suggestions on motor mounts for this?

Sold the OG frame to a local guy who primarily does AD trucks.

Wont be able to work on the truck this weekend though since I will be finishing the siding on my in-laws barn.

[Advanced Design]

Nice looking and handy tools WW! And thanks for the link to the Uvex face shield. I am so tired of the crappy ones I have...fogged and scratchy...that I ordered a Uvex. Had really good reviews on Amazon.

[youngrodder]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Nice looking and handy tools WW! And thanks for the link to the Uvex face shield. I am so tired of the crappy ones I have...fogged and scratchy...that I ordered a Uvex. Had really good reviews on Amazon.

I so have been meaning to get one of these. I once got metal in my eye that needed to be cut out....I would not recommend that.

Marc

[Valarius_Starchaser]

Originally Posted by youngrodder

I so have been meaning to get one of these. I once got metal in my eye that needed to be cut out....I would not recommend that.

Marc

you and me both the doctor called it a "corneal drill" and it was in my left eye (being the only one I can see out of) So I was blind for a day and a half

[99 to Life]

congrats on the parts. This boasting about the shield has got my broke ass in gear to buy one, gonna order two and get the free shipping killer deal. I too use the HF ones, not bad but def wide and the head straps go to shat sometimes. I can't believe they charge 15 either. on the plasma tip, I been using mine a bit more. Really enjoy it thus far. I'm on my second tip and cup and so far so good. Ordered 130 piece kit from china for under 30 bucks, they are all the same every brand you see on the net come from china anyway.

[Coach529]

Thanks for the link for the face shield.

I am in the market for a new one.

[reaper71]

Hey Guy's, just chiming in on the uvex..
I bought one a few years back and did not care for it.
It's kinda bulky and wide (my opinion) and the shield scratches really easy.
I opted for the Hypertherm shield it does cost more but well worth the $ It fits really nice around the face,light weight and comes with the removable cutting shield. The clear shield is super durable and does not scratch as easy as the other ones. (got mine from airgas or at cyberweld.com)

Mark...

[reaper71]

Another pic

[WorkinWrenchs]

Got the motor and th400 on Sunday. Gonna have to rebuild the motor. wasn't expecting that since he told me it had been rebuilt 2 years ago, then changed his story when I picked it up to it may have been rebuilt.

The plus side is it has the sought-after ram horn manifolds, so hopefully I can sell those and buy a rebuild kit for it. Hopefully I can sell the th400 also. Trying to decide if I want to use the T5 I have or get a t56.

Oh yea still waiting for the lower cups from thorbros, ordered on Nov 20th and still waiting.

Ordered universal motor mounts and s10 headers today from speedway so hopefully they get here this week. Still waiting for AMD to ship my rocker ordered that last Monday and still says they are processing the order.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by WorkinWrenchs

Got the motor and th400 on Sunday. Gonna have to rebuild the motor. wasn't expecting that since he told me it had been rebuilt 2 years ago, then changed his story when I picked it up to it may have been rebuilt.

The plus side is it has the sought-after ram horn manifolds, so hopefully I can sell those and buy a rebuild kit for it. Hopefully I can sell the th400 also. Trying to decide if I want to use the T5 I have or get a t56.

Oh yea still waiting for the lower cups from thorbros, ordered on Nov 20th and still waiting.

Ordered universal motor mounts and s10 headers today from speedway so hopefully they get here this week. Still waiting for AMD to ship my rocker ordered that last Monday and still says they are processing the order.

I had been waiting on a couple bag plates forever, I finally cancelled the order and had the stuff cut locally.

[99 to Life]

I NEVER take any engine talk serious. always assume a rebuild unless you hear it run up to temp. words to live by man. as for the lower bag cups, good god order from someone else. I can see waiting for something super custom but if they can't stock them or make them in a timely fashion, give someone else the money that would like your business. I'v ordered two small ebay items from them, shipped fine. if you need something custom made, I'v yet to hear a good story on turn around. Worst wait I'v seen was over a year.

[WorkinWrenchs]

Originally Posted by 99 to Life

I NEVER take any engine talk serious. always assume a rebuild unless you hear it run up to temp. words to live by man. as for the lower bag cups, good god order from someone else. I can see waiting for something super custom but if they can't stock them or make them in a timely fashion, give someone else the money that would like your business. I'v ordered two small ebay items from them, shipped fine. if you need something custom made, I'v yet to hear a good story on turn around. Worst wait I'v seen was over a year.

The guy i bought it from was the same guy that I bought the truck from and he was very straight with me on that one. The engine on the other hand is a different story, however I only gave $350 for both the engine and tranny so I am hoping to recoup some of the cost by selling the tranny and manifolds. As for the parts I have already paid and he keeps telling me that he is/has shipped them, but still no parts and every time i ask for a tracking number he says he will get back with me. None the less i am very disappointed in his customer service. Im not sure how he is still in business. Since im not in a big hurry i can wait. I will just work on other things here and there.

[lower50's]

I hope you get some good news soon.

[Valarius_Starchaser]

Heck if I was closer I would buy the trans and help with the rebuild I love a good SBC rebuild its relaxing with as many as I've done now be sure to post up some pics what heads did you end up with?