Project: Bumpy Ride

[indyracer]

I didn't really plan on this being a full project, but things change.

Now we have a full scale project brewing in the garage. I don't have many pictures of tear down, but this week has been some firewall repairs. I have posted some before pics and after pics. It only has the first coat of body filler on it. I am thinking about sanding the rest of the firewall and shooting a coat of epoxy primer on it before I put anymore body filler on.

Side note: Repairing this section of the firewall is a slight pain. At least for me, as a novice body person, it's a pain.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Progress is always good...

[GREASEMONKEY72]

dont look to bad, looking forward to seeing more progress

[c-mack]

keep us posted dude

[indyracer]

Progress may not be at the speed of light. That is why it's called "Bumpy Ride".

Working by yourself makes things go a little slow, and not to mention I get side tracked pretty easy. Sometimes my dad comes over and works with me on it. He doesn't do a great deal as far as replacing panels, but did a lot during tear down. I think he just likes hanging around while it's being worked on. This is his era of automobile. We never got to do anything like this when I was growing up so it's nice to do this project with him involved a little bit.

[Spanky_Pete]

I know what you mean about things going slow when you're working by yourself. I have 4 projects going that consume what little time I have free. When I get in a bind I can usually sweet talk my Dad into coming over and helping me curse and throw wrenches.

Looks like you're off to a good start though, I love that shade of green.

[indyracer]

Here is Saturdays progress...

I shot some epoxy primer over the bodywork that is pictured in the previous post. Then I done the finish body filler over that. Didn't come out all that bad except when I was shooting the epoxy over the end result my gun messed up and caused it to look like crap. I think it will turn out in the end.

This is my first attempt at bodywork and paint. I am happy so far. Although, this is probably one of the hardest places to start as a novice. I was thinking it would be a good place to start since it was the firewall and isn't seen much, but fixing those areas was a pain.


PICS

[ilovetara]

Looks good man!

[indyracer]

No progress on the truck Sunday, but I did work on getting the shop cleaned up. I must have a clean area to work in or I get aggravated. This week will probably be some more arranging of the shop. I haven't ordered any sheet metal yet and next week I'm going to Louisiana for work so I'm in no hurry.

[indyracer]

I was doing some fact finding tonight. The back of the cab around the cab mounts is pretty ate up.

Pics:

[indyracer]

No progress this weekend. Saturday evening I fixed the fuel gauge sending unit in the Bonneville and the rest of the weekend was spent getting ready to head to Louisiana. I will be down there for the week. I return on Friday so I was thinking of heading over to GMC Pauls and pick up some sheet metal. I will be at the Indy airport and that is over half way to Pauls from my house so why not.

[68chevy68]

Pick some up for me while your at it. I need a nice bed.lol. Looking good, keep the pictures coming.

[indyracer]

Done a little work on the truck over this long weekend. My plan was to spend most of the weekend working on it. It didn't really work out, but I spent today, Labor Day, doing some work on it. I went to pick up floor pans a couple weeks ago and the drivers side was out of stock. So since I had the passenger side I went ahead and placed an order last week for all of the passenger side patch panels. I wanted to get some of it welded in this weekend, but I didn't. Here are some pictures of a few panels mocked up. I did this for inspiration. There is also a picture of some of the rotten crap that was cut out.

[indyracer]

Well, it's been 4 years since I've really done anything with the project. Life kind of got in the way with health issues for the wife and job changes for both of us. Time sure passes you by before you know it. Several times over the last 4 years I've had thoughts of giving up, but I just couldn't do it. A couple weeks ago I started looking at the truck again and began trying to pick up where I left off. I did some powdercoating of some parts and then started on the passenger side floor.

I have a habit of over thinking so I made myself just go for it. Here are some pictures of what I've accomplished so far. First the powdercoated parts. They aren't the best pictures. I will try to get better ones next time.

[indyracer]

Here's the passenger side progress for today. The last picture is the heater that I sandblasted and painted.

I'm sure I've made a lot of mistakes, but this is my first time so I expect it. Hopefully I will get better as I do more. Again, I am just making myself go for it.

[indyracer]

Haven't had much progress this week. By the time I get home from work it doesn't give me much time to do a lot to the truck. I was able to get the A-Pillar patch in. I need to finish welding it but I have to do a little massaging first.

My wife is taking a trip to Chicago this weekend so maybe I can get a fair amount done while shes gone.

[dmack91]

Nice to see you getting back to it. Looks like quite the project.

[502ms]

Originally Posted by dmack91

Nice to see you getting back to it. Looks like quite the project.

What he said.
Posted via Mobile Device

[indyracer]

I have the passenger floor welded in and now I will do some grinding. I'm not going to grind the welds completely flat because I want to keep as much strength in them as I can.

I also started on the cab corner. There is a lot to do on this truck and it's easy to get overwhelmed. I am trying to stay focused on one section at a time. It should all come together if I keep that mindset. Here are some pictures of the latest.

[oldblue1968chevy]

yikes good job!

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Looks like the rust gremlins got it..

[makman1297]

That looks just like my cab,green and rusty.

[indyracer]

The rust gremlins for sure got to this thing. Over the last few years I have contemplated getting a different cab, but that takes away the sentimental value of it.

I hope I can bring it back to life. I'm not looking for a show winning truck, just a decent looking driver. I then want to put a book together with pictures from my childhood with this truck until present when it's finished. I keep telling myself to just keep plugging away.

[makman1297]

You are doing fine, makes me want to get home and finish my 72, hopefully i will finish it next summer. Just take it one piece at a time, kinda like Johnny Cash, and you will be done before you know it.

[67cheby]

congrats on the second wind !! doing great keep it up and you will have the rust gremlins beat in no time !!