Just a quick up date. I have all the front sheet metal back from blasting and sealing, it has been rough fit to the front end and now just needs shims and tweaking. I have been working on the mounts for the Vintage Air under dash unit on my truck before I build the ones for this cab. Since the fire wall is shaved I have to be able to mount the unit with out thru bolting it. I finished my mounts tonight so now that I know they work I will make a second set for this truck. I should have some new pics up in a few days.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

From my experience with mounting my Vintage Air evaporator, the thing I wished I had done was weld in bolt studs for the three mounting brackets. As it was, we did one just to the left of the glove box opening (backside of dash face), and with all the other holes drilled through the cowl, I wish we had done the same with the others.

From my experience with mounting my Vintage Air evaporator, the thing I wished I had done was weld in bolt studs for the three mounting brackets. As it was, we did one just to the left of the glove box opening (backside of dash face), and with all the other holes drilled through the cowl, I wish we had done the same with the others.

I welded studs to the firewall and it worked great.

Rob

Here is one of the brackets I put in my truck last night!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Putter actually sent me the set off of his truck! So not really sure, all I can recall is something about a late model nissan truck (the smaller ones).

They are from any year Nissan HARDBODY....NOT FRONTIER.....HARDBODY.

Get the bolts, too.
Here is a link to my Photobucket with some measurements.
**NOTE all measurements are from the center of the pivot bolt at the tailgate hinge....
Putter's Chainless tailgate (http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b49/PuttersCustomConcepts/Chainless%20Tailgate/)

Here is one of the brackets I put in my truck last night!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Much fancier than mine, I just welded a bolt to the firewall.:lol:

It was pushed out so I could do a good shop cleaning and get ready to get back on this project. Work on the house is done for now and I finished the Forward Tilt Hood on my 71 so back on lemon drop! This is th efirst time it has seen day light as a full truck and last week was the first time the owner has seen it all on one frame. Now that the front sheet metal is all back in place I have some fine tunning to do. Then it is back apart for some replacement sections and body work.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Wow that will be one sweet ride when its finished-you do great work:cong:

Hey Rokcrln, When You Did The Firewall, What Guage Of Sheet Metal Did You Use On The Part You Shaved Where The Harness Used To Run? And On The Heater Part Was That All Spot Welds Or Was It 1/4 Or 1/2 Inch Long Welds?

Hey Rokcrln, When You Did The Firewall, What Guage Of Sheet Metal Did You Use On The Part You Shaved Where The Harness Used To Run? And On The Heater Part Was That All Spot Welds Or Was It 1/4 Or 1/2 Inch Long Welds?

18ga and once it was done it was fully welded but I start with spot welds then conect the dots in alternite stages.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Hey Rokcrln, When you get done with yours and need another project. I have one you can come get and when its done I even give you a place to put it. :rolleyes: Like my garage.:lol:

Do You Fully Weld A Seam On Top Of The Spot Welds? If So Is This After You Grind It Down Flat? Do You Use The 18 Guage For All Of The Body Stuff?

Small steps today but now that all three A/C vents are cut in I only have a small section above the windshield to do a bit of body work and I can sand the entire inside of the cab then paint.

Answer to above~ I spot weld sections then spot weld between those sections and so on untill it is a full weld. I also hammer and dolly as needed between spot welding.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Well now that I have completed a big personal hurdle (work related) I can put more effort and energy into my family and my toy.

Looking good Kevin, I can feel the cold air already. Seeing the truck with paint, I can hardly wait.

Thanks.

Where did the round vents come from, are they stock?

They came with the vintage air system that I purchased. The ball is crome plated, but the retaining housing is black. I saw a nice pair on Classic Auto Air site.

Kevin progress is looking good buddy, and Jugernot your are getting ants in your pants I bet. I enjoy looking at the progress pics. My project on my truck is temporarily on hold while I do some bodywork on a 67 shelby gt500 Eleanor Clone. Funds my truck addiction!!

Funds my truck addiction!!

Yep! So were are some pics of the stang?

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Looks Great Rokcrln! You do some great work. Do you do this for a living or for a hobby? Keep up the great work!

