Metalwork
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Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'41 Ford Truck - Rear cab corners all done. Hand fabricated sheet metal panels.
'41 Ford Truck - Rear cab corners all done. Hand fabricated sheet metal panels.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'82 Jeep CJ7 - Metalwork on the Jeep finished and looking good as new. Next on the list is sending it to paint.
'82 Jeep CJ7 - Metalwork on the Jeep finished and looking good as new. Next on the list is sending it to paint.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'82 Jeep CJ7 - My clients want to have a solid Jeep again, so it's time to replace the rusted metal . New tub sides, and repairs to the floor and uni-body frame rails are underway. The rear of the tub and front fenders will need a little attention as well. I purchased the tub side panels, but I fabricated all the other panels.
'82 Jeep CJ7 - My clients want to have a solid Jeep again, so it's time to replace the rusted metal . New tub sides, and repairs to the floor and uni-body frame rails are underway. The rear of the tub and front fenders will need a little attention as well. I purchased the tub side panels, but I fabricated all the other panels.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'41 Ford Truck - Door gaps need to look good before I chop the cab, and I can't set door gaps with rusty doors! The bottom hinges had rusted away from both doors and pillars, requiring extensive repairs. Up next are the rear cab corners, and lower cowl area, where the front fenders attach.
'41 Ford Truck - Door gaps need to look good before I chop the cab, and I can't set door gaps with rusty doors! The bottom hinges had rusted away from both doors and pillars, requiring extensive repairs. Up next are the rear cab corners, and lower cowl area, where the front fenders attach.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'41 Ford Truck - Starting this project by getting the front end off the '46 frame, leaving the cab and box for mock up and making a game plan.
'41 Ford Truck - Starting this project by getting the front end off the '46 frame, leaving the cab and box for mock up and making a game plan.
Restoration:
Vehicles - This beautiful '59 Corvette needed a fresh gas tank. I don't include all my restoration jobs in this portfolio, but this car adds a lot of class to my shop.
Vehicles - This beautiful '59 Corvette needed a fresh gas tank. I don't include all my restoration jobs in this portfolio, but this car adds a lot of class to my shop.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'65 Ford Ranchero - Hand formed quarter panel patches for the Ranchero. My client was happy with the cab floor I completed, so the quarter panel was next. Another successful job!
'65 Ford Ranchero - Hand formed quarter panel patches for the Ranchero. My client was happy with the cab floor I completed, so the quarter panel was next. Another successful job!
Just Cool:
'41 Ford Truck - New arrival, '41 Ford truck. Not much to look at now, but that hasn't stopped me yet. The hood, fenders, and running boards have been removed from this truck and will be put on a '46 Ford truck with a solid frame. The cabs are the same between '41 and '46, but the '41 front end is much nicer to look at. Its never too early to start the next Kustom project.
'41 Ford Truck - New arrival, '41 Ford truck. Not much to look at now, but that hasn't stopped me yet. The hood, fenders, and running boards have been removed from this truck and will be put on a '46 Ford truck with a solid frame. The cabs are the same between '41 and '46, but the '41 front end is much nicer to look at. Its never too early to start the next Kustom project.
Just Cool:
'69 Ford Mustang - Can't keep them all, even though it may seem like I try to! The Mustang went to a good home. Good luck Jeremy!
'69 Ford Mustang - Can't keep them all, even though it may seem like I try to! The Mustang went to a good home. Good luck Jeremy!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Sanded the rest of the front fenders and headlight buckets. Now its really starting to look like a complete car.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Sanded the rest of the front fenders and headlight buckets. Now its really starting to look like a complete car.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - The coupe needs a bit lower roof line, but for now a visor will be a good compromise. I borrowed a '51 Pontiac visor from Chris that had the look I was going for, and used it as inspiration to make a custom one that fits just right.
'38 Dodge Coupe - The coupe needs a bit lower roof line, but for now a visor will be a good compromise. I borrowed a '51 Pontiac visor from Chris that had the look I was going for, and used it as inspiration to make a custom one that fits just right.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'65 Ford Ranchero - It was time for this awesome Ranchero to get some new floors. My client hired me to fabricate the floor pan patch panels since my prices were comparable to handmade panels offered through the larger suppliers. No shipping costs or delays either. Even though my work will be covered by a carpet, it will add some more strength and miles to a cool little truck!
'65 Ford Ranchero - It was time for this awesome Ranchero to get some new floors. My client hired me to fabricate the floor pan patch panels since my prices were comparable to handmade panels offered through the larger suppliers. No shipping costs or delays either. Even though my work will be covered by a carpet, it will add some more strength and miles to a cool little truck!
