Build thread 37 Dodge PU

[Itoldyouso]

Quote: Bill was kind enough to change the title of this thread for me (I understand why people would be leery of something titled “For Uncle Bob” ).


I agree, Jack. Any time you see "Bob" and "Just for" in the same sentence the first thoughts that come to mind are not all that pretty.................big, but not pretty !

Glad to see you making such good progress on the truck. That thing is just so solid.

Don

[falconvan]

That Hemi looks killer, Mike! This thing would make a great gasser.

[stovens]

I like the grampa sticker for the keg! Engine looks very nice. Glad for the name change too. Like Bob, but not his beauties!

[lamin8r]

Yup,Mike,,I like the Grampa Munster sticker..Just sorta suits it..That hemi looks good sitting in there..

[rspears]

Mike,
That's a very cool old truck, and it is going to be great when done (are they ever really done??) Looking forward to watching it go together - lots of good ideas coming together already.

[Mike P]

Thanks everybody for the positive comments.


“….are they ever really done?”…..”

I don’t know Roger, once I get them done and the new build bugs worked out of them, for me they kind of turn into just another car to me. I still enjoy driving them and showing them off but I usually don’t go back and do any major changes.

I did get it moved over to the other side of the shop where I usually set the long term projects. It’s a bit less working room being next to the wall but it’s more out of the way for working on other stuff.



I did get the passenger side header on, that one just pretty much dropped into place, plenty of room to get it on and lots of room around it. I don’t think the drivers side will go quite as well and I’m planning on taking the fender off to work on that.



Mostly I’ve been working on the working on the floor/firewall. I actually like using the plywood for the template better than the cardboard. Being more rigid I can actually put a little weight on it and check things like leg room. The down side is the sawdust and hand full of splinters (almost as bad as working with fiberglass……but not quite ). I’m not sure I’m completely satisfied with the opening yet but it’s getting there.



I don’t have access to a bead roller, so I’m kind of kicking around using 1/8” steel plate for the floor and firewall. I’m thinking using a single piece and putting the bend in it then building the tunnel. I’d really appreciate any thoughts from some other who have been thru this especially if there is a better way.

[Rickomatic]

Looks like there will be plenty of leg room. Very sharp!

[dlotraf33]

I used 1" 14ga square tube to make a framework for the floor. With a couple of pieces running crossways it provides enough support that 18 or 16ga should be ok without poping. I also tacked the underside to the framework every 1 1/2 or so. I plug welded sheet to framework. I've kinda stomped around on it and it seams real solid.

[dlotraf33]

Oh almost forgot........... Thats gonna be a nice truck. I really like that dodge, especially with full fenders................ The Hemi don't hurt either........

[Mike P]

I got back on the 37 this week and got the biggest part of the firewall and the floor fabricated. I went ahead and used the 17 gauge stainless I had even though it was too thick to do any bead rolling on. It actually came out remarkably rigid, so I don’t think the lack of any reinforcing bead rolls hurts it any. I still have some more work to do on the firewall to finish filling in the places that were over cut.

The welding is almost done, I realized Friday afternoon that I was about out of gas for the MIG so I ran into town and exchanged the bottle………I really wish I had checked my MIG wire . It never fails I was about 6” short of finishing on the floor when I ran out of wire, and of couse it's Sunday now.






For right now the floor and firewall bolt in with nutserts, but the more I think about it I will probably go ahead and weld it in. With the automatic there is really nothing that would be serviceable from the top and I doubt I would want to take up the carpet when the truck is done anyway.

[dlotraf33]

I made the top of trans tunnel removable in my 48, but the only thing I can get to is shifter. And it's more trouble to pull up the carpet than it is to unbolt it from underneath. You will also pick up some additional rigidity in cab and floor if you weld it in. I'm in the same boat today, everything I thought I could do was missing one piece or another, so I finally gave up for today.............. At least it's supposed to be only 90 tomorrow...............

[HOTRODPAINT]

I love seeing something different ...and I know it will be nice!!! :-)

[Mike P]

“......You will also pick up some additional rigidity in cab and floor if you weld it in.......”

That’s kind of my thoughts on welding it in too, It will take a bit of time going all the way around the perimeter, but it will probably be woth it in the long run.

“........and I know it will be nice!!!......”

I hope So Jay, there is still a long way to go.

I almost forgot that tomorrow is a holiday and the welding supply store will be closed. I made a last minute trip into town to one of the box hardware stores and managed to find a couple of small spools of wire so at least I’ll be able to keep going tomorrow.

[Itoldyouso]

Mike, if you ever get in that fix again, Home Depot carries Mig wire in big spools and it is actually Hobart, I think, and they are open on Sundays.

Your truck is coming along great. Wish I had one like it, that would be my daily driver for sure.

Don

[HOTRODPAINT]

....and I know it will be nice!!!......

I hope So Jay, there is still a long way to go. [/QUOTE]

You forget I've seen your Plymouth in person. :-)