Josh

Here are pics of the Mustang I am working on Rok. These aftermarket Eleanor pieces are crap. He also had someone else install a new quarter on the driver side and that dude f'd it up so bad. I had to grind out all of the filler and start over. That guy fit the quarter wrong and when he welded it bowed out over the wheel well. He beat the crap out of it with a hammer so I had to fix that too.

That will be a nice car when you are finished with it. Who mad the kit? Their is a place in Hayward that made the original kits and they are some nice parts! Mayers racing is the company I think or it was his dads co. I would love to build a G-Force 69 or 70 fast back on day in the future. 4.6L supercharged, 6spd, IRS and all the bells and whistles.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

One of the guys that broke away from Unique Performance is designing the suspension for the car. Will be one of the first with the new kit. The fiberglass kit was from a company that bought the mold from Mayers racing who did the kit from the movie. It is still junk. I cut the rockers and am running the exhaust through the torque box and am going to custom build exhaust outlets. He also wants me to cut the rocker moldings so he can take the fender off and on so I have to cut the kit and cap and glass it back in. Lots of work. I need to charge him more I think~

It was pushed out so I could do a good shop cleaning and get ready to get back on this project. Kevin
LFD Inc.

I cannot believe no one called you out on the dog sweater :lol: !

Oh but seriously great thread, keep'em coming!

[QUOTE=BigSky71;1940020]I cannot believe no one called you out on the dog sweater :lol: ! QUOTE]

Oh be my guest, but you need to talk to the dog your self! No need for alarms on my shop;) Just food once a day. Almost forgot it's a down jacket!!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

GOSH! I can't wait til I can get going on the complete rebuild of my stepside!

[QUOTE=BigSky71;1940020]I cannot believe no one called you out on the dog sweater :lol: ! QUOTE]

Oh be my guest, but you need to talk to the dog your self! No need for alarms on my shop;) Just food once a day. Almost forgot it's a down jacket!!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Where's the snow?...I don't see no snow!(I wish we didn't have any)
You live in Cali, what does a dog need a jacket for?:lol: My hound stays outside at -20C without any "clothing"!

Keep the updates coming.

[QUOTE=Rokcrln;1940083]

Where's the snow?...I don't see no snow!(I wish we didn't have any)
You live in Cali, what does a dog need a jacket for?:lol: My hound stays outside at -20C without any "clothing"!

Keep the updates coming.

Simple he sleeps inside and by keeping a jacket on him when it is below 35* it helps keep him from shedding as much. Also did I mention my wife is pregnant and I was not going to argue!:lol:

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[QUOTE=72LoBurb;1941345]
...Also did I mention my wife is pregnant and I was not going to argue!:lol:


Ah, the bottom line; do what the pregnant lady says and everything will be just fine! :)

[QUOTE=72LoBurb;1941345]

Simple he sleeps inside and by keeping a jacket on him when it is below 35* it helps keep him from shedding as much. Also did I mention my wife is pregnant and I was not going to argue!:lol:

Kevin
LFD Inc.

I understand completely...as my brother says "happy wife, happy life!"
From what I remember of pregnant women:crazy: ...it's been over 12 years since I was in close quarters with a pregnant, mood swingin':whine: , craving driven.... btw, did I mention she's been my ex for 11 years(did that sound bitter??):lol:

Plus in the years that I have had him l have never lost a single things to thieves heck even the cops ( I do work for the local PD) will not come back with out ringing first! All this cost me is some food once a day and a warm place for him to sleep:metal:

Up date time on the project! The owner came by and checked out the full mock up and approved everything so it is no time to blow it all apart and start to finish it up. I just wanted him to see and approve the body lines, door and hood gaps and that sort of thing. Last night I pulled off the doors and welded up all the mirror holes as well as a few on the inside that were added for speakers. Tonight I will bump out those areas and start blocking out the doors so they are ready for paint. Then off comes the hood to get finished up and then fenders and so on. I hope to have it ready for paint in about a month.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

I know its been awhile! Here are some current pics of the body work being done. Doors are ready for priming and blocking as is the hood. I am replacing the front lower corner of the pass fender due to rust and filling all trim holes. I have started the cowl as well and it should be done tonight along with the fender. I hope to get to the drivers side fender and grill this week and get it all primed up for blocking next week end. Then the cab can come back off and I will finish the bed mods and be ready for paint.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

PS. So where is this global warming I keep hearing so much about. Sunny California at a nice warm 38* this morning!

