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This is how we got the truck. Rockers,
cab corners, doors and floor had been repaired and replaced. |
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Good intentions, but the doors didn't
fit. We reworked rockers, cab corners and floor. |
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With the metal reworked the doors fit
fine and an even gap all around (paint stick thickness) |
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Once the doors were fitted other areas
were started, here the door handles are filled. |
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The next step is chop the top. The
first step is get doors fitted! Then brace the cab so nothing moves.
Seen too many who did not brace and wondered why nothing fit!! |
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A 3" mark is made from the center line
of the window on the back. Line is traced to inside also. |
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The doors and front posts are marked
also. Note the front post is cut at a higher point than rear. This is
where the post is the same size, it gets bigger as you go down. |
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We decided not to bend posts in on
this one. That means cut the top in 4 sections. We wanted to minimize
the cuts to the interior ribs so the line at the back. Also put cut and
weld next to existing seam. |
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Here the top is cut and the drop is
shown by the door. The roof has not been sectioned yet. |
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Here are the cuts and the pieces being
clamped in place. |
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Another shot of the windshield post.
No bending or slanting of post, it affects too many other areas. |
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This is a shot of the back window
before splitting the top. Want to make sure things look ok. |
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We started with the back first and
tacked it in place. Note the 3" sleeve left on the inside to help
fitting. A sleeve was put on the outside as well. |
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With the back spotted the front
sections are fitted and spotted. Window openings are triple checked for
square. |
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The top is on, back is welded on and
filler strips are added where needed. |
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The front is a challenge with all the
dips and curves for the windshield. Make sure its all square! |
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On the sides we started with the door
opening first so we can make sure they are straight! Sleeves were added
at all splices. |
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The top is on!! All 4 pieces are in
place and filled. |
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The top is taken off before final
welding to finish the inside. Much easier with it off. A filler was put
between the dome light and ribs. Center ribs were filled to make one
larger rib. |
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Now for the fun! 56 Chevy front door
hinges are added to the rear door jamb and braced to back of cab. |
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The door jamb has panels welded in to
smooth it. A 10 gauge plate is added behind jamb for added strength.
Hinges must have "J" hook or will not work. |
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The time consuming part is the front
jamb. A 10 gauge plate is made to conform to front fender and welded to
door jamb. |
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Guides are welded to the new jamb
plate and a removable cover is made to hold the latch. All connections
to the latch will be accessed here. |
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The door is smoothed and only the
latch stud shows. |
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Here is what a suicide door looks like
open! Lots of room to get in and out. |
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The box is taken completely apart and
checked over. A solid steel bed will be installed. |
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With the sides off we found rust along
the inside floor. A second box was found and those sides will be used. |
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The tailgate was cut to replace the
outside skin with a smooth one, inside handle will be installed. |
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The new skin is fitted and welded on.
Internal bracing was added, 2" round on the bottom and 2" brace through
the center, skin is "panel bonded" to inner supports. |
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The bed and rails were marginal, we
used 10 gauge steel with 2 x 3 tubes as stringers, extra supports were
added and everything spot welded in place. |
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With the new floor bed in place the
sides and front are put in place. No welds inside the box, all smooth
seams. |
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The rear pan is an aftermarket unit,
lots cheaper to buy and modify. |
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To French the Corvette taillights, we
rolled tubes from 20 gauge. |
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A low profile taillight set up. All
will work as turn/brake/taillights |
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The angle was cut from the sides and
spot weld holes punched. 1/4" angle was added to the side of floor as a
guide and weld area. |
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The Cadillac power seats had an
adapter tube added and mounted to the floor. Note the project has gone
to the dogs! |
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A piece of exhaust pipe works well for
"frenching" the antenna. Drain tube is also added inside. |
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An aftermarket front roll pan is
fitted and then welded to the lower grill surround. Will be welded to
fenders on fill fitting. |
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Front pan is welded. Note the
headlight rings, we will be flattening the grill and front end for a
different effect. |
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A plate with Chevy Bowtie was cut out
and fitted in the grill opening. A grill will be recessed behind it to
finish it off. |
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We use Honda window slides. They fit
very easily and work very well, also not expensive. |
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Weld Wheels, Scorpio style, 16" with
225/50/16 front and 295/50/16 rear, 8" and 10" width. |
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Progress, fender wells have been
painted, steering column shortened and reinstalled along with brakes. |
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Finally getting to paint. Here the
back of the cab is painted as well as the front of the box. We want to
paint the truck as one assembly. |
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The side flames are taped off and
ready for a slight change in color and some highlighting.
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The hood is taped off and ready for
painting the flames. |
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The flames are on and ready for a
final buffing. |
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It's now ready for the upholstery
shop, the white box is the bass woofer for the stereo. |
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Interior is in and at its first show.
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Same show, rear shot. |
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