Just Cool:
Vehicles - Another nice Fall Festival Car Show on Madeline Island featuring Mad I Metalworks!
Vehicles - Another nice Fall Festival Car Show on Madeline Island featuring Mad I Metalworks!
Restoration:
'41 Dodge WC - This cool truck has deserved a fresh coat of paint for a long time. I decided to change it up a bit and use the original Mil-spec Olive Drab paint that it would have left the factory with. I think it suits the truck just right!
'41 Dodge WC - This cool truck has deserved a fresh coat of paint for a long time. I decided to change it up a bit and use the original Mil-spec Olive Drab paint that it would have left the factory with. I think it suits the truck just right!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'69 Ford Mustang - Wrapped up the floor project in the Mustang. Next I will install some new brakes and the new interior panels I received with the car, and this thing will be ready to roll.
'69 Ford Mustang - Wrapped up the floor project in the Mustang. Next I will install some new brakes and the new interior panels I received with the car, and this thing will be ready to roll.
Just Cool:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Symco Weekender 2019! Thanks for another great show. Already looking forward to next year!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Symco Weekender 2019! Thanks for another great show. Already looking forward to next year!
Just Cool:
'38 Dodge Coupe - 2nd in the Custom category at the 2019 North Coast Car Show! I had a fun day showing the progress I've made on the coupe since last year. The dashboard is now bare metal, and I have begun painting the inside. Thanks to Uncle Nick for the support, and thanks to Chris Douglass for a great hand painted sign.
'38 Dodge Coupe - 2nd in the Custom category at the 2019 North Coast Car Show! I had a fun day showing the progress I've made on the coupe since last year. The dashboard is now bare metal, and I have begun painting the inside. Thanks to Uncle Nick for the support, and thanks to Chris Douglass for a great hand painted sign.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'69 Ford Mustang - This Mustang had what I thought was a small hole in the floor, but as I pulled up the carpet, it kept growing larger. Unfortunately, it went through the toe kick into the top of the torque boxes. I could have bought replacement panels for these locations, but wanted to practice my sheet metal shaping skills and didn't want to wait for shipping. The lines in the floor aren't perfect, but I put them in by myself with a hand crank operated bead roller and using a block of steel as a punch. I fabricated the top of the torque box with two layers of 18 ga. plug welded together.
'69 Ford Mustang - This Mustang had what I thought was a small hole in the floor, but as I pulled up the carpet, it kept growing larger. Unfortunately, it went through the toe kick into the top of the torque boxes. I could have bought replacement panels for these locations, but wanted to practice my sheet metal shaping skills and didn't want to wait for shipping. The lines in the floor aren't perfect, but I put them in by myself with a hand crank operated bead roller and using a block of steel as a punch. I fabricated the top of the torque box with two layers of 18 ga. plug welded together.
Just Cool:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Smoothest parade run yet! Soon the entire car will be bare metal, but now you can see the direction I'm headed. 1st place Best Vintage Vehicle in the Madeline Island 4th of July parade!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Smoothest parade run yet! Soon the entire car will be bare metal, but now you can see the direction I'm headed. 1st place Best Vintage Vehicle in the Madeline Island 4th of July parade!
Just Cool:
'61 Ford Thunderbird - I didn't need another car, which is the perfect time to go shopping for another car! This is the newest addition to the fleet, adding a bit more class. It will need some metalwork to be solid as new, but that's what I'm in the business for! The exhaust manifold needed to be milled flat to sit tight to the engine block, It needs some new emergency brake cables and attention in other minor places, but you will probably see it on the streets for summer cruising before it gets confined to the metalwork shop.
'61 Ford Thunderbird - I didn't need another car, which is the perfect time to go shopping for another car! This is the newest addition to the fleet, adding a bit more class. It will need some metalwork to be solid as new, but that's what I'm in the business for! The exhaust manifold needed to be milled flat to sit tight to the engine block, It needs some new emergency brake cables and attention in other minor places, but you will probably see it on the streets for summer cruising before it gets confined to the metalwork shop.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Taking the car down to bare metal. Soon I will go to Valhalla shiny and chrome.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Taking the car down to bare metal. Soon I will go to Valhalla shiny and chrome.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Smooth running boards will be a nice change. Originally they were covered with a rubber pad that had decayed a long time ago, leaving all the mounting holes exposed. Not a very clean look. Since I had the running boards removed to access the panels under the doors, might as well get started!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Smooth running boards will be a nice change. Originally they were covered with a rubber pad that had decayed a long time ago, leaving all the mounting holes exposed. Not a very clean look. Since I had the running boards removed to access the panels under the doors, might as well get started!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - There used to be gaps under the doors that were distracting, so I fabricated some panels to fill the gaps and give the body a sleeker profile. Same as the fender skirts, I decided to use my TIG welder on the exposed seams and I really like the results.