You know it sure would be nice if body filler dust could be re-used! You put on a Gal and sand back off 15/16th of it then sweep it up and thru it away:(

Kevin
LFD Inc.

looking good..and why are you crying..38 degrees,,thats a heat wave,,lol,,i started ar 16 this morning,,and it has finally got up to 29...good work though...

looking good..and why are you crying..38 degrees,,thats a heat wave,,lol,,i started ar 16 this morning,,and it has finally got up to 29...

Utah! Hello what do you expect! I'm in Cali I should be getting a SunTan this time of year:lol:

Kevin
LFD Inc.

83* today in Tampa maybe you should move next door to my house. I know my truck could sure use those skills.:lol:

I just read this whole thread and all I can saw is wow. Kevin you do excellent work. I can't wait to see it finished. I have a yellow truck and have to agree on the paint the corvette yellow is too dark or orange. I like the lighter yellow and that is close to the color I plan on doing my truck.

Well I am done for the night! Time to head down to Cold Stone:hm:

I sure think these trucks look better with smooth cowl's:metal: It might look like alot of filler but it is only 3/32 at the thickest. I use different color harders to keep track of how much is going on and off per cote.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

SWEET BUILDUP!!!

i am gonna shave my drip rails, fire wall, do trailer fender tubs and some of the same stuff as you on my 70... after i convert it to a shortbed and put a different bed on it...

Well I am done for the night! Time to head down to Cold Stone:hm:

I sure think these trucks look better with smooth cowl's:metal: It might look like alot of filler but it is only 3/32 at the thickest. I use different color harders to keep track of how much is going on and off per cote.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

You shaved everything else, I can't believe you didn't shave the factory speaker grill,:lol: .

You shaved everything else, I can't believe you didn't shave the factory speaker grill,:lol: .

We left the center speaker grill for the center speaker, like the surround sound system at home. Who doesn't enjoy the opening sound effect at the movies from THX. I crank my system until the windows shake.

Its looking really good. I think I can see a little light at the end of this nightmare.

Well I am done for the night! Time to head down to Cold Stone:hm:

I sure think these trucks look better with smooth cowl's:metal: It might look like alot of filler but it is only 3/32 at the thickest. I use different color harders to keep track of how much is going on and off per cote.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Could you please post more pics of how you went about shaving the cowl.

Did you just cut out the vents and weld in a filler?

Also, how did you mount it along the windshield since the screw holes are gone?

Niiiiiiiice build, keep up the good work.

Cowl looks great Kevin. Mine's at the bodyshop right now, but I'm going to incorporate the ridgeline of the hood into the cowl before he finishes it. Like that red Blazer that was posted on here about a month ago. I loved the look of that.

Hey, if you don't mind, can you do a quick write-up on what it takes to weld up a fender cup? My cup should be here in a couple days and I'm sure it isn't as easy as you made it look.

I had about an hour today to play so I built some extentions for my Tip & Flip dolly to double as a paint rack. This will make it so much easier to paint all sides of the doors and fenders and it holds them in the mounted position. I can't tell you how many times I have seen guy paint doors and fenders laying down flat then when they hang them on the car they just don't look right. You need to lay down the paint on the panels as they will be on the finished car. Here are just a few pic for ideas. These arms just slide out and wil stay up in the rafters untill the next job. Well worth the time spent!
As soon as my "Prep All" come in I can wipe them all down real well and shoot on the first cote of block primmer and start sanding:metal:

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Ok Cowl questions~
What I did was bolt the cowl back on the cab (do not install any windshield screws) and weld a filler piece over the vents first then after it was welded all the way I flipped it over and removed the vents. I did it this way because the cowls are so flimsy (SP) it would have just warped every which way had I just cut out the vents and welded a piece in. As for the missing screw holes their is not much you can do about them so what I fould worked out well was to add another screw inbetween each one on the front edge and I also reworked the windshield edge abit so you have to kind of strech the cowl out to put it on. This helps keep the center from flopping but it is still not as good as the stock set up. I am guessing at about 80mph you might see it flutter just a bit but it should not affect any thing.

