My 56 build

[57FleetsideC4]

Looking Great! Coming right along. Steve

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by Father&son56project

Nice progress! I had to look up what a "french cleat" was, and once I saw it I realized how handy that can be for unreachable spots. I am adding that idea to my bag of tricks for the future. I'm looking forward to pics of that dash extension.

Originally Posted by 57FleetsideC4

Looking Great! Coming right along. Steve

Thanks guys, looks like I’m waiting for more ac parts and for the metal shop to bend the piece for the dash. I may be starting to lay body filler soon!

[dsraven]

Tilt column?

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by dsraven

Tilt column?

Yes

[dsraven]

Those el cheapo deluxe sheet metal clamps also work great for jobs where you can access the back side and the areas are flat. You know the ones with the little square bar on the backside? Harbor freight sells them as well as other places.

[Jason 56]

Thanks DS, here’s a picture of the butt welding clamps you’re talking about for anyone interested. I got mine from Amazon. They can be a bit of a pain to use but do a nice job. Clecos are nice, but I prefer to butt weld exterior panels to avoid rust in the overlap area. Not a concern in the interior… hopefully unless I drive into a lake

[my56chevytruck]

Good job Jason, your work is spot on. Keep us all posted.

[Jason 56]

Center console is nearly done. Took about 8 hours of beating on it, but it turned out pretty good. I plan on finishing the lower part with plywood covered with whatever material I use on the seats/door panels.

[dsraven]

Gotta love the cleco fasteners, I have a bunch, mostly 1/8, different sizes and a few of the clamps as well. I generally work alone so the help from a cleco, a c clamp vice grip, a strong magnet or even some sheet metal screws is nice.
Youre doing some great work and progress. Keep the pics and dialogue coming as you go forward.

[dsraven]

That's the ones.
I'm a butt welder too.
That came out wrong, didnt it. Haha.

[dsraven]

You can use clecos for butt welding too. They are a bit of a pain as well.where the 2 parts butt together make a 1/2 hole on the edge of each part so when they fit together you have a full hole the size needed for the cleco. Use a small washer on the backside for the cleco to bite on. Magnets work well to keep the panels where you need them while you get the cleco set up.

[mrbuck]

:Lovin’ the extended dash

[57FleetsideC4]

Great work. Coming along nice. Steve

[dsraven]

Do you plan to attach it so that it is removable?

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by dsraven

Do you plan to attach it so that it is removable?

Not sure yet. That’s a good idea! Today’s project is to see if I can get the heat/AC box out. We’ll see

[slammed57]

lookin good jason, do a test run for the A/C unit to slide up in there before you weld'er up.

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by 6DoF

props on the sheet metal work! Interesting design i can't wait to see done.

Thanks 6DoF. I’m hoping it turns out well. So far so good. I know you mentioned you don’t care for sheet metal work on your build thread. I enjoy the metal work, but don’t care for the body filler/sanding part

Originally Posted by slammed57

lookin good jason, do a test run for the A/C unit to slide up in there before you weld'er up.

Definitely a good call. I’ve had it in and out many times so far. Think it will come out. When I’m ready to weld I plan on tacking everything in a few places… remove all the clamps and see if it still comes out. It’s tight, but I think I can get it out.

[Jason 56]

Few pictures of today’s progress. I finally got my last 90* heater core hose. I installed my crossover and the valve under the dash right next to the core. Heater lines are all done now!

[6DoF]

props on the sheet metal work! Interesting design i can't wait to see done.

[duramax55]

looking good jason nice job

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by duramax55

looking good jason nice job

Thanks

[G&R's57GMC]

You would be happier with the vents at the highest point on the dash and at the ends of the dashboard also .

[Jason 56]

Originally Posted by G&R's57GMC

You would be happier with the vents at the highest point on the dash and at the ends of the dashboard also .

I imagine there’s a reason factory vehicles have them at the top. I plan on putting the other 2 near the top on the ends of the dash. I’ll have to see if I have room for the ductwork to change the location of my 2 in the center console. Can always weld the holes up

[Jason 56]

So I decided to make the center console removable. Welded nuts to strips then welded those to the back of the console. Also finished the placement of the vents and welded up the previous holes. I would of liked to put the outer 2 all the way to the ends, but I need a flat surface. So this is where they are going to be Reworked the plenum for the last time… hopefully. Going to start finish welding the dash tomorrow.

[Tempest67]

very nicely done.

Thanks for the pics