'38 Dodge Coupe - There used to be gaps under the doors that were distracting, so I fabricated some panels to fill the gaps and give the body a sleeker profile. Same as the fender skirts, I decided to use my TIG welder on the exposed seams and I really like the results.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'63 VW Transporter - Unfortunately the bottom of the windshield frame had rusted over the years. The metal was so thin in some places that a utility knife could easily pierce through. New metal took care of that!
'63 VW Transporter - Unfortunately the bottom of the windshield frame had rusted over the years. The metal was so thin in some places that a utility knife could easily pierce through. New metal took care of that!
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'63 VW Transporter - Floor is installed and solid as ever. Soon this project will be ready for the streets again.
'63 VW Transporter - Floor is installed and solid as ever. Soon this project will be ready for the streets again.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Fender skirts are completed and bolted in! I added a lip to the bottom of the skirt to help it hold its shape. I think the time I invested in this project was well worth it.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Fender skirts are completed and bolted in! I added a lip to the bottom of the skirt to help it hold its shape. I think the time I invested in this project was well worth it.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'63 VW Transporter - Both front fenders, or doglegs as VW calls them, have been replaced. The bottoms of both B pillars needed to be replaced as well. Now the door gaps are tolerable and there is enough solid metal to install the floor.
'63 VW Transporter - Both front fenders, or doglegs as VW calls them, have been replaced. The bottoms of both B pillars needed to be replaced as well. Now the door gaps are tolerable and there is enough solid metal to install the floor.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'63 VW Transporter - The lower nose panel has been replaced, and two new front door skins were installed onto new door frames. This project is looking way more solid already! Up next will be the panels underneath the doors, and then the front floor.
'63 VW Transporter - The lower nose panel has been replaced, and two new front door skins were installed onto new door frames. This project is looking way more solid already! Up next will be the panels underneath the doors, and then the front floor.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'63 VW Transporter - I started out by replacing the bottom of the A pillars, and the center piece that connects the pillars to the rest of the uni-body frame. Unfortunately I found more rust in the lower part of the nose, so a patch panel was bought for that. Most pictures show that I have no gap between the old and new section of A pillars. I tacked them in place with no gap, then cut the gap wider for a proper weld.
'63 VW Transporter - I started out by replacing the bottom of the A pillars, and the center piece that connects the pillars to the rest of the uni-body frame. Unfortunately I found more rust in the lower part of the nose, so a patch panel was bought for that. Most pictures show that I have no gap between the old and new section of A pillars. I tacked them in place with no gap, then cut the gap wider for a proper weld.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'63 VW Transporter - As you can see, this cool little VW Transporter was in need of some more solid metal! Luckily the ice was thick enough to bring it over to my shop. This project will entail A pillars, front floors, new doors, and a few other little patches.
'63 VW Transporter - As you can see, this cool little VW Transporter was in need of some more solid metal! Luckily the ice was thick enough to bring it over to my shop. This project will entail A pillars, front floors, new doors, and a few other little patches.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Fender skirts are almost finished. I wanted them to look like bubble skirts, but flush mounted with the fender. Similar design as a Lincoln Zephyr. I put metal pins in the top lip of the skirt that key into the lip on the fender. Two or three bolts at the bottom of each skirt will hold it up, and the metal pins keep it in place. I decided to TIG weld all the seams which is a more difficult and time consuming process, but I can achieve better results than with MIG (aka wire feed). Using a flat file instead of my air sander on all the exposed welds is going to give me a proper metal finished look!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Fender skirts are almost finished. I wanted them to look like bubble skirts, but flush mounted with the fender. Similar design as a Lincoln Zephyr. I put metal pins in the top lip of the skirt that key into the lip on the fender. Two or three bolts at the bottom of each skirt will hold it up, and the metal pins keep it in place. I decided to TIG weld all the seams which is a more difficult and time consuming process, but I can achieve better results than with MIG (aka wire feed). Using a flat file instead of my air sander on all the exposed welds is going to give me a proper metal finished look!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'69 Chevy Camaro - I had to fabricate lots of panels throughout this project, but these I'm the most proud of. I was able to eliminate a factory seam and a nasty seam from the last time the quarter panels were replaced. Very limited space to get behind these panels and knock out any mistakes, so it had to be right the first time. I think I nailed it!
