Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

Thanks Guys, and no, just me puttering away at it when I can (weekends and some evenings)

I brought the car home in late October, took the driveline out and started the metalwork in November. So 3 months to do the inner and outer rockers and 1/2 the floor. Is that fast?

It's dirty work, but so far I have been enjoying the challenge.

Lots more metalwork to go, but's that why I purchased the car, I wanted a project.

Stay tuned for the Driver's side (it's in worse shape)

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

That is fast, especially when you are making your own panels, but don't tell yourself that and keep knocking it out and hopefully drive it in the summer or later this year. Lol.

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

I appreciate the encouragement, but this will not be driving this year. Also, when I put deadlines on myself, it no longer becomes enjoyable.

I was poking around last night with it and this side will need some more work, as the main support is rotted out, next to a body mount, (see pic) but here are some 'Before' pics.

After looking at them again this morning, I must be crazy.

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

I scrolled back through and didn't find it: can you describe your weld set up?

Model, settings, wire, etc.

Thanks,

K

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

and a few more

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

Sometime I vary the set up depending what and where I am welding, but I am using a 120V Lincoln (20 years old?) with gas, typically on B with the 19 gauge steel( A B C D ) at a wire speed set between 4 and 5. I think the gas pressure is 20? (not sure as I haven't changed it for years) also, I use 023 wire

When I welded in the seat plate (secure rear seat bolts) I upped it to C level heat, as the plate is 16 gauge.

I am NOT a good welder, so please do not take my settings as correct.

What I have found with sheet metal is that I do not run a bead. I just use a series of tacks to create a weld that looks like a bead.

Hope this helps

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

Thank you -

K

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

been working on the outer rocker to get it ready for install.

needed to add piece to front of rocker, and add some patches to B and C pillars

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

It's looking good, nice metal work and approach as always.
Those doors appear to be in very good shape and also lined up and evenly gapped for a 50s car.

Btw, it never crazy to save a long roof classic with the correct number of doors, it great to see them getting so much attention and love these days.

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

Thanks 3drburb,

Just trying to focus on the task at hand, and not look at the entire project.

Hopefully the next update will show the outer rockers will be in.

........and yes, it is good to see the wagons getting some love.

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

Wow didn't notice that it was a 3 door wagon! That's so cool.
Oh and once again great job! Your work is inspiring. Just diving in and getting it done.

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

I still own a 65 Olds F85 4 dr wagon. Drove it for many years and just tucked it away as it was a little tight inside leg room with the kids and me being on the taller side, had it long before the Burb.

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

Hey HO455 it's a 4 door wagon

3drburb - F85 wagon very cool

and thanks for the encouragement

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

Hey Guys, time for an update.

the inner and outer rockers are now in on the drivers side

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

then onto the floor braces.

I went to the 58 Chev floor that I had and cut off what I needed, and welded a bracket inside the brace to weld to the piece still on the car.

Also, welded a small patch in the lower corner of the toe board.

Next is to install the brace, and then onto the floor.

You can see the floor I made just lying there, lots of trimming still to do, but not until AFTER the brace is welded in. (next post)

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

here is the floor piece just sitting in place

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

Very impressive work. Thanks again for showing us along the way.

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

Thanks 3drburb,

Next to do is get this brace in position to weld.

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

put it in position, and welded it in

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

I installed the front driver side floor pan on the weekend.

1st pic hole in floor
2nd pic home made floor pan
3rd pic installed (ran out of welding gas on little piece under seat)
4th pic from below


still some trimming/grinding to do, but overall I am pleased with the fit.

Next to do is the rear floor pan, and wheel well.

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

I know it's a four door but now is the time to start the 3 door lifestyle! :lol:
In my world 3 doors are the correct number of doors. :lol:

3drburb like this one? Was the Vista Cruser an option then? Okay I should stop high jacking there peoples threads.

https://youtu.be/VU5CYt1D-SE?si=AYYCkwzEeigiS0o3

I love the all the posts and appreciate the time it takes to document it.

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

Yes, it is the flat roof like that but 65 (the one in the Ad is a 64). I believe the Vista Cruiser option was offered for the first time in 1964 and went into the late 70s.
Very nice Ad, first time seeing it, thanks, also love seeing the kid playing around the cargo area, that Ad will be great nowadays. LOL!

Apologies for the hijack.

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

Talk about getting it done.
The work and those homemade floor pans are looking pretty darn nice.

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

Some really nice repair work..!!

Re: 1958 Pontiac Wagon Build
 

Hi Guys,

I made a patch for the rear wheel well (1st pic), then removed and replaced 1/2 the rear crossmember.

Luckily, I had a good crossmember that I could cut and weld in.(from a 58 Chev)

I carefully removed the old floor and bent it back, and was able to reattach it to the new brace.

Now that I have a good solid brace, I can continue with the floor