Fender cup ?'s~

Yes it is not real easy but it is not that hard ether. I the biggest problem I found was that it was short along the body line from fender opening to were it meets up against the grill. Now it might only be the tri plus repo cup but I was not real happy with it. If this truck was going to get a front roll pan this would not have worked. But since it is getting a bumper in front you will never know. It is not a big differance but I would say it was about 3/16 short and that was after reworking it as much as I could. With a front bumper this entire area is tucked under the top edge of the bumper so the important area to line up is the wheel opening edge so it flows right with the rest of the opening. I will get a pic to show you what I am talking about.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

First two show the cowl and how it should look under when done and also the extra mounting holes in front.

The fender cup pics are not as bad as it looks, it is just hard to shot pics with your left hand when you are right handed:lol: It is only off alittle more than have of what it looks like. In a perfect world it should be flat against the tube steel. But like I said with a bumper on you can never see this area and with a roll pan it would still work but you would have more work to do to get this gap filled in. The red line shows the cut line I used. I find it alot better to weld along an edge when ever you can to help keep things from warping as much.

Hope this answers your questions.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Cool, thanks for taking the pics. That helps me with the fender cup a lot. I'll also be running a front bumper so as long as I get it lined up for the wheel opening I can live with it being off up front.

Well it has been about a month now since any work was done on this project. The temps have just been to cold to do any body work but it is starting to look up for next week:metal: I also just started building my convertable paint booth so I will be able to heat things up a bit and keep any dust down to a very small amount if any at all. My shop is not insulated and the rafters have alot of nooks and cranys for dust and dirt to hide so what I am doing is taking a 16x24' section and plywooding off the rafters. I am then building one solid wall that the filters will be mounted in and in the other corner will be the fan to suck out all the paint fumes. I got the ply up today and one cote of primmer on and I will get the finish bright while paint on it in the morning and start building the wall. The other three walls will be 10mil visquene (SP?) attached at the ceiling and floor. I am installing a few more lights and I will also be filling any cracks in the floor before using a two part epoxy paint I have. This should really make it alot easier to keep things clean and give me a booth for alot of projects that are starting to line up after this one is complete. I have 6 of my own to paint one of these days and three customer builds lined up so it should come in handy.
Keep in mind this entire shop is only set up temporary for now because I will be adding a second story (25"x45') in a year or so then it will get set up right. I will have all of the major fabrication being done up stairs and just the needed tools down stairs for building the vehicals.

Anyways I just wanted to update things as they will be starting back up this week and the owner will be comming over next Sunday to help with all the block sanding...

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Kevin-
Great work as usual, I always check your threads as soon as I log in. I'd also like to compliment the way you handle the write-ups, your technical writing is excellent.

Okay, boring question: Home-made paint booths can be kind of scary. What sort of spark arresting precautions are you taking? Car Craft built a spray-booth out of somebodys garage and it had about 5 different things that could throw off a spark if there was any kind of accident. Yikes. Also, do you have a supplied air system? What about when you are welding and sanding bondo, or messing with lead(!)? My body shop teacher had a saying, "there's a reason you don't meet many old bodymen."

Cheers,

Kevin-
Great work as usual, I always check your threads as soon as I log in. I'd also like to compliment the way you handle the write-ups, your technical writing is excellent.

Okay, boring question: Home-made paint booths can be kind of scary. What sort of spark arresting precautions are you taking? Car Craft built a spray-booth out of somebodys garage and it had about 5 different things that could throw off a spark if there was any kind of accident. Yikes. Also, do you have a supplied air system? What about when you are welding and sanding bondo, or messing with lead(!)? My body shop teacher had a saying, "there's a reason you don't meet many old bodymen."

Cheers,

I need to check into the lights abit more but everything else is covered. Yes I have a full freash air set up for painting and for welding and bondo work I always wear a filtered half face mask. And I like doing the tech writing but my spelling sure does suck! Oh well you can't be good at everything:lol:

Kevin
LFD Inc.