'69 Chevy Camaro - I had to fabricate lots of panels throughout this project, but these I'm the most proud of. I was able to eliminate a factory seam and a nasty seam from the last time the quarter panels were replaced. Very limited space to get behind these panels and knock out any mistakes, so it had to be right the first time. I think I nailed it!
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - Rear seat divider installed, rear bumper brackets installed into the trunk, convertible B pillar brackets installed. This thing is looking finished! I welded a few factory gaps closed that would normally have been seam sealed to avoid using filler.
'69 Chevy Camaro - Rear seat divider installed, rear bumper brackets installed into the trunk, convertible B pillar brackets installed. This thing is looking finished! I welded a few factory gaps closed that would normally have been seam sealed to avoid using filler.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - Taking time to do all the little patches that I might have missed during the project. Soon there wont be much left to do but deliver it to paint!
'69 Chevy Camaro - Taking time to do all the little patches that I might have missed during the project. Soon there wont be much left to do but deliver it to paint!
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - The floor is in! A major milestone. I was able to raise the jig up off the ground to give myself more room to access the plug welds along the bottom of the floor pan. There was a lot of overhead welding involved, but I'm happy to say the floor is solid as ever and looks good!
'69 Chevy Camaro - The floor is in! A major milestone. I was able to raise the jig up off the ground to give myself more room to access the plug welds along the bottom of the floor pan. There was a lot of overhead welding involved, but I'm happy to say the floor is solid as ever and looks good!
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - After a long break from doing things that are cool, I'm happy to be back on the Camaro project! Both toe kick panels have been welded in, and now I am all ready for the floor pan to go in. Early next week I will have the last major component installed. Looking forward to completion!
'69 Chevy Camaro - After a long break from doing things that are cool, I'm happy to be back on the Camaro project! Both toe kick panels have been welded in, and now I am all ready for the floor pan to go in. Early next week I will have the last major component installed. Looking forward to completion!
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - Getting the floor fit into place. I welded the under floor braces to the bottom of the pan while it was removed from the car, similar to what I did with the trunk floor. Save the overhead welding for when there is no other option! Need to do some work to the bottom of the firewall before the floor is ready to get welded in, but it is looking good.
'69 Chevy Camaro - Getting the floor fit into place. I welded the under floor braces to the bottom of the pan while it was removed from the car, similar to what I did with the trunk floor. Save the overhead welding for when there is no other option! Need to do some work to the bottom of the firewall before the floor is ready to get welded in, but it is looking good.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - Inner wheel well patches fabricated and welded in. Looking like a lot of new metal!
'69 Chevy Camaro - Inner wheel well patches fabricated and welded in. Looking like a lot of new metal!
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - The center floor section had a lot of rust hidden between the layers. I eliminated most of the rot to be able to plug weld the floor section onto the frame rails, but there was still more. It took a lot of little patches, but it is finally solid again. Ready for inner wheel well patches to go in.
'69 Chevy Camaro - The center floor section had a lot of rust hidden between the layers. I eliminated most of the rot to be able to plug weld the floor section onto the frame rails, but there was still more. It took a lot of little patches, but it is finally solid again. Ready for inner wheel well patches to go in.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - Trunk floor is in! After the center floor section was plug welded to the frame rails, I could then line up the trunk pan where it needed to be. Once the trunk pan was located in the car, I marked the location of the braces under the floor and welded them up on the workbench. Much easier than having to do it overhead! It all worked out well, because the braces fit tight to the inner tail pan pieces that I had fabricated a few projects ago.
'69 Chevy Camaro - Trunk floor is in! After the center floor section was plug welded to the frame rails, I could then line up the trunk pan where it needed to be. Once the trunk pan was located in the car, I marked the location of the braces under the floor and welded them up on the workbench. Much easier than having to do it overhead! It all worked out well, because the braces fit tight to the inner tail pan pieces that I had fabricated a few projects ago.
Just Cool:
Vehicles - Getting a good line up ready for the local car show on the island during Fall Festival! The weather may be chilly, but we will be there!
Vehicles - Getting a good line up ready for the local car show on the island during Fall Festival! The weather may be chilly, but we will be there!
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - The center section of the floor between the trunk and the back seats has to be rebuilt. Most of this fabrication will be hidden when the car is complete, but it still needs to be done correctly! The strength of a uni-body car comes from combined layers of sheet metal.
