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This is one of the 1964 parts that was on my 1965
F-350. I was going to sandblast it and prime it to get it ready to paint as I kind of like the look of the 1964 grille compared to 1965, but upon removing the turn signal lights I noticed that the previous owner had cut part of the grille to fit a non-factory turn signal light into the grille. Is it fixable, or would it be better and easier to get a new one? I’m a pretty decent welder, and it is in a spot that would be hidden by the turn signal light. Also, how do the mounting holes of the grille compare from 64/65? It seemed that when I was taking the grille out that only a few of the mounting holes actually lined up and had bolts in them, although I don’t have a picture of which ones did and didn’t.
Here’s some pictures of the carnage, I included a picture of the intact side for reference.
That is definitely fixable since you have welding skills. very simple sheet metal forming to replace missing pieces. Funny, I prefer the '65 grill most of all as it reminds me of braces on teeth; the '66 grill least of all, but I digress...
When you say you're a decent welder, what does that mean? Is your experience with industrial welding, or auto body light sheet metal work? There is a huge difference. I've seen plenty of guys with big heads claim they know how to weld, but when it comes to doing something delicate like this, they destroy it. It's an entirely different technique. They may be able to build a nuclear reactor but they can't put in a patch panel in without warping the crap out of the quarter panel. That's only an easy fix for someone who knows what they're doing. Depending on which side of the stick you hold, you may be better off just putting a new and correct lamp over it and calling it a day. Like you said, no one is going to see it.
When you say you're a decent welder, what does that mean? Is your experience with industrial welding, or auto body light sheet metal work? There is a huge difference. I've seen plenty of guys with big heads claim they know how to weld, but when it comes to doing something delicate like this, they destroy it. It's an entirely different technique. They may be able to build a nuclear reactor but they can't put in a patch panel in without warping the crap out of the quarter panel. That's only an easy fix for someone who knows what they're doing. Depending on which side of the stick you hold, you may be better off just putting a new and correct lamp over it and calling it a day. Like you said, no one is going to see it.
Most of my experience welding is I guess what you’d call industrial, stick welding thicker metal, I have done MIG welding as well although also on thicker metal. I don’t have a whole lot of experience with thin sheet metal like this, but I do have the time and resources to practice for a good while before I try to fix it. I also know someone that is a welder and has a lot of experience on stuff like this, so that is also an option. I was considering not even worrying about fixing it, but one of the mounting holes for the turn signal was taken with the cut piece, so I figure it wouldn’t be a bad idea to just go ahead and fix it.
Sounds like you have the skill for a challenge, its wrecked...so you can't wreck it.
First I would make the missing piece, and make it so it fits perfect. When there are no gaps to fill, you are fusing two pieces of metal together, not filling gaps with wire.
Make a die that fits into the good part of the grill, and hammer some sheet metal over it to get the shape. It a small piece, so throw away 5 bad ones till you get a good one that fits perfect.
My choice of welder would be Tig 1st, Oxy acetylene 2nd, Mig 3rd, and stick last
If it was mine the first thing I'd do is try to find a junk '64 grille with that portion usable. If you're successful, do some trimming on your grille then cut the replacement part out leaving a little extra meat on it. Now finish trim the new part so it fits really nice and weld it in. Since you're not experienced at welding sheet metal you should either practice on the junk donor grille or pay someone to weld it that is experienced. Good luck!
If it was mine the first thing I'd do is try to find a junk '64 grille with that portion usable. If you're successful, do some trimming on your grille then cut the replacement part out leaving a little extra meat on it. Now finish trim the new part so it fits really nice and weld it in. Since you're not experienced at welding sheet metal you should either practice on the junk donor grille or pay someone to weld it that is experienced. Good luck!
Thanks! I’m going to take a trip to a junkyard just a few minutes up the road in a week or so to find a set of mirrors and some other parts. If I can find a grille in better shape than mine I may grab it and use it instead, if not I’ll probably end up paying a friend that has a good bit experience with stuff like this.
no location in your avatar, I have some 64 and 65 grills here in central Kansas
I really appreciate the offer! Unfortunately I’m a little bit of a hike away from Kansas, Southwest Virginia is the home 20. I’m hoping I’ll find one at the junkyard up the way, it’s all older stuff, about 1940s-80/90s. I’ve scoped out a 66 and a 62 when I drove by it one day, there’s enough stuff there that I’d be surprised if it wasn’t a couple of 65s hiding in the bushes.
good luck! walking thru junkyards has always been one of my favorite pastimes. Started when I was a kid, I could get off the school bus and walk to our little town dump. It was bicycles and lawn mower engines at first, then moved up to cars and motorcycles. Ahh...the good old days of dumps
good luck! walking thru junkyards has always been one of my favorite pastimes. Started when I was a kid, I could get off the school bus and walk to our little town dump. It was bicycles and lawn mower engines at first, then moved up to cars and motorcycles. Ahh...the good old days of dumps
I miss the days of boneyard excursions. I did it with Dad when I was a peewee, did it by myself as a teenager, and drug my girlfriend now wife of 40 years with me to them. Unfortunately there aren't any near me anymore, the last one I was at is 3 hours away in Wisconsin. Enjoy them while you can!
