'67 project

[bren]

Well, we got about 3 hours in today then ran out of welding gas. I guess it was just time to call it a day. Good progress made. Front firewall is 90 percent done. Otherwise the whole front end is done. Rear bumper brackets and patch panels are ready for welding. Rear quarters are cut out and ready for the patch panels to be fitted. We keep getting closer. If I can get another half day off, this Friday will be another welding session.

[jmallen05]

Keep plugging away, you have a few months before the snow hits.


jerry

[bren]

(Update from Saturday, posting out of order here.)

Got the rear bumper brackets fitted. It was recommended by AJ (I think) that I make sure the brackets line up by bolting up the rear bumper. Great idea. Everything lined up perfectly though the picture does not show that. I measured from the body to the ground on both sides of the car to make sure it was sitting level. Then I measured the bumper to the ground and it was level also. All within 1/4"; probably better than factory.



I think I will paint these brackets red in honor of the car that donated them.

[bren]

Tonight I got out there and tried my hand at welding again. It is not pretty but it is there. I finished up the front of the car. Filled in a few holes from drilling out spot welds and finished installing two small patch panels at the firewall.
Now I can grind the welds, seam seal, and paint the areas forward of the doors (outer body panels excluded)!

As one of my managers likes to say: Lessons Learned:
Stand in back of the area you are welding. If you are under it you are likely to burn your clothes. I tried to set my sock on fire!

[Dustin]

Where did the bumper brackets come from?

[bren]

From the Samba. Got them for free from a guy. Long story....

[Ruffuss]

Hey HOT FOOT, ever notice welders boots they don't allow the socken footed to be on the outside in harms way. They are generally slick leather that cause sparks to dance off the foot not burn the tenny clad socken foot. If it got hot enough bet you don't do that again. I learned that one a long time ago. Just like never weld with a cloth rag in your pocket, that get s your attention quick. Lessons learned. Later Kenn

[Dustin]

Any updates?

[bren]

Yes, many. I need to get the photos downloaded and on photobucket.
All welding on body is done. Only welding remaining is to do some minor repairs to the fenders. Three long Friday's and a Sunday afternoon of welding by Steven got us to this point.

Tonight Marie and I glued the pan gasket to the pan. I held it in place with masking tape until the glue dries.

I also welded in the metal tubes that go through the rear cross members for the heat.

Marie and I then painted the car with zero rust. We hit all the new sheet metal and all the old stuff that is underbody. Did a little seam sealing too. Tomorrow I will finish the seam sealer. Then do a second coat of paint where necessary.

Plan to also hit the underside of the parcel tray with truck bed liner.

Then, finally, on Saturday the body is going to be placed on the pan for the final time (I hope).

More detailed photos and info to come later.

[bren]

Sorry, I got behind on posting details with photos. This might be a little out of sequence but it will get us mostly up to date.

Sheet metal cut out behind bumper brackets:


Kenn and Steven tacking in the patches behind the bumper brackets:


Here they are all welded in and the welds ground down. I actually did this welding


planning for the rear quarter cuts. very intimidating cutting here:


I was not excited about making this cut, fortunately Kenn was willing:


The cutting and fitting of these quarter panels was very tedious. Kenn and I worked on it for a long time. Burrowed a flanging tool from George and flanged the body and the panel. That left room for the welds to be below the surface after grinding. Then only a small amount of filler will be used to smooth it all out.


Here is the drivers side. This one did not turn out as good. Mainly because the panel was bent wrong (as best we could tell). It will look good when done though. No immediate plans to do the filler and paint work. Not sure how I am going to paint this. I would like it to dissappear and match but I don't know if I will be able to match the faded blue color.


It is hard to see but we cut out the rot in the door corner and made a patch for that.


Last Saturday I ground all the welds that I planned to grind. Here is one of the front wheel wells:


Steven welding in the rear wheel well. Drivers side was worse than the passenger. Rear quarter panel was used all the way into the wheel well. Much more welding required on this side than the passenger side.


Welding the rear cross member to the rear quarter:


Lastly, (for tonight) my favorite shot. I tried many many times to get a shot with the glow from the welder:

[VDub63 ( Steven )]

;D Looks good Bren glad I could be of assistance to you.

[bren]

Me too. I could not have done this car without your welding expertise!

[Chris]

wish I could weld . I am thinking about learning

[bren]

Welding is fun. I found it relaxing. Get behind that hood and all else goes away.

[Dustin]

Good work Bren and Steven, I need Steven to come teach me to weld as well.