Customs who has sectioned a 50's car?

I'm looking for anyone who has sectioned a 50's car. Please post any photos of when you were doing the section. I'm in the middle of sectioning my 1954 deSoto 4 inches. I'd appreciate any advice or tips.

 

I have. Didn't take pictures.

Your cuts look clean enough. I usually try and build a sliding frame so that when the cut is done I can drop it straight down and keep everything aligned. Tack it a bunch before you ever stat the welding process. at least as close as every 6"and closer if you have a place where alignment has become a problem.

Keep a hammer and dolly handy, you may want to tap it out where you have welded it while it is still hot. Once you get it tacked up it is a lot like welding a patch panel in. Take your time, its not a race.

When it comes time to grind it out you will be using the same process as the welding, take your time and move around a lot.

 

Thank you. I

Thank you. I rigged up some ratcheting straps to the roof to hold it in place. After the cut, I lifted the top half in the air. That way i was able to cut and grind areas on 2 separate parts. Then lower the top half back down. It was actually pretty safe doing that. I wonder if something like that would work when I do the firewall?

 

I didn't think about the firewall initially. If you have not yet cut the firewall the best place to cut it is at the top of the toe board. I have never had any problems with the firewall lining up that could not be remedied with a hammer. The body slabs are where you have to worry about it the most. Get them lined up and let the rest fall where it may.

 

Thank you for your advice!

 

looks like you've made good progress so far!

 

Thanks! I'm figuring it out as I go.

 

Yep, looks like a good start to me, keep us posted as it progresses.

 

First test fit.

 

Make damn sure those ratchet straps are secure......potential Guillotine......not a project you want to lose your head over......or anything else!

Looks great though, you are doing a good job.

Ray

 

IF you can't be a welder......Be a grinder !!!!

Your doing BOTH just RIGHT !!!!!!!!!! Please continue !!!!!!!!

 

Thank you. I've got progress pics in my other post.