Getting started on the choptop truck...

[Sharkdance]

Keith,

You amaze me!

First, with your hard work and dedication of this site. And second with your talent of restoration/customizing of any project.

But damn man! How can you do so many things at one time? I mean, I would go batty trying to juggle just a fraction of what you do. And your doing it to how many projects now?
Ever think of finishing one project before you tear into another one?

Like I said. You just amaze me.

[mljjones67]

How do you keep track of all the parts and where they go when ready to reinstall.

[FORDification]

Well, all the good parts go in the office at the shop (there's barely room left to even walk in there now). Everything else is just spread out all over the place...so when I need something, it's just like a scavenger hunt!

...and as for the many projects....well, it's like you say, Sharkdance. I never finish what I start! (Well, haven't finished it YET.)

[FORDification]

Well, a month later and I finally got around to getting the door skin welded on today. I actually got a LOT farther than I thought I would...when I first arrived, I was hoping I'd have the panel cut and fit and ready to be welded in. But I got the old panel off so fast that I decided to keep going, and now it's completely installed and ready for a little filler for the edges. Here's a shot I took about halfway through welding it on:



Since I've been burned so many times by body panels that appeared to be good, only to find they're full of body filler, before I started removing the patch panel from the spare door I spent several minutes with the angle grinder and a 3M stripping wheel checking for signs of repair...that's why the new skin is all scuffed-up. I was pleased to find this panel was dent-free and rust-free.

I'm getting started on another project update page which will be posted this evening with a bunch of pictures of the day's adventures.

[layedout72]

wanna sell me that cab

[lightning_msd]

hey keith, hows that hobart welder working for you? is that what you use on all of your body parts? my buddy has one and hes looking to get rid of it but i had never heard of them before so i wasnt sure. is that the flux core?

[FORDification]

Well, I have the new project page posted. Check it out here:

Replacing The Door Skin

hey keith, hows that hobart welder working for you? is that what you use on all of your body parts? my buddy has one and hes looking to get rid of it but i had never heard of them before so i wasnt sure. is that the flux core?

Hobart was bought out by Miller several years ago. Miller and Hobart are considered top-of-the-line welders...definitely worth the money. I think mine, which is a 220V Handler 175, is just a bit large for bodywork, since it tends to burn through sheetmetal pretty easily. I wouldn't recommend getting one this large unless you're planning on welding heavier steel. I'm seriously considering investing in a smaller 110V unit for use specifically on sheetmetal. However, I was advised a while back on the Weld Talk messageboard to try using Harris Twenty Gage welding wire. It has a solid shell surrounding a powdered core, (it's not a flux cored wire ). It's designed not to burn through on body metal.

No, mine isn't flux core...I definitely wouldn't use that on bodywork. Mine uses the shielding gas shielding gas (75% Argon, 25% CO2).

[67highboy]

That truck is gonna be way cool man

I agree with the rat rod theme, That will be sweet

John

[Heavenlyfire]

I wouldn't mind trying something like that, if I only had a cab to practice on . Oh ya, I do have Spartmans cab sitting in my shop .

[spartman]

NO NO NO!!!!!

That is my welding table!!!!!



I am still workin on it.

If I get all my parts home who can I bug then?

[rjewkes]

Awesome Keith, Are you going to use the chrome to cover the weld? or are you going to blend it realy good?

seems like Chrome would dilude the ratrod thing.

[FORDification]

There won't be any chrome on this truck, not even the bumpers.

[layedout72]

what are your plans for the front bumper? I think it would look a LOT better if pulled in an an inche or 2.

[69F110]

Nice update!

[FORDification]

what are your plans for the front bumper? I think it would look a LOT better if pulled in an an inche or 2.

Hmmm....I never really gave it any thought...but you might be onto something. I'll have to give that some thought, it wouldn't be hard to implement.