I finished a few projects and was able to get the 40 back in the main garage. I kept looking at the 1/4 I had put the body filler on and getting pissed about having done it. So I got another sheet of 20ga and started another panel. When I got it close I cut the old panel out and cleko'd the new on in place. It looks a Hell of a lot better than the one I cut out. I still have a little wheeling to do to planish it out smooth but I'm a lot happier with it. I'll probably do the same on the other side once this one is done. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Wow--just wow man. I've got a 34 PU that went through a fire that I'm collecting parts and pieces for right now. hope I can do the kind of work you have here when it comes to fixing the body on my truck!
I just read this thread from start to finish. You sir are one talented man. I can tell you that I have learned so much from this thread. Thank you for taking the time to take pictures and explain how you do things. This really helps a youngster trying to get started. Respect, keep on keeping..
Wow. I just stumbled onto your 5 year ongoing thread. Don't know how I missed it. Probably because of the title, it didn't say "Magician brings toasty 40 back to life" ! Great job so far!
Wow 1/2 Done you've done an incredible job resuscitating this car. I suppose Jgraff's dad had regi and I'm guessing there was an insurance settlement? We have a "salvage" title that allows body shops and wrecking yards to rebuild cars that have been written off by insurance companies. I once saw basically two halves of a car spliced together. We also have "new" and "ubilt" registrations for scratch built cars all of which only require a standard DOT approved inspection shops approval. There is also a search method that allows the insurance company to use a bill of sale as proof of ownership they use the VIN to find the last registered owner you send a registered letter to their last known address asking for the paperwork if the letter is returned you then submit a notorized letter stating the current condition of the car etc. (must conform to original safety standards) and the vehicle is registered in your name. Then there is always the guys who collect and sell old titles. Also most early cars have a serial number stamped on the frame that doesnt necessarily have a code for body style maybe your '39 frame can be regi'd? Talk to Jgraff
Attitude is everything. Check by fitting parts you know are good. That will tell you what's warped,glass is great indicator.You have your work cut out but you already know that.you can use heat and shrinking .You have a great car in the making. Good luck.
Always learning while I'm working on this. The finished panel is actually my third attempt. I learned a lesson on over wheeling a panel, you can't wheel crown back out once it's in. I still have some welding to do along the bottom. Once that's done I'll start on the other side.
Is that lesson like the proverbial "I cut that 2x4 three times and it was still too short"??? Seriously Awesome metal working skills though. Keep up the good work.
I worked off and on this weekend and got the welding finished. I needed to be able to work on the bottom edge so off came the rotten running boards. If it didn't look like it sat too high before...... I'll get started on the other side this week, once it's done I think it's going to be time to work on the frame. It really needs an altitude adjustment. If I get it about a foot lower it might be a motivater.
You are an amazing body man. I have enjoyed your adventure. I can't tell much about that frame but it looks like you would Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Welded in, just needs finish welded across the bottom edge. I think the next step will be floors so the body is structurally sound to lift off the frame.
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