More light at the end of the tunnel. Parts are now ready for our block party on Sunday. Block sanding that is:lol:

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Wooh Hooo, my first block party. It should be fun learning something new, I just hope I don't screw it up. I have my filtered mask ready to go. The pics look great, I will add them to the DVD slide show I'm making.

Kevin,

Thanks for the recharge to get going on my project. I bought a set of your flip dolly plans last year and I am finally going to get it done. I just purchased a Lincoln 140c mig welder. My big question is what bodyworking tools do you recommend I get? I can't wait to get started.

Sonny

Kevin,

Thanks for the recharge to get going on my project. I bought a set of your flip dolly plans last year and I am finally going to get it done. I just purchased a Lincoln 140c mig welder. My big question is what bodyworking tools do you recommend I get? I can't wait to get started.

Sonny

Buy what you can afford. Eastwood has some good deals now and then. Do not buy the $29 kits from your local parts store's because the dollys are hollow to save costs. You want solid heavy dollys to take the hammer blows. Also get some books or dvds on the prosess.

Note on your tip and flip, if think down the road you may want to get the "One man cab & bed lift" than use 6" casters not the 4" I call for in the prints. It is not a must but it make your life alot easier trust me. I still have 4" on mine and it is a pain only when using the cab lift.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Well I only had one person show up for the block party so I put him to work on the drivers door and burgers were served for lunch! We got one door finished inside and out, jambs, window rail and all. We also finished the hood and one fender. Next week end will finish up the front sheet metal. After each part was finished we sprayed them down with prep-all for a nice wet film that will show any flaw before paint and they look great! Here are a few shots of the one guest working. I think he thought I was joking when I handed hit a 1" stir stick and told him to have fun!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

You are having him do what my friend the body man is having me do. All the Grunt work ;o)
I also thought about putting 6 inch wheels on the dollie I really wish I had now but other then that I love the thing I modded it to fit my long bed and it still works great. All I do to get the cab and bed lift to work I jack the dollie up and put the legs on it and when I am done I just reverse the process. It would be a lot quicker with shorter legs ;o)

Hey I was right along side him doing the hood and fender;) Yeh I do my cab removal the same way but I will fix mine before next weekend!

Kevin
LFD inc.

It is very nice of Kevin to say that "We did it", but actually it took me 5 or 6 hours to do that door. (My first time block sanding a car) Kevin completed the hood and one fender.

Boy let me tell you, I have a new respect for those die hard body guys. My fingers, upper arms, lower back and neck hurt from all that sanding. But it paid off, because the parts look great. Thanks for the schooling, Kevin. I am looking forward to giving a hand with other customer's projects in the future.

Now if you excuse me I think my pain medication is kicking in.

I started the bed today and spentt a few hours getting the shell done. I installed the new gate latches and they seem nice but I don't care for teh rubber O-ring they supply for the catch. I thing a piece of delron (sp?) would be nicer. These tend to pop out of place if you are not lined up just right.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Hey Kevin are those saw horses your using to hold the bed while you work on it? That's the way I am gonna do it for my truck.
By the way you are a freakin genius when it comes to building trucks.

Hey Kevin are those saw horses your using to hold the bed while you work on it? .

Yes they are saw horses made out of 2x2 1/8"

Kevin
LFD Inc.

We got some more done on the truck today. Fenders, hood, cowl and one door are done. The grill is ready for it's 320 grit sanding and I had to touch up a spot on the door where the old mirrors were filled in. I then pulled the cab and modified the fire wall for the 8" booster. I had to raise the hole about 1" and fill in the bottom portion, make a new push rod shaft and do some body work due to the new hole and the A/C mount I welded to the inside of the fire wall for the Vintage Air mount. We hope to have the bed pulled and modifications done (fuel filler door, bed rear mount, roll pan, cap off the end's of the rails) by monday so I can send the frame back home and get ready for paint real soon. Here are a few pic's

Kevin
LFD Inc.

And the rest of my messy shop.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

That booster looks great. Progress is good, even when it's only a little.

