Re: My 56 build
 

Very nice work!

Re: My 56 build
 

Looking good, nice work

Re: My 56 build
 

I’ve got a week off work... so I’m getting back to the truck. After cleaning up the front fenders I wasn’t happy with what was hidden. Lots of rust filled with mud!:confused: so I decided to strip the whole body. Not going to go through all the effort n not do it right. I’m removing 6 layers of paint using stripper n a heavy wire wheel on a grinder. A lot of work, but coming out nice. First time I’ve seen someone weld a gas cap in place of the gas filler hole :lol: I’ll be fixing that as well. I received my front fender halves n am in the process of getting those fixed. Had to make patch panels for the top inner part of them. Tomorrow I’m going to get the fenders done. Reinstall the rocker panels n message the fenders to align everything.

Re: My 56 build
 

Took longer than I figured to get the half panels fitted. I had to rebuild the braces that are behind the panels next to the doors. I then took a day and coated everything with por-15. It’s a little tricky to roll the edge of the panel around that brace, but managed.

Re: My 56 build
 

Now I’m on to the rockers and the left eyebrow. Planning on removing the front turn signals too. Here’s a few more pictures of the front fenders:metal:

Re: My 56 build
 

Wow...that's slot of work on the fenders...I'm guessing you couldn't find replacements?....looks good..

Re: My 56 build
 

Lots of work, your lines look great, nice job...Jim

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks mongocanfly. It’s $300 for the pair of half fenders vs $1000 for a new set. I’ve also read that the new ones don’t fit well.

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks, it’s definitely a labor of love:lol:

Re: My 56 build
 

Wow...big price difference....you did a good job on it....

Re: My 56 build
 

Got a start on the rocker panel. I added a piece of angle to it so I could line it up with the quarter panel. As you can see in the last picture I warped the crap out of it. Figured with the angle I could be a little more aggressive... wrong! I put some relief cuts in the top and managed to straighten it out. Just have to do the other side. Had to change direction because some of the bare metal was starting to rust in the humidity. So I spent 8 hours today getting as much prepped for paint. Looks good in primer. Also started getting parts in for my door latches. I’m going to use corvette C6 door hardware... we’ll see how that goes.

Re: My 56 build
 

Managed to finish the rockers last week. They turned out pretty well!

Re: My 56 build
 

Now on the the door entry system. This is where some of the custom metal work begins. Got the latch mounted and a good start on the pocket to hold the release button. Now I have to notch the b-post to match the pocket so the door seal has a place to mount. Then the notch behind the door for your hand to fit into. That’s what I have drawn out in the last picture. So far so good!

Re: My 56 build
 

Your metal work has been great!! do you have your own metal break? Ive been thinking about buying a small one.

Re: My 56 build
 

all that sheet metal repair and replace has paid off. Very nice job all around.

Re: My 56 build
 

you got that right. Very nice job of metal fab.

Re: My 56 build
 

fab work coming out nice!!! I'll be following

Re: My 56 build
 

Slick work..,!!....door handle will be a cool mod...

Re: My 56 build
 

these clean and strip discs work great for paint and rust removal. wear glasses and gloves for sure though (found out the hard way with the gloves, if I would only leave those guards in place, lol). available with a drill style arbour or a roloc style as well. bodyshop supply places should have them. I just tried a couple sizes, 4 1/2" electric disc grinder and also air angle die grinder, and they work awesome. strips down to metal in a hurry and not much metal damage/scratches. epoxy primer over top and the scratches fill easy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgvp2ok0PlI

Re: My 56 build
 

they seem kinda spendy but they do last a long time compared to some other stuff. less messy than stripper. like anything though, watch the heat build up on the bigger panels. no worse than a wire wheel and they don't poke wire into your coveralls.....

Re: My 56 build
 

these bristle discs work great too

https://www.eastwood.com/bristle-dis...QaAhBWEALw_wcB

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks for the compliment. No break, just using a 4” vise for small stuff. The firewall and steps I brought to a local metal shop.

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks, I’ve been following your build also. I plan on doing a similar inner fender.

Re: My 56 build
 

Thanks Mongo. I’m hoping they turn work well. Not sure how to build the dish shape for the indent in the body. Figured I’ll grab my hammer n figure it out as I’ve done so far:lol:

Re: My 56 build
 

you can do it.. you no doubt got the skills!