53 3100 Project - My first truck build...

[hobo]

Originally Posted by 8man

Yeah, I spent 40 years at a desk. When I was ready to start my truck I had to buy tools to do anything, and then learn how to use them. MAN is that learning curve STEEP!

I have to admit, I'm really enjoying working with my hands and learning this stuff. The little Lincoln MIG I got with the .023 easy grind wire has made some of my welds look better than I am. I look at others work and just marvel at the artisanship. Nice bunch of guys too and VERY supportive.

Keep at it.

I agree with the forum crew here - very supportive and similar to what I've found in other Harley/plane forums...Except on those boards I'm giving more of the advice than receiving, so I REALLY appreciate the help here.

I've heard a lot about the easy grind .023 but haven't found any locally or online. I'll nab some if I do though...I grind a lot. :-)

[hobo]

Originally Posted by Matt_50

My cab corners were similar... a lot of bondo and a couple of laid overvthevtop patches... took me a few months into build to get the courage to do them lol. If I warped floor at least I could cover it but not the corners.

Is there a lot of bondo on the roof or were flush rivets used?

Since this old girl has been chopped, shortened, yada yada yada I know she'll never be more than a hotrod cruiser to me Matt, so I guess I'm a LITTLE less concerned about doing damage as I learn this stuff.

As for the roof, I haven't even looked. I'm not even sure why it was cut in half, but then again I've never chopped a car either. Judging by what I've seen thus far, I can't imaging anything more than a ton of bondo up there. LOL!

[Matt_50]

Looks better than my first one! And I've only done two....

[dsraven]

looks good, especially for the first one, wow.
sand it so it is not shiny anywhere, corners etc
clean it with wax and grease remover
lay a coat of epoxy primer on it. let it off gas.
then do any bondo work.
try not to bondo over bare metal as bondo is porous and can trap or attract moisture (this is my theory, there is a debate out there on bondo under epoxy or over epoxy). this will allow the metal to rust under the bondo. simple primers are also not a sealer for weather, they can be a sealer for other paint products but will allow moisture to get through and start the rusting process all over again. ask at the supply shop, tell them what you are doing and they will likely suggest an epoxy primer as well.

here is a little article on the primer process and some of the different products

http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/primer.html

then this

http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/sealer.html

the whole tech article is here

http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/bodywork.html


have fun. do something else and come back later if it is frustrating you. use the right products and it can sit for a long time without worry of rusting if something else comes up or you have had enough till fall or whatever.

[hobo]

Originally Posted by dsraven

looks good, especially for the first one, wow.
sand it so it is not shiny anywhere, corners etc
clean it with wax and grease remover
lay a coat of epoxy primer on it. let it off gas.
then do any bondo work.
try not to bondo over bare metal as bondo is porous and can trap or attract moisture (this is my theory, there is a debate out there on bondo under epoxy or over epoxy). this will allow the metal to rust under the bondo. simple primers are also not a sealer for weather, they can be a sealer for other paint products but will allow moisture to get through and start the rusting process all over again. ask at the supply shop, tell them what you are doing and they will likely suggest an epoxy primer as well.

here is a little article on the primer process and some of the different products

http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/primer.html

then this

http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/sealer.html

the whole tech article is here

http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/bodywork.html


have fun. do something else and come back later if it is frustrating you. use the right products and it can sit for a long time without worry of rusting if something else comes up or you have had enough till fall or whatever.

Thanks for the details - big help!

[hobo]

Okay, 383 build should be finished by February. Block is done and getting clearanced tis week. I need to finish the doghouse and firewall to get ready for her. Also thinking about swapping that S10 rear end now that it's getting cold. 8.8 is less expensive, but the 9-inch is always appealing to a car guy. Also wanting to look into the 3-link or 4-link options, but mine isn't bagged even though the frame is notched.

Decisions Decisions. Need to get myself educated on the options...

[hobo]

Found a 3.73 8.8 at a local boneyard for $300. Started getting the rear chassis ready for the swap. Also finishing up the firewall in hopes of getting the 383 build in February. Here is yesterday's firewall pic before I shot some black on it last night: