Re: My 56 build
 

if you want to use cleco's for a butt joint instead of lapping the parts you can file a 1/2 hole on each side of the joint where the cleco will go and then use a washer on the back side for the cleco to grab and squeeze the parts together. use magnets to hold it together until the cleco's are in and then the magnet can also help hold parts together while you tack weld it. move the magnet away from the mig weld spot before you tack that spot so the weld doesn't distort. of course you need access to the back side of the panel to get the washer in there.

Re: My 56 build
 

Finished the drivers door this weekend. This one also turned out nice! Now to fit them and set door gaps. Going to install the door seals before I install the latches and strikers. Lots of small figment issues I have to address.

Re: My 56 build
 

Worked on the the door latch area where the seal will be. I had to build a step that the seal mounts to so it mates with the cab properly. So far so good. Now to finish the other side and install the seals. Build a channel that the striker will travel through. Then I can install the latches and strikers. Then work on final fitting of the doors.

Re: My 56 build
 

Finished up the door seal lips. Also filled in the striker channel in each door. Next I’m going to install the door seals and set the strikers.

Re: My 56 build
 

I’ve burned out on the doors so onto something different. I replaced the step surface to smooth them out. I also received a new front panel, tailgate and bed sills. I’m making my own box sides. There’s really not much to them. I’ll post pictures of the progress

Re: My 56 build
 

Box is coming along. I rounded the bottom of the stake boxes and the bed rail. Tedious work, but is looking good. I managed to get the box mocked up on the garage floor today. Just have to finish welding everything up. Slowly making progress! :metal:

Re: My 56 build
 

you're doing very nice work. Looking good

Re: My 56 build
 

another great metal fabricator..........you guys amaze me.

Thanks for the pics, I find your work so impressive.

Re: My 56 build
 

one heck of a job you're doin bud. very very nice! love it!

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks everyone for the compliments. The inspiration for the modifications come from the other builds I see on this site. Bam slammed57 and Kim in particular. It’s definitely a labor of love! I’m going to keep cutting til I like it

Re: My 56 build
 

Spent some more time on the box sides today. I’m going for a clean look with no seams or bolts. I decided to weld studs in for the gate hinges. Then cut a plate to cover everything on the exterior side. Then welders the plates together on the end. That made the termination of the box side that’s next to the tailgate about 1/4” thick. It looks good

Re: My 56 build
 

Few more pictures. Just some more welding to finish them up. You can see in the 3rd picture where I welded in that plate. Turned out really clean! Now I have to back track some and straighten out one of the curved ends. I didn’t have it lined up very well. One of these days I will learn not weld everything solid UNTIL I step back and double check. Oh well, live n learn!

Re: My 56 build
 

Nice work.
Sometimes I find taking a few pics, pouring a coffee and then checking the pics with zoom etc, I find small things I didn't notice when working in the heat of the moment.

Re: My 56 build
 

Really nice workmanship!

Re: My 56 build
 

Good call. Sometimes I just need to take a step back

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks! I’m planning on using the same rear logo you have on your tailgate. I think it looks great on your truck.

Re: My 56 build
 

Spent some more time on the box today. Finished welding and grinding the box sides, then mocked it up to lay out the mini tubs. Only fender I was happy with is galvanized. I’ve had zinc poisoning in the past welding galvanized metal. I’m going to grind off the coating near the areas to be welded. Well see:lol:

Re: My 56 build
 

The bed looks great

Re: My 56 build
 

Looks good...Jim

Re: My 56 build
 

Nice job! You bed is going to look killer! I’m doing all similar mods to my bed also right now.

Re: My 56 build
 

That bed looks awesome! Nice work!

Re: My 56 build
 

I agree. I saw your build the other day n thought we were consulting each other on ideas. Yours is also looking killer. I also have the same hidden latches to install! That’s the great thing about this forum, you get good ideas! Bad thing is my build keeps getting more complicated :lol:

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks for the compliments everyone!

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks for the compliment! I agree I see something then I start working in that direction. My build is on its second year because of the custom touches.

Re: My 56 build
 

Managed to get my mini tubs and hidden latches done today. Just have some rust repair to do on the front part of the fenders. Then the box should only need minor things addressed!