Project Vitamin C-10

[Alan's Classic]

Thanks for the input on the T/G. The scripted looks more original and I kind of like that. I'm not fond of emblems or pinstripes. I like racing stripes, but not on this project. Plans for this truck are for a simple slick paint job with nothing on it, so I think a smooth T/G will work best for this project.

[likaroc13]

with some of the smooth ones i've seen, it just looks too plain or out of place...but on a truck that's completely custom, i don't think it looks bad....either way, i'm sure it'll look just as slick as the rest of your truck

[my67chevytruck]

I like the scripted ones, as the smooth ones look like an afterthought in my opinion. Whichever you choose, I know it will look good!

Just a thought, you could snap a couple of pictures, then post in the photoshop section, and have someone remove the scripting so you could actually see how it looks with your current setup, and smoothed....

[63sbssbbw]

I think the stepside lettering looks pretty good,but like Del said, with smooth one you could do whatever you like
T

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by likaroc13

with some of the smooth ones i've seen, it just looks too plain or out of place...but on a truck that's completely custom, i don't think it looks bad....either way, i'm sure it'll look just as slick as the rest of your truck

Thanks, I hope so.

Originally Posted by my67chevytruck

I like the scripted ones, as the smooth ones look like an afterthought in my opinion. Whichever you choose, I know it will look good!

Just a thought, you could snap a couple of pictures, then post in the photoshop section, and have someone remove the scripting so you could actually see how it looks with your current setup, and smoothed....

Can I use a pic when I first got the truck? It's blue, but it's the only pics I have of it together.

Originally Posted by 63sbssbbw

I think the stepside lettering looks pretty good,but like Del said, with smooth one you could do whatever you like
T

After the clean and simple look.

Used some 18 guage to try to make some rain gutters for the A post. To my knowledge noone makes them. I don't need them, but Ronnie does on his build. Over all they turned out pretty good. My shear won't shear 18 guage so I had the cut it out by hand. The angle needs to be a little sharper to be exactly like the factory, but my break won't go any further. It will work like it is. I only made one for now. I need to find someone that can shear 18 guage. I thought about trying 20 guage, but I don't have any.

Here I used a short piece to practice my bends.



Next is the final product.









Next it's on to the bed...........Pics on the way.

[Alan's Classic]

Started to work the Lt bed panel. First I worked on shaving the chain area and the rear stake pocket.



I left this piece a little long and once I welded it I trimmed to fit.



Alll done with chain area and rear stake pocket



Moved on up the bedside to another problem. I tried heat to straighten this out with no luck.





I put it on the vise and beat it back into submission and welded what was left of the hole. This is where it is now. Got pulled away.

[Alan's Classic]

Here is a link to the thread in photoshop.

[Captainfab]

I'm really happy to see you fill in that little notch.




I think every rear of a truck I've seen that has been 'shaved' this little detail has not been done, and it bugs the crap outta me. This is just another example of the fine detail that sets you above most of the guys Alan

[jonzcustomshop]

I like the "chevrolet" logo on the 2002-2006 avalanche tailgates.. I always wanted to put it on a project... however I found out that those tailgates are plastic...
is there a way to bond that logo to a smooth metal gate?
that would be my suggestion!

[65Custom]

I'm with captianfab
I agree that notch should be filled by all with out chains, it is just another detail that many over look, but Alan's Keen eye for detail is at it again and definitely will be apparent when in shows.

Tailgate script or no script

I prefer the original script tailgates, this is my opinion. I don't like the script on the Mar-K tailgates, it is different from original and reversed from original and does not suite me, I like the latch system and wish they would make us a kit to adapt to the original tailgates and as for the links to hold the tail gate those are Ok too in keeping with the original equipment later models or the newer cables are cool too,

So Alan in your case I'm voting for the non script and then you can letter it or do what ever design on the tailgate you wish, but what ever you do it will be detailed and cool we are all waiting to see what you do and then drool.

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I'm really happy to see you fill in that little notch.

I think every rear of a truck I've seen that has been 'shaved' this little detail has not been done, and it bugs the crap outta me. This is just another example of the fine detail that sets you above most of the guys Alan

Thanks Capt. I hope I'm happy on the final product. There will always be something that one wish they did different. Right now I'm wishing I put frame notches in and bored and sleeved the trailing arm crossmember for exhaust.

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

I like the "chevrolet" logo on the 2002-2006 avalanche tailgates.. I always wanted to put it on a project... however I found out that those tailgates are plastic...
is there a way to bond that logo to a smooth metal gate?
that would be my suggestion!

