Donz '65 SWB Stepper Budget Build...

[Ta2Don]

Originally Posted by 64tantruck

Looks good, Can't wait to see it done.

Glenn

me too... then I'll be doing this...

[Ta2Don]

My couple of months is up in a few days, so barring any un-forseen issues, I should be posting updates soon...

[McMurphy]

Yay !!!

[Ta2Don]

Finally a small update, albeit, still an update...

Due to liquid sunshine today, I was unable to do the frame cleaning I had planned... so I was able to get in the shed and do a little...

Got the Cowl vent seals replaced, and the handles removed in preparation to steal Murph's cowl vent cable opening mod.
Since Murph acknowledged Coulter in his build with his "Coulter Trim," I will aptly name the Cowl Vent Cable Controls the "Murph Controls!" Thanks McMurph for posting the vent cable pulls for me to steal the idea for my build.

[Ta2Don]

Not much progress to report... but I did pick up a MIG Welder (Cheap) and have made a place in the Shop for it, waiting on my electrician to come over and wire up the 220 receptacle... For the time being I am re-purposing a derelict table saw for use as a welding table, nice steel top, gutted the internals last night, next step is to blast the surface rust... What's the best way to prep the top after the rust is gone??? Oil, WD40, any input is welcome... Thanks for looking in on my ramblings, enjoy!!!

[dantimdad]

Look on peachtree woodworking. There is a spray product for cast iron tools that keeps them from rusting and doesn't gum up the work you are doing on it.

Franmar Saw Blade Cleaner Pint (16oz) BBBQTWD

http://www.ptreeusa.com/franmar_chemicals.htm

I have a thing of the aerosol that has lasted for years and works great. Unfortunately it's not sold that way any more.

Steven

[Ta2Don]

Thanks Steven!!!

[Bomp]

Congrats on the welder. Things are gonna get going now.
What size of wire are you planning on using?

[Ta2Don]

Originally Posted by Bomp

Congrats on the welder. Things are gonna get going now.
What size of wire are you planning on using?

Gotta get an Argon bottle, so for now it's loaded with some flux-core... I know, I know, please don't throw any of your hammers at me...
I think the flux core is .035 and my bud was running a .030 with gas...

[Ta2Don]

After some phone calls, to the school, I was put in touch with Lonnie their long time Mechanic. Talking with him confirmed that the '65 was bought new, used to haul lunch stuff around, then in '75 Lonnie got it to use for the Maintenance Shop. He drove the truck until '93 when they retired it. In '95 the school sold the truck to a local guy, who happens to be a friend of mine, and dad to my machinist hookup. He sold it shortly after to another local, who has since passed away. Coincidentally, his son is one of my customers, so I am waiting to get ahold of him to see what more I can find out about the '65. Will post more once we talk, I'm hoping he may have some pics of his dad with the stepper, stay tuned!!!

[dantimdad]

I have been using flux core all along. it's messy and fussy but it does strong welds.

I really want a true mig setup though.

Steven

[Ta2Don]

Just found out it will cost about $110 to purchase small bottle and have filled locally... Will be picking up bottle Monday!!!

[Ta2Don]

Got the Welder up and running today
It's been 25 years since making sparks so got some practice to get in before any real welding takes place.
Here's a pic of my weld station and my first bead...

[Ta2Don]

And here is what I found under some rust bubbles at the bottom of my Passenger Fender...

[Bomp]

Congrats on the welder. Woo Hoo

I have a fire extinguisher and hose at the ready for any unexpected


Looks like some serious metal fab is in the future for the bottom of that fender. Let play time begin.

[Ta2Don]

Fire extinguisher is on the shopping list...
That fender is gonna pose a challenge to my metal working abilities, or maybe I should say, lack thereof...
Gonna give it a shot nonetheless...

[gimmy 64]

you can do it. i learned the hard way with sheet metal just do a short zap and move to another spot. i would blow a hole in the metal and think ---i just have to put more weld on it!!! NO stop and go some where else.

[Jmorales3181]

Go get em man!
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[McMurphy]

Yep, there are 3 fire extinguishers in the garage, strategically placed !!

The welder is a game changer! I never realized just how many more things were possible just from having it there!
Then came the plasma cutter...... life as I knew it ended and this snowball of a build has ensued !!

Good luck, have fun, keep us posted man

[Ta2Don]

Thanks Guys for the encouraging words... after some research, and an issue with the gas regulator on the argon bottle, which needs to be replaced, I have ordered a new regulator and will order some patch panels for the fender repair...

[markeb01]

I look forward to watching your progress. I really admire those with welding skills, especially sheet metal. It opens up so many possibilities. I never had enough demand to develop any talent at it. The few attempts demonstrated I was pretty good at burning holes in things, but that was about it.

[Ta2Don]

Originally Posted by markeb01

I look forward to watching your progress. I really admire those with welding skills, especially sheet metal. It opens up so many possibilities. I never had enough demand to develop any talent at it. The few attempts demonstrated I was pretty good at burning holes in things, but that was about it.

I guess we will see if I can do it, that is as soon as the patch panels arrive! And I must add, Mark you are very talented, Love your build...

[Dinos63]

whoa!!got some work to do and with you welding set looks like your ready

[Ta2Don]

Not much accomplished on the truck today, first priority was to keep the Mrs happy by completing some yard work and planting 3 trees... Then I dug into the passenger fender... cutting off the inner reinforcement and the outer skin that was rotted and previously repaired by P.O. with lots of filler... Waiting on new regulator for gas bottle on welder, and repair panels, then let the sparks fly

[Ta2Don]

Thanks Dino, gotta step up now... Really like watching your builds, that dually is the first one I found and all I can say is "Awesome" especially the trim on the dually fenders!
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