'69 Chevy Camaro - The center section of the floor between the trunk and the back seats has to be rebuilt. Most of this fabrication will be hidden when the car is complete, but it still needs to be done correctly! The strength of a uni-body car comes from combined layers of sheet metal.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - Giving some attention to the lower bumper mount holes. Rust hides in the smallest spaces! Welding the outside panels first so that I can have access to get behind them if I need to. Since the interior panels will remain hidden, they get welded in last to cap it off.
'69 Chevy Camaro - Giving some attention to the lower bumper mount holes. Rust hides in the smallest spaces! Welding the outside panels first so that I can have access to get behind them if I need to. Since the interior panels will remain hidden, they get welded in last to cap it off.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - Rear frame rails are welded in! Lower trunk panels were put in first to allow easy access. The driver's side tail pan had a few rust holes that showed up, so a patch had to be fabricated. I cut access holes into the tail pan to be able to plug weld the inner tail pan to the rear of the frame rails. This Camaro is starting to come together!
'69 Chevy Camaro - Rear frame rails are welded in! Lower trunk panels were put in first to allow easy access. The driver's side tail pan had a few rust holes that showed up, so a patch had to be fabricated. I cut access holes into the tail pan to be able to plug weld the inner tail pan to the rear of the frame rails. This Camaro is starting to come together!
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - Slowly uncovering and replacing all the rust in the trunk, wheel well, and quarter panel areas that need it. Much easier to access these spots now with the trunk floor and frame rails removed.
'69 Chevy Camaro - Slowly uncovering and replacing all the rust in the trunk, wheel well, and quarter panel areas that need it. Much easier to access these spots now with the trunk floor and frame rails removed.
Just Cool:
Vehicles - Two more added to the collection. Locally harvested from the woods of Madeline Island. '46 Ford pickup and '41 Chevy two door sedan. Not sure what they will become yet, but I will put them to good use!
Vehicles - Two more added to the collection. Locally harvested from the woods of Madeline Island. '46 Ford pickup and '41 Chevy two door sedan. Not sure what they will become yet, but I will put them to good use!
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - Making lots of empty space in this Camaro! Removed the trunk floor and rear frame rails to have access to the inner trunk pieces, and any other rot I find along the way. Now is the time to get it out of there!
'69 Chevy Camaro - Making lots of empty space in this Camaro! Removed the trunk floor and rear frame rails to have access to the inner trunk pieces, and any other rot I find along the way. Now is the time to get it out of there!
Just Cool:
'38 Dodge Coupe - The coupe made it all the way to the Symco Weekender! Thankfully all our preparation paid off and we had a much smoother trip this year. Thanks for all the rocking good times! Can't wait for next year!
'38 Dodge Coupe - The coupe made it all the way to the Symco Weekender! Thankfully all our preparation paid off and we had a much smoother trip this year. Thanks for all the rocking good times! Can't wait for next year!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Finally took the time to nose the coupe. Eliminated every trim hole on the hood tops and most on the sides, removed the emblem hole where the hood meets the grille shell, and started to bring the front of the car down to bare metal. The different colored body panels are distracting. Eventually the whole car will be bare metal.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Finally took the time to nose the coupe. Eliminated every trim hole on the hood tops and most on the sides, removed the emblem hole where the hood meets the grille shell, and started to bring the front of the car down to bare metal. The different colored body panels are distracting. Eventually the whole car will be bare metal.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - The secret is out! I made a flying eyeball for the front of my car now. What better way to fill the old crank lever hole and and nice up two chrome wings than a real glass eye? And does it need to light up too? Yes it does. I designed this light to easily install into a 2" diameter hole cut into any sheet metal surface. It would be possible to use a marble, or laser etched glass plate, or something else transparent in place of a glass eye. Contact me today to make a custom creation like this for you!
'38 Dodge Coupe - The secret is out! I made a flying eyeball for the front of my car now. What better way to fill the old crank lever hole and and nice up two chrome wings than a real glass eye? And does it need to light up too? Yes it does. I designed this light to easily install into a 2" diameter hole cut into any sheet metal surface. It would be possible to use a marble, or laser etched glass plate, or something else transparent in place of a glass eye. Contact me today to make a custom creation like this for you!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - I finally made the panels to fill in the gaps where the headlights would have attached to the radiator shell on the '37 hood. When the entire car is bare metal I will call it the Silver Bullet! Up next is raising the top edge of the grille shell to match the height of the bullet panels, filling in the trim holes on the hood, and nosing the car to get rid of the hood ornament holes. Plus a top secret project that you will just have to wait to see...
