Wow! It's hard to believe that it's been so long since I posted anything on this build thread. I haven't been totally off of it, but haven't really done much, either, mainly due to three different trips we took through the summer. I actually spent some time on the front frame horns today. While it's not really necessary, I really didn't like the look with the boxing plate cutoff point right at the grill area so I started looking at boxing plate options, and picked up some 1/8" bar stock at the metal shop.

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Problem is that I need access to install headlight stanchions and the spreader bar bolts after paint. I'd seen boxing plates with a series of "lightening holes" somewhere before, and I liked the idea but the holes were pretty small and didn't "flow" right for me so I played around with some poster board...

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Up front I'm going to do a partial end plate, because the spreader bar still has to slip into place. This is just a piece of poster board, and I'll add a bit of a rim on the inside edge, leaving room for a wrench on the front spreader bar bolt.

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Got both plates cut out, and will tack them in place, then go back and weld them out when I pull the body off the next time. Just something a little bit different....

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Tomorrow I'll work on the front pieces, then do some more on a fog lamp mounting bracket that I'd played with some time back. Wanting to get everything done that needs the body in place, then pull the body one more time so I can attack the exhaust from above. Once done The frame will get blown apart for paint, then put together for the last time (I hope....)