1964 SWB Step Side Chop Top

[jimmythompson1964]

Pulled the bumper off of my 62 and freshen her up and got it on Wild Thang...pulled off that ugly thing that was on when I got her. For those of you who really know these trucks you probably know where I am going with this. I loaded the number in the truck and dropped it off at the sand blaster to remove the 50+ years of rust and paint. When I picked up of course some sanding dolling and body work and it was ready for a test fit, my plan was to pull a page from Chip Foode’s book and narrow the bumper so it would fit a little closer to the fenders on the side. WELL SHOOT the bolt pattern is different on a 62 vs a 66. That really put a hitch in my giddy-up, so I had to take a break and beat myself up for not test fitting before I spent all of that money on it...oh well to far into it to stop now. So I got a piece off brass put on the back of the bumper mounting hole and welded them up ground them back down smooth and refit the bumper marked and drilled new holes (I looks into the tool to punch the square holes $450.00 no thank you) mounted the bumper marked it and cut it in half welded back together. A little grinding and body work and it looks pretty good, but way to much work for a painted bumper...lol

[jimmythompson1964]

Well got everything done on my truck making it ready to go on the hot rod power tour, at least I hope it's ready. Sooo a road trip must take place...I am working at the VA in Nashville TN about a 250 mile trip to work and all week of in town driving, then 250 miles back home...sounds like a good road trip-test to me, with a stop at the Good Guys Nashville car show on Friday of course. Well I left my house with as many tools and stuff as I could carry and hit the road, it is 99% interstate from home to my hotel and with the 373 gears and a 4 speed, I keep it between 60-65 mph. Rolling on I-40 it was a late afternoon trip weather was nice with the windows down I had a few horn blows, thumbs up, and waves it was a really enjoyable trip. I am staying at an extended stay and have been there nearly 3 months and no one has even said hello to me...well upon pulling into the parking lot with the old truck's roller cam sounding off through the flow master mufflers, I became instantly the most popular guy at the hotel. There were guys wanting to know what I had under the hood and those telling me about the truck they used to have or there dad used to own. Everyone was cool and I enjoyed showing my old rough truck off to people who were interested. It is really amazing how much attention these old trucks attract when you drive them. I am so glad I have decided to drive my truck while I do some upgrades and wait on this elusive time in my life when I will have the time and money to do a ground up redo with the chopped cab and upgrades that I see some of you guys here doing to your trucks. Just wanted to share and encourage you to take a road trip even if you're not quite finished with your truck enjoy the moment. Hope to see some of you guys at one of my stops with the Hot Rod Power Tour.

[jimmythompson1964]

Spent the afternoon in the hotel parking lot wiring my LED driving lights. Finally a good evening out of town...wish I could drive it every week.

[jimmythompson1964]

Made it home with no mechanical issues over all a good trip and I think the truck is ready for the HOD Rod Power Tour. HOWEVER...I stopped at the Goodguys Giant car show in Nashville before driving home, and ran into a little trouble literally! Right there at the entrance I had a dispute for realistate

[The Rocknrod]

Ya that'l buff out. Sounds like your having fun.

[jimmythompson1964]

Well, you know what they say...”it’s fun until you hit the wall” I could have done without the fender bender. Just was not ready to start body work yet I have it tore down and have started robbing my parts truck. Test fit the fender not to bad and almost no rust. This is a good time to get rid of the hood, not only did someone put that cheesy scoop on it ( with sheet metal screws ) it’s a bondo baby with ample amounts of rust for good measure.

[The Rocknrod]

Did you bounce against the wall at the speedway or what? I saw that done at Texas. Longer story on that.

[jimmythompson1964]

No that would have been more fun but we picked a fight with a Hyundai.

[jimmythompson1964]

Our Trucks were well represented at the Goodguys show

[62chevy302]

I see you are in greeneville. I live in hampton. We will have to get together and talk about these old trucks.

[jimmythompson1964]

Originally Posted by 62chevy302

I see you are in greeneville. I live in hampton. We will have to get together and talk about these old trucks.

Would love to grab a cup of coffee and shoot the breeze with you. I work out of town during the week but usually am home Friday Saturday & most of Sunday.

[jimmythompson1964]

I have spent the last 2 weekends thrashing on this thing trying to get it ready for my trip. It seems when you start on one thing it's like an onion there are several layers you find that needs doing while it's apart. I had to go back to my old 62 parts truck and pull some parts to get my truck fixed, just glad I have the parts to pull. It was about 95 deg. and of course I waited until mid day to pull parts. Thankfully only one rung off bolt to deal with, but there was plenty of coats of old paint and surface rust to deal with. It amazes me how much time it consumes getting this stuff ready for a coat of paint, and as you see in the picture the inner fender held up really well for 50+ years. I am sure this a familiar sight to everyone here....scrape wire brush sand and repeat...lol. I used spray on bed liner for the under side of the inner fender instead of under coating I hope it holds up, it seems like a good product. Had to run up to my buddy's shop and put it on the frame machine to get the tire to stand back up for the front end alignment. with that done it was a couple of days prepping & painting putting back together.

[jimmythompson1964]

I bought a hood about 7 years ago that looks great no rust or dents, the guy said it flew up and bent the rear brace where it mounts to the hinges. So now that I have my truck apart I finally took on this challenge to change out that brace. It's interesting that out of 3 trucks and out of the 3 including the one I'm driving only 1 had a brace that was not bent at the hinges must be a common thing, oh well, so it was Game On. I took my time with the hood I wanted to reuse and was able to remove it without damaging the hood. The donor hood not so much, the donor brace had some rust where it mounted to the hood so I cut it out and welded in patch pieces and made it ready for install. It was even a challenge to get the hood turned over and supported with towels to keep from bending it from its own weight while working on it. I set it up on my trailer so it was out side and the rain kept me from finishing it completely but did get it put back together and clamped ready to weld. So much to do and so little time, I have only this coming weekend to complete everything and be ready for nearly 2,000 miles of Hot Rod Power Tour fun. This will be a busy week end for sure. I need 2 of me

[LostMy65]

Worthy endeavor...
I have a couple hoods that I've considered doing that with. But I chicken out each time.

[jimmythompson1964]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Worthy endeavor...
I have a couple hoods that I've considered doing that with. But I chicken out each time.

The actual hinge brace replacement was not that difficult, buy a good spot weld bit and take your time. The work is all in stopping the surface rust and prep for paint. I have really got some use out of my drill, wire brushes, and my 3" sander with 80 grit. I have been using Permatex Rust Treatment does anyone have a better solution or product.

[jimmythompson1964]

Cleaned up pretty good, satin black rattle can for now but will put some quality paint under the hood when I get paint & body work portion of my build.