'38 Dodge Coupe - I finally made the panels to fill in the gaps where the headlights would have attached to the radiator shell on the '37 hood. When the entire car is bare metal I will call it the Silver Bullet! Up next is raising the top edge of the grille shell to match the height of the bullet panels, filling in the trim holes on the hood, and nosing the car to get rid of the hood ornament holes. Plus a top secret project that you will just have to wait to see...
Just Cool:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Drove the 38 over to the North Coast Car Show in Washburn again this year. 3rd Place Custom! I wanted to have more time to work on sheet metal to make it look nice, but reliability and safety issues forced my attention elsewhere. The rack and pinion steering had to be completely rebuilt due to a bad bushing and resulting damage. The timing chain had been neglected for so long that I was having a hard time getting it dialed into the right timing. Since the front end was completely off, and the hood has always been pointed slightly too high up in front, I even lowered the crossmember that holds the radiator, grille, and front fenders in place! Totally worth it!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Drove the 38 over to the North Coast Car Show in Washburn again this year. 3rd Place Custom! I wanted to have more time to work on sheet metal to make it look nice, but reliability and safety issues forced my attention elsewhere. The rack and pinion steering had to be completely rebuilt due to a bad bushing and resulting damage. The timing chain had been neglected for so long that I was having a hard time getting it dialed into the right timing. Since the front end was completely off, and the hood has always been pointed slightly too high up in front, I even lowered the crossmember that holds the radiator, grille, and front fenders in place! Totally worth it!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - The hood sides didn't match up close enough with the fenders. The hood I'm using is from a '37 car, and some custom made extensions were the only way to close the gaps! I also added in bear claw latches on both sides to eliminate the latch lever and smooth up the sides. Now the sides open with cables under the dash.
'38 Dodge Coupe - The hood sides didn't match up close enough with the fenders. The hood I'm using is from a '37 car, and some custom made extensions were the only way to close the gaps! I also added in bear claw latches on both sides to eliminate the latch lever and smooth up the sides. Now the sides open with cables under the dash.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - These fender skirts have taken a long time because I am having trouble getting the crown of the driver's side to match the first one I made. I want to make the skirts mount flush to the fenders, and I won't be cutting either fender until I am happy with the shape of both sides. We went through another 4th of July Parade with the new skirts clecoed in place. We got 2nd best vintage car this year, probably because the cooling fan shorted out and killed the engine in front of the judge's table. Then it became a foot operated float. Oh well, at least we looked good doing it!
'38 Dodge Coupe - These fender skirts have taken a long time because I am having trouble getting the crown of the driver's side to match the first one I made. I want to make the skirts mount flush to the fenders, and I won't be cutting either fender until I am happy with the shape of both sides. We went through another 4th of July Parade with the new skirts clecoed in place. We got 2nd best vintage car this year, probably because the cooling fan shorted out and killed the engine in front of the judge's table. Then it became a foot operated float. Oh well, at least we looked good doing it!
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - Rocker panels are plug welded in, and tacked under the dash. Lots of little patch panels went into making solid metal for the rockers to attach. Next I will move into the trunk area and replace the rear frame rails before the new floor pan gets installed.
'69 Chevy Camaro - Rocker panels are plug welded in, and tacked under the dash. Lots of little patch panels went into making solid metal for the rockers to attach. Next I will move into the trunk area and replace the rear frame rails before the new floor pan gets installed.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - On the jig and underway! Temporary bracing installed to keep the car from folding in half, since there is no roof to hold it together. No turning back on the project now!
'69 Chevy Camaro - On the jig and underway! Temporary bracing installed to keep the car from folding in half, since there is no roof to hold it together. No turning back on the project now!
Chassis Fabrication:
'69 Chevy Camaro - Technically this isn't a chassis, but this framework is a jig that attaches to factory points on the Camaro uni-body to make sure everything stays solid while I cut so much metal out of it. I will also be able to use this jig to weld the new metal into the exact spot it needs to be. So even though it is temporary, it serves the same purpose as a vehicle chassis - not to mention having the same amount of metal as one!
'69 Chevy Camaro - Technically this isn't a chassis, but this framework is a jig that attaches to factory points on the Camaro uni-body to make sure everything stays solid while I cut so much metal out of it. I will also be able to use this jig to weld the new metal into the exact spot it needs to be. So even though it is temporary, it serves the same purpose as a vehicle chassis - not to mention having the same amount of metal as one!
