Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

Once the front of the bed sides were straightened and squared I fitted the header panel, primed it, and drilled holes for the plug welds.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...16907432_n.jpg



The original header panel had extended bottom corners that I needed to replicate.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...65868333_n.jpg


The corners fill in these gaps on either end of the header.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...10281199_n.jpg


New pieces welded on.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...25850889_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...00901042_n.jpg


With the bottom corners finished it was time to weld the header in place. I started from the bottom center and worked outward, keeping clamps on either side of each plug weld spot while welding.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...72738038_n.jpg


The sides were butt welded to the bed corners.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...98884795_n.jpg


And a tube was welded across the top to replicate the boxed section on the original header. The gap between the floor and header will be seam sealed just like the bed sides were. .

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...53892620_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...73019819_n.jpg

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

Excellent work!

What brand of seam sealer do you use?

Steven

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

Thanks! I use SEM 39377 two-part on normal seams like the bed floor. For drip rails I like to use Fuzor Self Leveling two-part sealer.

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

I think you really have a calling to become a teacher.

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

It would have to be teaching adults, I don't think I could deal with the attitudes that most high school or tech kids have for very long. I'd have to kick most of them out so I could actually spend time teaching the ones that wanted to learn instead of herding the ones that are just there to pass a class. Or atleast that's the way it was when I went to Greenville Tech- 20-25 in a class and 5-8 that really wanted to learn it for a career. It has crossed my mind though.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

Since the metalwork on the bed is mostly finished up I moved to the fenders.


The left fender had a few cracked areas that I cut out and replaced. I also had to drill out the brace and fix it.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...47552383_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...56796862_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...45470244_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...94494068_n.jpg



Old metal cut out, new metal ready to be welded in.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...81610384_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...10247419_n.jpg


Fixing the other cracked spot.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...35636510_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...15175753_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...04537311_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...08244625_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...60242017_n.jpg



Brace welded up, backside of brace and inside of fender coated with etch primer before welding.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...19612173_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...41232587_n.jpg

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

The right fender was in worse shape, nearly the whole back edge had to be cut out and replaced. There were tons of cracks/splits that had been reinforced with sheetmetal riveted in place.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...12019973_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...03485289_n.jpg


"Pat. Apr. 13 1920" on the patch!
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...68706032_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...75652937_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...53834987_n.jpg


Matching the rounded edge on the patch to the original fender lip.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...90910184_n.jpg


Patch welded in and smoothed.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...23997665_n.jpg


New corner brace just like the original.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...91919898_n.jpg



Test fit the brace and prepped it for welding.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...47435643_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...64021125_n.jpg

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

The right fender didn't fit the bedside stamping, there were dips and waves around the mounting flange.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...75944022_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...00818937_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...22623283_n.jpg


Made a template of the stamping shape.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...77953509_n.jpg


Made reference marks to line up the fender to the template.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...43565159_n.jpg


Dips show up against the template.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...83093930_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...51202015_n.jpg


Game plan for straightening, I'll use the shrinker/stretcher.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...76075011_n.jpg


Set up a stand with the shrinker/stretcher inside.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...11267705_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...90904582_n.jpg


Dip gone from the top after a few rounds of shrinking/stretching.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...89005236_n.jpg


Test fit on the truck, still need to work on the corners and allow room for the fender beading.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...5C56F1B3F3.jpg

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

After reshaping the right fender edge, test fitting with the fender beading. Even gap and the beading fits flush against the bedside.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...45760430_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...55117638_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...05278147_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...84546723_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...55944647_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...43705267_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...71300790_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...51829641_n.jpg

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

Very nice!

Question: What are you using to roll the edges? I am starting to look at metal working equipment so I can stop using a vise, sandbag and hammer for everything. :)

Steven

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

The brake I'm using is adjustable to make different radius edges; you move the upper clamp part (don't know the technical name) back to make the roll bigger. On the bigger radius edges I have to make them by hand using tubing and a hammer.

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

Fantastic job, I always look forward to updates on this truck! The picture taking and documentation is first class and I know it's gotta slow you down at times. Much appreciated.

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

Amazing attention to detail ,its going to be very nice .

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

X2^ - it's all in the details isn't it? your attention to detail, vision and skills are exemplary.

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

Slip roll!!
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

I just use my Iphone's camera so it's not that big of a hassle.



Thanks!!


My buddies shop has one but it's so big that it won't make a small enough radius for fender edges or that kinda stuff. I have used one before though and they're pretty neat!

Made a rear shelf panel for a Nova that curved into the backrest and console using a slip roll.

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

Any new updates? And what's up w/that Nova?

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

The Nova was another shops project car. Dad took it in to do the interior but the owner had to stop progress due to health issues last summer. Not sure when or if we'll get to finish it.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...76C0CB94DD.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...76EC66243E.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...7767C918F1.jpg

On the '55, I've got the left fender straightened and prepped for epoxy, will be spraying it and a couple of the wheels today. Dad took in a '66 F100 for a full restoration so I'm having to split my time up now.


http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...22474100_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...24072210_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...81259988_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...10513827_n.jpg
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

Been awhile since I updated this, I'm still working on it though progress has slowed a bit since taking more restoration projects at the shop. We started on a '66 F100 about a month ago, and that's been taking up a good bit of time.


Here is the process to straighten the driver side fender. The wheel opening was crushed in on the back edge and there were dents everywhere.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...22474100_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...24072210_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...67970957_n.jpg


Comparing the shape with the flexible straight edge, shows about a 1/4" gap.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...15117807_n.jpg


Kink in the inner flange.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...51194807_n.jpg


Kink straightened.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...27650484_n.jpg


Working out the crushed spot.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...52242700_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...69649216_n.jpg


Dents marked... I had to sharpen the pencil a few times to get them all :lol:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...81259988_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...22876730_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...30646155_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...93648833_n.jpg


Overall shape of the crushed spot is back where it should be.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...21694181_n.jpg


Dents fixed, metal shaping done and ready for epoxy and skim coating.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...59332551_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...46355543_n.jpg


This angle shows the wheel opening shape pretty good.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...10513827_n.jpg

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

I sprayed a couple coats of PPG DPLF and let it sit overnight, then scuffed it and skim coated the fender with 3M Platinum. Platinum is pretty thin so its great for skim coating large areas and making sure it goes on thin- only about 1/16".

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...67695306_n.jpg

Starting to block the filler down.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...12558225_n.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...80687847_n.jpg


First round of Slick Sand after blocking the filler with 36/80/180.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...73164225_n.jpg


Second round of Slick Sand, ready for final blocking and shooting with tinted K93.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...44935483_n.jpg


Here's a vid of me skim coating the front fender.

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

I had two of the wheels blasted so I prepped them with PPG DX metal cleaner and metal conditioner, then shot them with PPG DPLF epoxy.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...24771890_n.jpg


Had a couple spots that needed filler.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...67419563_n.jpg


Shot with three coats of PPG K36 and guide coated.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...06157566_n.jpg


Wetsanding with masking tape to protect the center from stray sanding gouges.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...38244185_n.jpg


And painted...

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...94947389_n.jpg

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

So where's the thread for the other resto projects.

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

I started one for the F100 on a F**d truck forum but those guys just wanted to pick the details apart right off the bat... not sure if I'll stick around over there yet. I'll post one up here in the alternate tinkerings section eventually. Don't have one for the El Camino, but here's a link to our shop's facebook pics of it:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...1&l=2783d0dd09

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

Got started back on the '55 after a bit of a break. The rear fenders are bodyworked and ready to wetsand/paint.

First round of Slick Sand.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...73164225_n.jpg


Reprimed, ready for 2nd round of blocking.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...44935483_n.jpg


The passenger fender had a crack. Forgot to take pictures of this after it was fixed.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...15589226_n.jpg


Passenger fender primed and blocked.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...25417631_n.jpg


Both fenders shot with tinted PPG K93, ready to wetsand and paint.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s...37954337_n.jpg

Re: '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work
 

Very slick!