GREAT project, been following since day 1.
I like a bed that shows character, as it's a truck, and trucks were made to work.
When it comes time for the wood for the bed I can offer a woodshop to use, to whittle them boards out.
I too am in SE Ohio, just not as SE as you.
Keep up the great work.
Roger

 

We hit a major milestone this past week, Austin turned 18. He got his drivers permit. This was a challenging task for him. Autism and hearing impairment has effected his vocabulary and the way the permit tests are written it was hard for him. They use a bank of 500 questions and sometimes the similar questions are worded slightly different. It made it hard for him but he was able to acquire additional vocabulary and comprehension while studying for the test.
Now, I am feeling the pressure, he wants this truck on the road ASAP. We are working but it is slow. Should have the bed in epoxy primer by the end of next week.

 

This build really is refreshing in so many ways. Nice that you get to work together and build something that I'm sure is going to make you both very happy.

Wavy is OK, perfect is highly over rated. Like you say, there is always later to tweek the body work. The main thing is to get it on the road, and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Keep on truckin'.

 

We are still plugging away, took a couple pics today of My friend working on fender patches. It is going well now that we got our mig to work properly. We did not read the directions! If using a shielding gas you have to reverse the polarity of the machine. We did not know that! Amateurs!

 

Jim/Austin looking good. Some serious sparks are flying there. You should plan on going to Truckstock 2017 in Sept.

 

Jim, good work. That bed side looks pretty good and straight. Is the front panel new?

 

Looking good! Keep up the great work..

 

Jim, please pass on my congratulations to Austin. A driving permit is a huge deal in a young mans life, kinda a gateway to manhood. I still remember getting mine, oh my goodness was I nervous. I've said it B4 and Ill say it again, your build is so very, very special, it warms my heart every time you post an update. Blessings to you both.

 

Well said Tip

 

Yes the front panel is new. Lot more work on the bed sides than I thought originally. Learn as you go here Franklin Furnace, Ohio!
We do want to take it to a couple shows this year.

 

Hey Jim,
We also spent considerable time on our 1950 F1 bed but when it came time to paint it I told the
guy we had helping us to leave in some of the character. I didn't want to have it so perfect we would
worry about every scratch. Austin will end up parking it in the school parking lots, etc.
If it's mechanically strong & safe you'll have done a great job!

Austin will add plenty of character to it ... it just happens with 16 year old drivers. My 25 year old son
continues to add character to our's. I've got to run up to Waco next week to spend a day helping him
with the starter/battery/fan.

Good luck over there.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Glad to see progress is being made. Also congratulations to austin

 

Well, I made a decision to spend more money. I ordered a new tailgate from Dennis Carpenter. Austin's tailgate would be fine for a rat rod project or even a flat or primmer paint job. The gloss paint just shows everything. There is just too many small bumps and bruises to work out. The gate also has a little warp. I just do not want to take the time to work it all out and then not be satisfied with it since I am not a body man. I learned the hard way on the bed sides!
I will just sell it and the old front bed panel and move on.

 

Austin must be the luckiest kid on this forum. Good for you. I'm sure you will both be very happy with the new tailgate for years to come. Money well spent when it's for a grand kid

 

Good decision, one you will not regret. I can't tell you how many nice trucks I have seen driving down the road with wavy tailgates...like a fat woman in spanks. Get a new tailgate and it will be smooth and straight...just like new.