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'69 Chevy Camaro - Full floor and trunk pan and frame rails coming soon! This project is just getting started since we finally had a thick enough ice road to bring it to the shop!
'69 Chevy Camaro - Full floor and trunk pan and frame rails coming soon! This project is just getting started since we finally had a thick enough ice road to bring it to the shop!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'78 Fire Truck - It took installing the dually bed I picked up in Reno to discover that cab and chassis trucks, with dual rear wheel axles, are actually more narrow than a traditional dually axle. All that extra fender for nothing! Traded Scott for the pickup bed from the same donor truck that I took the rear frame section from. Instead of fiberglass fenders I whipped up some custom sheet metal fender flares. Fiberglass is for weaklings anyways.
'78 Fire Truck - It took installing the dually bed I picked up in Reno to discover that cab and chassis trucks, with dual rear wheel axles, are actually more narrow than a traditional dually axle. All that extra fender for nothing! Traded Scott for the pickup bed from the same donor truck that I took the rear frame section from. Instead of fiberglass fenders I whipped up some custom sheet metal fender flares. Fiberglass is for weaklings anyways.
Just Cool:
'69 Ford Mustang - Received a nice Mustang coupe in work trade. Only problem was, it was parked in California! Why not take the new Fire Truck to pick it up? Spent my life savings in gas to get out there and back, but totally worth it. Picked up a dually bed in Reno along the way. Had to get all new tubes in the tires in Elko, and spent a whole day outside a machine shop in Pierre So Dak to try and get the obsolete alternator charging again. Small issues for an overall great trip! And now I have a Mustang to show for it. Thanks to Andrew, Flannery and Emily for putting us up, Rick, Ray, Becky and crew for helping us load up the Mustang, and last but not least thanks to Isa, my awesome co-pilot!
'69 Ford Mustang - Received a nice Mustang coupe in work trade. Only problem was, it was parked in California! Why not take the new Fire Truck to pick it up? Spent my life savings in gas to get out there and back, but totally worth it. Picked up a dually bed in Reno along the way. Had to get all new tubes in the tires in Elko, and spent a whole day outside a machine shop in Pierre So Dak to try and get the obsolete alternator charging again. Small issues for an overall great trip! And now I have a Mustang to show for it. Thanks to Andrew, Flannery and Emily for putting us up, Rick, Ray, Becky and crew for helping us load up the Mustang, and last but not least thanks to Isa, my awesome co-pilot!
Chassis Fabrication:
'78 Fire Truck - Needed a good, reliable, long range hauler. Enter the Town of La Pointe's '78 fire truck bought from the town equipment auction. The bed has been removed and I found out that about 8" of the frame had been cut off the rear of the truck to fit the water pump and box onto the frame. Luckily the guru Scott G had a donor truck for the missing frame section. A Handyman jack and a few pieces of 3"x3" blocks kept the frame rails spread apart to the proper dimensions while I welded on the new section. Now all I need is a dually pickup bed and I will be riding in style.
'78 Fire Truck - Needed a good, reliable, long range hauler. Enter the Town of La Pointe's '78 fire truck bought from the town equipment auction. The bed has been removed and I found out that about 8" of the frame had been cut off the rear of the truck to fit the water pump and box onto the frame. Luckily the guru Scott G had a donor truck for the missing frame section. A Handyman jack and a few pieces of 3"x3" blocks kept the frame rails spread apart to the proper dimensions while I welded on the new section. Now all I need is a dually pickup bed and I will be riding in style.
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'50 Chevy Suburban - After all the metal replaced in the cab floor, the rusty door bottoms looked out of place! No longer an issue.
'50 Chevy Suburban - After all the metal replaced in the cab floor, the rusty door bottoms looked out of place! No longer an issue.
Just Cool:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Drove the 38 all the way down to the 2017 Symco Weekender! Took a lot of work, but I built this car specifically to bring to this show. All that was recognized when I received a club pick from the Drag-Ons Car Club! What an honor! Thanks to Pete for making spark plug wires at midnight the night before we went down, Thanks to the bikers and fellow car-guy that helped push the Coupe the last 50ft uphill to the gas pumps, Thanks to Isa for sticking with me, and Thanks to Tyler and the rest of the Drag-Ons Car Club for choosing me and the 38 for their club pick!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Drove the 38 all the way down to the 2017 Symco Weekender! Took a lot of work, but I built this car specifically to bring to this show. All that was recognized when I received a club pick from the Drag-Ons Car Club! What an honor! Thanks to Pete for making spark plug wires at midnight the night before we went down, Thanks to the bikers and fellow car-guy that helped push the Coupe the last 50ft uphill to the gas pumps, Thanks to Isa for sticking with me, and Thanks to Tyler and the rest of the Drag-Ons Car Club for choosing me and the 38 for their club pick!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - I had been fretting about if I was going to fill the trim holes, and how I was going to do it, since I bought this car. Go figure that it only took me one night to fill almost every one!
