When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Sorry Dave. That was me that dredged up this old thread. I don't really have a build thread, and I just wanted to add the interesting new information that surfaced to the on-going story of my truck. I don't have any real skills or technical knowledge to share, so my contributions to the forum are pretty much limited to human interest and back story kinds of things.
I think your truck looks awesome! I didn't even know it was you updated the thread because it seems when I look at FTE on my phone I can hardly see anything. My truck number one build thread has not been updated in a couple years so I know the feeling, I may actually be getting the cab back for that in the spring and be able to update that one. again the truck looks great hope you're having fun with it!
Jim, your truck looks great, I remember posts from a few years back where you were concerned with some repairs that had been done above the right rear wheel along with comments on how cool the canvas seat covers were. Its very nice to see how far you have come on the truck. I was unaware until today that it was your dads truck, even more reason to be so proud. Id like to see more pictures when the lettering is completed. Thanks for sharing, enjoy the drive.
Thanks Dave. Your build threads demonstrate your amazing fabrication talents and the creativity you bring to your projects. I like stock vehicles, but can appreciate what it takes to do what you do.
Yes, I have been having fun. Once the snow melts, I'll be out trying to catch up to the miles you have on your Caddy. You'll probably be out too putting some miles on the truck you just finished. Hopefully you won't be picking up any tickets. Loud exhaust and big engines have a tendency to draw attention. Me--being a stock guy--I got pulled over in Indiana for going too slow. LOL.
Rick, I'm hoping to start working on my truck again soon. Putting the caution stripes on the bumpers is one of the last things that needs to be done before I can say my truck's exterior is restored to look like it did in its former military service days. I'll post pictures when it's done.
I didn't fix the rear wheel wells and arches like I intended to (and was advised to do by my FTE friends). I purchased replacement inner wheel wells from a guy in Colorado, and I found some good sheet metal locally to fix the exterior wheel arches. I bought a new compressor and a heater for my garage. I was all ready to go, but then my plans started falling apart. There was a problem with my compressor, I fell and broke a bone in my leg, and I got impatient.
Last winter, working on crutches, I ended up just filling in the outer wheel arch damage with JB Weld and finishing the brazing job done on the the inner wheel wells with epoxy based filler. The "rust" bubbles that were coming through the braised repairs that were done the year before were media blasted and epoxy primed before filling with JB Weld. The exterior surfaces of the wheel wells and the inner edges of the wheel arches are all sealed up with bed liner and roofing cement. Hopefully there will be no air or water penetration coming from the "inside".
The repairs have held for a year now. I'm hoping for the best. Worst case, I still have the sheet metal for a more permanent repair. The interior of my truck still needs body work and paint.
Working on my Dad's truck has been an especially meaningful experience. I wish I would have spent more time with him working on his various car projects when I had the chance. He was MUCH more knowledgeable then me when it came to working on vehicles. He'd be pleased that I took an interest in his truck. At the time of his death, in addition to his truck, my Dad had a 37 Chevy coupe, a 68 Chevelle, a 65 Olds 98, and a 64 Olds F85 . When he was more active in his early retirement years, he had many more car projects going. They were tucked away out of sight in a friend's barn that my Mother was barely aware of. He was a car guy and would have enjoyed a forum like this.
Now look what I've done! We have guests for the holiday with vehicles in unexpected places, and "toys" randomly strewn about the driveway. I accidentally backed into an ATV (and no, I didn't have my back-up camera turned on). I didn't think I needed it. LOL.
Fortunately, damage was limited to the passenger side lower fender. The picture doesn't show it too well, but there's a pretty good bend in it. I was able to pull it back into shape some, but the filler is definitely cracked. I'm thinking about a repo steel replacement. My fenders were in really bad shape before Bob (Jones) worked on them. Does anyone have any experience with the newly available 51-52 steel fenders available from Mid-Fifty? Thanks.
Just giving you a hard time. One thing you have to consider is your sheet metal was so bad I did a lot of fabrication to make them look good. The new reproduction parts are supposedly made using factory tooling so they probably won't fit perfectly to your fenders. The damage doesn't look too bad can you have someone repair the damage by pulling and applying a layer of filler? If not someone local if you're in my area stop buy and I'll take a look at it.
Thanks for weighing in, Bob. I was thinking my fenders may have been "customized" just a bit. With your confirmation, I'll change my focus to fixing what I have. I pulled the bent part back into shape as far as it would go. It needs to go further. Should I get someone younger and stronger to pull on it, or should I see what I can do with the lower fender removed?
I would see what you can do with the part still installed. I think you're going to have to tap around a bit with a hammer and dolly to work the crease out and then some grinding and filling. It shouldn't be a difficult fix.
Thanks for the guidance. I'm planning to participate in 4th of July parades tonight and Saturday. Next week is Iola, but after that, I'll try to follow your suggestion.