One could probably use 8115 panel bond from 3m. It's amazing stuff. We use it to bond 1/4 panels on in some areas.

Originally Posted by 65Custom

I'm with captianfab
I agree that notch should be filled by all with out chains, it is just another detail that many over look, but Alan's Keen eye for detail is at it again and definitely will be apparent when in shows.

Tailgate script or no script

I prefer the original script tailgates, this is my opinion. I don't like the script on the Mar-K tailgates, it is different from original and reversed from original and does not suite me, I like the latch system and wish they would make us a kit to adapt to the original tailgates and as for the links to hold the tail gate those are Ok too in keeping with the original equipment later models or the newer cables are cool too,

So Alan in your case I'm voting for the non script and then you can letter it or do what ever design on the tailgate you wish, but what ever you do it will be detailed and cool we are all waiting to see what you do and then drool.

Thanks Kevin!!

I use these pull pins to handle the panel until it is ready to weld then use tape to hold it where I want it til it is tacked.



Since I removed the stake pocket I needed a reinforcement to brace it up.



Getting ready to wipe.



This is all I can wipe at one time due to the heat (97 in the shop). Due to the heat I have to reduce the hardener that is used, in turn the crust stays sticky longer. It kicks really fast but due to the sticky crust it gums up the sand paper. Sometimes I can wipe the sticky stuff off with a laquer rag if I can't wait. It's still drying now. I should be able to sand pretty soon when it is fully cured without using thinner.



First wipe



Nine wipes later. It took almost an hour just to wipe it. I couldn't take my time like I usually would. I just had to get it on as quick as possible.

[tonypaul]

What product are you using on your wipes?
Thanks!

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by tonypaul

What product are you using on your wipes?
Thanks!

I love this stuff, but it's about $40/gallon.

I knocked the crust off with 36 grit on an assortment of air tools. I don't like blocking so I do as much with air tools as possible.





Then I went over it with a long block with 80 grit. Still have a few low spots that need attention.

[jonzcustomshop]

I like that you are showing this part...
most of the time you see a bare metal shot, and then a shot of finished with paint..
I think that alot of people don't realize that to get any vehicle super straight like the 6 figure show cars, there will be a skim coat of some sort of filler over the whole vehicle...might only be a millimeter thick, but it will be there.

[my67chevytruck]

nice progress!

[MacAttack]

As usual, beautiful work - Alan.

[likaroc13]

hey Alan, i have this pic if it helps any...not hugger orange, but maybe a photoshopper can work with it

[4dranch]

Alan,
I ran across this today.

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by likaroc13

hey Alan, i have this pic if it helps any...not hugger orange, but maybe a photoshopper can work with it

Originally Posted by 4dranch

Alan,
I ran across this today.

Thanks guys. I posted the pics on the PS thread.

I also did some searching. I haven't found an orange one yet with the view I am looking for. I did find TR65's truck with the perfect angles. Thanks TR for letting me use pics of your awesome truck. I just hope the PS guys can work with the color. They mentioned dark colors and white are hard to work with. I don't believe it is white but a light gray.

[Alan's Classic]

Had a little shop time today. Blocked on the bedside with 80 with air tools then blocked it by hand with a long board. Around the wheel arch needs more attention as well as a couple more areas. I sprayed guide coat to see where I have been, plus to check his/lows.



Here's a neat trick for those hard to reach areas when spreading filler. I use an acid brush.



I tried another video of how to block into a curve, but I'm not happy with it(my performance). It could have been better arranged and thought out. Maybe I wouldn't stumble as much. I'm having problems getting the video link working like I want it too. I'm doing what I normally do but the video box doesn't show in the message.

[shortbed70]

Man alan I wish you and me were closer I would bring my bed to you after I get the metal work done to smear it. I hate that part. Progress looks good.

[my67chevytruck]

nice progress Alan!

[structures]

alan thanks for the tip. I'm looking forward to that video!

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by shortbed70

Man alan I wish you and me were closer I would bring my bed to you after I get the metal work done to smear it. I hate that part. Progress looks good.

I here ya. Since it is cooling off a little (10 degrees) it makes it a little easier to get more done.

Originally Posted by my67chevytruck

nice progress Alan!

Originally Posted by structures

alan thanks for the tip. I'm looking forward to that video!

I hope to get it remade soon.

Somedays we all have bad days in what we do best. I couldn't get the filler like I wanted so I had to rewipe the bottom section.

[ruffrida2005]

Alan if you want I'll just bring you my cab and bed, and you can make a video. I'll be the cam guy and will sell it for $20 a pop.