Progress ... hanging sheetmetal!!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 13
That is correct Ilya. My truck had steel diamond plate on the floor and the original cardboard covering on the firewall. The cardboard on the firewall was crumbling apart so I put some shiny insulated covering on it. I really didn't like the look of it so I covered it with the rubber diamond plate.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 13
Bobby my knees felt like I was on a roller rink after the sanding!!
After 3 weeks of calling my reliable metal fabricators to come up with a price on new rails, I paid them a visit this morning. They told me to have the other shop make the rails ( I kinda figured they would say that). I took them to the other shop and spoke with the owner. His price $$$3000!!!!or he could fix the bends and whatever issues for $600 after which I will still need to get them rechromed. If I have them repaired I will probably bring them back to my original fabricators which will do the repairs cheaper.
I have been looking into local chroming shops that have big tanks but so far no luck.
A couple of guys at the car show tonight recommended Space Coast Chroming in Melbourne Florida which is over 3 hours away but do able. Decisions, Decisions!!
After 3 weeks of calling my reliable metal fabricators to come up with a price on new rails, I paid them a visit this morning. They told me to have the other shop make the rails ( I kinda figured they would say that). I took them to the other shop and spoke with the owner. His price $$$3000!!!!or he could fix the bends and whatever issues for $600 after which I will still need to get them rechromed. If I have them repaired I will probably bring them back to my original fabricators which will do the repairs cheaper.
I have been looking into local chroming shops that have big tanks but so far no luck.
A couple of guys at the car show tonight recommended Space Coast Chroming in Melbourne Florida which is over 3 hours away but do able. Decisions, Decisions!!
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,976
Likes: 9,807
From: Rio Rancho, NM
3 grand to make the two rails????
Holy cow! did you tell them you just wanted them out of steel and not gold? and that you just wanted the shop guys to fab them up not the owner of the danged company?
Sheesh!! thats ridiculous.
Good luck
Bobby
Holy cow! did you tell them you just wanted them out of steel and not gold? and that you just wanted the shop guys to fab them up not the owner of the danged company?
Sheesh!! thats ridiculous.
Good luck
Bobby
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
If that included chroming, and they do good work, 3K wouldn't be completely unreasonable. They are large and elaborately shaped. Chromed metalwork is only as good as the metal underneath, everything needs to be perfect and completely polished BEFORE it ever sees a chrome tank, that's a lot of man hours working on such a large piece not to mention the tank size needed. Could they be made in more than one piece with a slip joint hidden at a stanchion? Have you tried contacting the firetruck conversion companies to see if they would be willing to help you, especially if it was their company's build in the first place?
I wouldn't repair them ready for chrome for 600.00, I know how much work is involved in polishing metal not to mention doing straight enough repairs that wouldn't show! I typically charge more than 600.00 to finish and polish a raw casting jewelry piece to a high polish finish.
I wouldn't repair them ready for chrome for 600.00, I know how much work is involved in polishing metal not to mention doing straight enough repairs that wouldn't show! I typically charge more than 600.00 to finish and polish a raw casting jewelry piece to a high polish finish.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 13
That price was for making them in polished stainless. He said the repair price was for a full day of labor intensive work with all the imperfections removed and the rails polished ready for chroming. He mentioned splicing the rails in half to make it easier to chrome locally. I really don't want want to split them!! The company that made the rails is long out of business. Like I said earlier, I believe my usual metal fabricators will do a good job with the repair work. I have some leads about some local plating companies that may have big tanks so I will give it a shot.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,773
Likes: 169
From: Pt.St.Lucie , Fla.
Keith , space coast plating in Melbourne has dome some plating for me in the past .Excellant work .Straightened 2 bumpers for me also and I was impressed . If you decide on space coast let me know. I am right on the way up there .Later , Denny
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
Hey Keith, whatever it takes. You can't get skimpy now. It's way to late to settle for second best. Keep shopping and you will fine what ya need to get er done right. Hiding a seam like was said is a good idea if that's what it takes. It's still a top of the line restoration. You are doing excellent work. So many of us have got so many ideas and learned so much from your build it's impossible to thank you enough.
Do you think you will have Her on the road in Her first renewed Parade this summer?
That will be a video to save to disk for sure.
Do you think you will have Her on the road in Her first renewed Parade this summer?
That will be a video to save to disk for sure.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,577
Likes: 29
From: Pekin, IL
This restoration certainly makes me feel unworthy!
You are a dedicated individual for sure! And an inspiration! And thank you for your positive comments awhile back! I don't remember saying anything, but thank you!
You make it look easy, and we know better!
You are a dedicated individual for sure! And an inspiration! And thank you for your positive comments awhile back! I don't remember saying anything, but thank you!
You make it look easy, and we know better!
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
I don't know how to say it other than the Man is an inspiration at the least. To take a rig like this (maybe even a one off) and do what he has done in such a short time is awesome. Keith you are truly an inspiration to all of us. I wish I could be there to help. I really do Bud. I would love to have my fingerprints on that old Fire Wagon.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 13
Wow guys such nice comments!! This project has had some highs and lows. Right now it feels like a low even though the projects end is in sight. I always wanted to keep and reuse any original parts and I have done so when possible. The original rails will be back on looking like they did over 60 years ago when first installed. I will figure it out and get it done.
My city is having its annual parade on the 28th of this month and Ron, the man who drove the rig for my grandfather was going to drive me in it. Unfortunately it wont be ready and he is having some health issues right now. The next big parade will be July 4th and it WILL be done by then. Hopefully Ron will be better too. I mean really how cool would that be, he was my grandfathers driver and now he will be mine. He was so excited when I asked him to drive. A video moment for sure!!
Denny, If I use Space Coast I will get a hold of you.
Thanks again guys for the encouragement!!
My city is having its annual parade on the 28th of this month and Ron, the man who drove the rig for my grandfather was going to drive me in it. Unfortunately it wont be ready and he is having some health issues right now. The next big parade will be July 4th and it WILL be done by then. Hopefully Ron will be better too. I mean really how cool would that be, he was my grandfathers driver and now he will be mine. He was so excited when I asked him to drive. A video moment for sure!!
Denny, If I use Space Coast I will get a hold of you.
Thanks again guys for the encouragement!!
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,976
Likes: 9,807
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Well, its a shame you wont make this months parade. But its better to go slow and not cut corners and have it perfect for the July 4th parage. I sure hope your buddy's health improves and he can drive it for you. That will be fantastic for everyone involved.
Keep at it, we're all pulling for you
Bobby
Keep at it, we're all pulling for you
Bobby