Bright Idea (Maybe) - Temp Body
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 432
Likes: 34
From: West Fort Worth, TX
Bright Idea (Maybe) - Temp Body
I figured it out...at least I think I did.
I want to take my time to get the sheet metal and paint as perfect as I can. Since I do all my own work this may take me some time so I had the bright idea to see if someone locally (well within 300 miles) would have a truck or body that I could buy cheap to throw on my almost ready to go chassis (need to complete exhaust). Well the first search I did found what you now see in my garage ($400). Glass is good (three small chips in the front, perfect rear, perfect door, cracked vent glass but holding together). The guy gave me a set of running boards which I do not have. They are rusty and banged up a bit but it is better than nothing (came with all 4 supports still mounted to running boards). He also gave me an original instrument cluster which I didn’t have that is in perfect condition and a set of flawless chrome headlightrings. The grill with V8 emblem is actually in better condition than mine(less dents). Rust is ate through in the usual spots (floor boards in twospots where the driver sits and all 4 cab corners. I do not plan to fixthe cab corners at this time but will repair with patch panels the floor pan beforeuse. Also there is one major dent I can work out in the driver’sdoor. Since I have had the body I have wet sanded the tail gate, driver’sdoor and cab firewall to bring back the original color. In the wetsanding I have noticed the original paint has come back easy with the surfacerust removal. As soon as I get the mufflers bought and the rest of theexhaust completed I will be putting this sheet metal on the frame. <o
></o
I want to take my time to get the sheet metal and paint as perfect as I can. Since I do all my own work this may take me some time so I had the bright idea to see if someone locally (well within 300 miles) would have a truck or body that I could buy cheap to throw on my almost ready to go chassis (need to complete exhaust). Well the first search I did found what you now see in my garage ($400). Glass is good (three small chips in the front, perfect rear, perfect door, cracked vent glass but holding together). The guy gave me a set of running boards which I do not have. They are rusty and banged up a bit but it is better than nothing (came with all 4 supports still mounted to running boards). He also gave me an original instrument cluster which I didn’t have that is in perfect condition and a set of flawless chrome headlightrings. The grill with V8 emblem is actually in better condition than mine(less dents). Rust is ate through in the usual spots (floor boards in twospots where the driver sits and all 4 cab corners. I do not plan to fixthe cab corners at this time but will repair with patch panels the floor pan beforeuse. Also there is one major dent I can work out in the driver’sdoor. Since I have had the body I have wet sanded the tail gate, driver’sdoor and cab firewall to bring back the original color. In the wetsanding I have noticed the original paint has come back easy with the surfacerust removal. As soon as I get the mufflers bought and the rest of theexhaust completed I will be putting this sheet metal on the frame. <o
></o
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 766
Likes: 6
From: south Fl.
Its a little time consuming but I really like your idea and plan, This will give you all the time you need to finish the body panels to your liking and you'll be driving around town with that big ol'smile we like so much.
On the negative side this could prolong your finished product because you'll be out driving around town when you should be sanding.
On the negative side this could prolong your finished product because you'll be out driving around town when you should be sanding.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Stephen,
I like your creative thinking!!!! Plus you got a screaming deal!
I looked for just doors down here in Austin & they wanted $500 for just that.
Looking good up there! Post your first drive clip when it happens!
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
I like your creative thinking!!!! Plus you got a screaming deal!
I looked for just doors down here in Austin & they wanted $500 for just that.
Looking good up there! Post your first drive clip when it happens!
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 21
From: HUDSON, FL
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: central texas
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,997
Likes: 9,885
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I like the way you think.
Oh sure, its a little extra work but I think it will pay off in the long run. Its great to have a running truck, something you can get in and cruise. Especially when you fall into the inevitable rut when the project seems overwhelming and will never be finished.
Good luck
Bobby
Oh sure, its a little extra work but I think it will pay off in the long run. Its great to have a running truck, something you can get in and cruise. Especially when you fall into the inevitable rut when the project seems overwhelming and will never be finished.
Good luck
Bobby
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
Wow does THAT plan sound familiar. First you get a plan to build something less than what you really want. Then as the build progresses you find something that is better than you have so your plan takes a turn. Later it happens again...and again...and again. Next thing you know you are building a truck that looks nothing like what you had originally planned and much to your amazement it has taken twice as long and cost three times as much. Oh yeah, the original sheet metal is still taking up space in the garage awaiting the meticulous restoration work.
This is MY story, you will have your own but don't be surprised if your story ends up a lot like mine (and more than a few others).
This is MY story, you will have your own but don't be surprised if your story ends up a lot like mine (and more than a few others).
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
telewinder
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Feb 15, 2018 06:40 AM
F250Rob
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
17
Apr 12, 2015 09:08 AM
Sleepy445FE
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Oct 13, 2011 09:20 PM
78bigunns
Paint & Bodywork
3
Oct 21, 2005 03:05 PM
Fat Fendered Ford
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jul 24, 2003 12:24 PM