'38 Dodge Coupe - I had been fretting about if I was going to fill the trim holes, and how I was going to do it, since I bought this car. Go figure that it only took me one night to fill almost every one!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - A '37 hood won't fit perfectly on a '38 without changing a few things. I started with a new radius on the corners where it meets up with the grille.
'38 Dodge Coupe - A '37 hood won't fit perfectly on a '38 without changing a few things. I started with a new radius on the corners where it meets up with the grille.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Getting the 38 ready for the road took a lot of little projects. Widening the running boards to match the front fenders, brand new exhaust system, and sealed beam headlights fabricated to fit into the old buckets. Will it make it 5 hours south? Even with some of the trip raining or after dark? There's a much better chance now!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Getting the 38 ready for the road took a lot of little projects. Widening the running boards to match the front fenders, brand new exhaust system, and sealed beam headlights fabricated to fit into the old buckets. Will it make it 5 hours south? Even with some of the trip raining or after dark? There's a much better chance now!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - The driveshaft was scraping on the rear floor pan after getting lowered 2.5 inches. Not anymore!
'38 Dodge Coupe - The driveshaft was scraping on the rear floor pan after getting lowered 2.5 inches. Not anymore!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Frenching in the new rocket nosed taillight lenses. They seem a little small so I might add more...
'38 Dodge Coupe - Frenching in the new rocket nosed taillight lenses. They seem a little small so I might add more...
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - You might be able to go through one or two scorching hot parades without a floor, but sooner or later you need one!
'38 Dodge Coupe - You might be able to go through one or two scorching hot parades without a floor, but sooner or later you need one!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Shaved door handles and new bear claw latches! Starting to look like a real Kustom now!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Shaved door handles and new bear claw latches! Starting to look like a real Kustom now!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'36 Plymouth Coupe - Someone backed into this beautifully restored Plymouth! As luck would have it, I introduced myself to the owner of the car and he asked me to try and fix it! I think it turned out well and I'm proud to say this one is back on the road.
'36 Plymouth Coupe - Someone backed into this beautifully restored Plymouth! As luck would have it, I introduced myself to the owner of the car and he asked me to try and fix it! I think it turned out well and I'm proud to say this one is back on the road.
Just Cool:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Got the coupe ready for the 4th of July Parade! 1st Place for Best Vintage Car! Second year in a row is worth bragging about.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Got the coupe ready for the 4th of July Parade! 1st Place for Best Vintage Car! Second year in a row is worth bragging about.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - If you are like me you might think, "Trunk lid? How hard can that be to make?" Let me tell you it can be pretty darn hard! More hours than I would like to admit went into this panel, but I am pleased with the results. By far the largest and most difficult panel I've done yet. I still need to finish weld the seam and trim the edges but I like where this is going!
'38 Dodge Coupe - If you are like me you might think, "Trunk lid? How hard can that be to make?" Let me tell you it can be pretty darn hard! More hours than I would like to admit went into this panel, but I am pleased with the results. By far the largest and most difficult panel I've done yet. I still need to finish weld the seam and trim the edges but I like where this is going!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Found these awesome glass tail light lenses. Getting them ready to be frenched into the rear fenders
'38 Dodge Coupe - Found these awesome glass tail light lenses. Getting them ready to be frenched into the rear fenders
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Driver's side door skin, B pillar, and quarter panel get the same treatment. Luckily there was less rust and dent repair on this side. Starting to become a solid car now!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Driver's side door skin, B pillar, and quarter panel get the same treatment. Luckily there was less rust and dent repair on this side. Starting to become a solid car now!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Passenger side quarter panel had rusted out at the bottom. New patch made, old panel smoothed out, and new patch welded in.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Passenger side quarter panel had rusted out at the bottom. New patch made, old panel smoothed out, and new patch welded in.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Passenger side door needed a bunch of dents smoothed out. Found a few holes in the bottom of the skin and also the framework of the door. No way around that but to patch it!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Passenger side door needed a bunch of dents smoothed out. Found a few holes in the bottom of the skin and also the framework of the door. No way around that but to patch it!
