Project "Financial Burden": 1968 SWB C10

[Old_Truck_Fan]

Thanks again for the comments. I can almost see the finish line for the cab metal work. Here are some pictures of how I smoothed out the firewall with parts from Porterbuilt and Infanti Machine.

[Xeen]

Nice work it looks great.

[mcbassin]

Firewall looks great!

[BigDaddyV]

Nice work!

[Old_Truck_Fan]

I finally have some new updates to pass along. I bought a stud welder for fixing some of the random dents located on the cab that I could not back up with a dolly. I experimented on a few pieces of sheet metal and found that the best results are when you pull and release the trigger as fast as possible. The stud has adequate connection and it makes removal much easier. Holding the trigger down any longer than mentioned only makes it more difficult to remove the stud and increases the heat you put into the panel.

[Old_Truck_Fan]

I also found some rust lurking underneath the dash that was quite a challenge to repair. I had to make a few custom panels with the most difficult one taking the shape of a potato chip. I was able to form it by hand with some patient work with the hammer, dolly, shrinker, stretcher and using one of the cylinders on my slip roller. Hopefully I can test fit the cab on the frame soon.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by Old_Truck_Fan

I also found some rust lurking underneath the dash that was quite a challenge to repair...

I have this issue also, but on the driver's side and a bit more extensive. Being a challenge is an understatement, I guess that is why I am leaving that repair for last.

[Old_Truck_Fan]

Originally Posted by 68 C10 Driver

I have this issue also, but on the driver's side and a bit more extensive. Being a challenge is an understatement, I guess that is why I am leaving that repair for last.

Hi 68 C10 Driver, those locations are tough spots with not much room to work. I had trouble squeezing my welding helmet up to where I could see what I was doing. An auto-darkening lens is a must have in my opinion. I also had to do a little work inside the cowl panel that I just barely had access too. At least those areas will be out of site; so just make sure it's solid. Good luck with your repair.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by 68 C10 Driver

I have this issue also, but on the driver's side and a bit more extensive. Being a challenge is an understatement, I guess that is why I am leaving that repair for last.

Update, finished that under dash repair...

[KMC3420]

What stud welder did you buy?

[Old_Truck_Fan]

Originally Posted by KMC3420

What stud welder did you buy?

H & S Auto Shot 4550.

[KMC3420]

Also what grit roloc disc do you use to knock your welds down? Nice job on the repairs.

[Old_Truck_Fan]

Originally Posted by KMC3420

Also what grit roloc disc do you use to knock your welds down? Nice job on the repairs.

I use 3M Green Corps Roloc Disc, 36 grade, 2 inch, PN 01397 to knock down most of the weld and then follow up with 50 grade, PN 01396 to finish sanding. However, recently I have started to use 3M Cubitron II Fibre (purple color) Roloc Disc, 2 inch, 36+ grade, PN 33377 and 60+ grade, PN 33379. They are more expensive but last a lot longer.

I also use Scotch-Brite Roloc Surface Conditioning Disc, 2 inch, Medium, PN 07481 to prep the surrounding metal and to give everything a common texture once I have completed a repair.

[ckcp]

grate build so far. awesome and very clean metal work keep it up

[mooseknuckles]

Nice work!

[68Gold/white]

Look'n Good Billy Ray!!!

Have you found and engine yet???

Any pictures of the door skin job???

[Old_Truck_Fan]

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

Look'n Good Billy Ray!!!

Have you found and engine yet???

Any pictures of the door skin job???

I’m still thinking on the direction I want to go on the engine. I have a 5.3L truck engine I am going to use for mock up until I get things finalized.

I’m waiting to have the door shells media blasted and primed before I hammer on my new door skins. Hopefully sometime in early spring I’ll have the doors back together.

[KMC3420]

I am going to try the purple 60 you suggested. I use the 50 grit now, it's a bit rough at times. Thanks for the part #'s. I am seriously considering the spot welder also. The price on it seems pretty good.

[RodnRudy]

I've got rust under the passenger side of the fire wall as well. After seeing your patch panel work, It shouldn't be as hard to do as I thought. Your workmanship is excellent. Glad I came across this build thread, subscribed.

[slowcpe]

Not sure how I missed this one, but as stated before, great metal skills. Watching closely as I have all that and then more ahead of me with none of the skills.

[mcbassin]

Nice work as always on this build.

[kingstrider]

Wow this is a cool thread, I wish rust repairs were as easy as you make them look. Subscribed to see the long haul.

[Old_Truck_Fan]

Thanks again for the encouraging comments. I fabricated a mock up transmission based on the critical dimensions of the T56 Magnum transmission. This allowed me to install the mock up engine and begin making progress on the drive train. I’m still experimenting with things at the moment but I plan to make a decision soon on the overall direction I want to take. As always, more pictures…

[Old_Truck_Fan]

I am far enough along on the cab to place it back on the frame and get a rough idea of panel fitment before tearing things back apart for media blasting. So far so good. It sure is looking like a truck again instead of a wagon! Seeing things start to take shape certainly helps my motivation.

[69short]

I like those dollies that you are using. Great progress btw!