Yes blocking for perfection is never fast. But it shows in the end.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

kevin-
A while back you mentioned a product, "Prep-all." Could you give some more details on that. I am familiar with using a black primer as a guide-coat to reveal high and low spots, but I'd never heard of a product like you described.

Well it’s my turn to post an update. Kevin made a lot of progress today with some modification to the step bed. While I spent my third day block sanding the doors.

Kevin cut a square hole on the left side bed side, to make room for the gas door. He also added a vent tube for the tank which exits to the upper right of the gas cap.

Then He cut out part of the rear cross sill, so the rear roll pan could be mounted. The license plate cut out originally hit the rear cross sill.

He also welded up all the bed panel seems, removed the bolts holding the bed together on welded up the bolt holes. The top ends at the front and rear of the bed were caped off with a patch and welded. All of this to give the bed a clean smooth looks. Subtle modifications, but noticeable if you know what you are looking at.

Did I mention that Kevin did all that while I sanded one door and the grill.

The final thing we did was load up the frame onto Kevin's trailer. The drove it back to my house about 45 miles away. About 10 miles from my house the trailer had a blow out. Just I was pulling into my driveway, Kevin calls me and asks if I can bring a floor jack. The unfortunate thing is that Kevin did not have a spare tire for the trailer, but the wheel from my frame just fit. So the frame is safe back in my garage.

Anyway enough with the BLAH BLAH BLAH, there are some pictures. Sorry about the quality, I think it was operator error.

Here are some more pictures.

kevin-
A while back you mentioned a product, "Prep-all." Could you give some more details on that. I am familiar with using a black primer as a guide-coat to reveal high and low spots, but I'd never heard of a product like you described.

Prep-Sol, Prepsall or prep solvent. Basically a cleaner/degreaser. Slop a bunch on and it gives you a glossy surface showing any imperfections.

- Chris

Did I mention that Kevin did all that while I sanded one door and the grill.

Now if truth be told the door and grill already had some work done the prior day you were over. But you did a great job on then and as long as I still know how to paint this thing is going to turn out great!

Oh and don't forget you got part of my shop all vacumed up while I was grinding! :lol:

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Tailgate time!
I installed the gate keeper kit this morning. It went well but their are a few things left out in the directions I had to work around. I started by using their templet for the upper bolt stops. Then you have to cut away a notch on both sides od the gate for the stop arms to set in side of. After that bolt on the upper bolt stop and put on one of the bracket arms. This is were the directions fall short. They give a dimention from the bottom pivot bolt for the gate up to were you drill two 1/4" holes for the bracket to bolt to the gate. The dimention given is 27/32" and as you can see this does not work. What I did and would recomend even with a corect dimention is use a C-clamp and a square and adjust the gate so it is 90* to the rear of the bed. Once this is done take a transfer punch and mark your holes to drill. Once this is done bolt the bracket on and you will see that the bolts stick out too far and need to be cut off (also not mentioned in the directions). Once both sides were done I went to close the gate only to find out it would not close and I had to grind out a bit of the slotted hole at the bed end of the arms. This let it tuck up and allows the gate to close all the way with out binding. All in all it went good and works very well. I would recomend this kit for others that want the chain free look.

The kit is from Mar-K and if anyone has a contact with them please send them this link so they can update their directions.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

The rest of the pic's

Sweet, wish I lived closer, I'd luv to be watching and learning in person ;)

The kit is from Mar-K and if anyone has a contact with them please send them this link so they can update their directions..

MAR-Ktech posts on here fairly often, so maybe they will see this without need for a PM.


Looking good BTW :metal:

Bed body work is done:metal: Just need to prime a few areas again and block. Now the fenders are left to prime and block, minor work to the steps and the gate needs to be blasted, sealed and prepped for paint. Notice their are no bolts holding this bed together ;)
Next is a small amount of work on the inside of the cab and we should be all ready for paint!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Very Nice Kevin. Love watching your posts. Can't wait till I get back on mine again!

Kevin - I got a little lost on the tailgate at first. I gather, after looking at the pictures, this is a lot like the fleetside tailgate hardware? As usual you have done an outstanding job on this installation.