1978 LPB Teardown and Rebuild (2 Viewers)

[Awl_TEQ]

Finished that off - just have to dress the rib end a bit

On to the lower corner of the cowl wing - I bent up a piece at work using the original cut off scrap as a template.

Trimmed and welded in.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

De-rusting continued...

I decided that I wanted to shorten the last rib in order to accommodate the roll cage landing point so I chopped out a little section.

Good move. I'm really glad I did that on our floor. Sure, one could use spacers or just crush the rib, but when you can do a little sheet metal magic... why?

Looking good buddy!

Dan

 

[Awl_TEQ]

One area done - on to the next. At first I was going to just fix the hole under the "A" pillar but then I figured the tub is upside down and I'm in to it now, may as well do all the major rust and then I can blast the tub later and fix the minor stuff then before paint.

So next is the rockers and rear corners

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Drilled out the spot welds

and took a look inside the rocker. Not too bad, could have been worse.

Same for the other side.

 

[waiting for time]

Nice job, did you use thicker metal?

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Cut the rear corner out

 

[Awl_TEQ]

I used the TIG to add a spot weld flange to the floor patch. Rolled a corner piece and added flanges to that. This is where I'm at right now. Trying to get all the pieces fitted up so I can paint all the hidden areas before welding it all up.

 

[crushers]

DAMN!!
<drool>

 

[Awl_TEQ]

one could use spacers or just crush the rib, but when you can do a little sheet metal magic... why?

Exactly - I have long ago given up the purist outlook on this build. It will look stock to the untrained eye when done but the more experienced will see the little stuff.

Nice job, did you use thicker metal?

No, used the same material. It will be easier to make my welding invisible when done that way.

DAMN!!
<drool>

Thanks Wayne



Yeah, I'm just picking away at it right now - hour and a half each evening. I have to get it back on the frame to check fitment. And also to make room for all the bed parts I've been bringing home.

 

[Gusb]

As always - nice work!

I noticed you're completing your welds before any grinding? Are you using a flapper or cut-off disc at the end to get all the heavy weld bead off and then blending to final with a small air grinder/Roloc pad?

 

[Awl_TEQ]

I generally use just the 2" Roloc in 80 grit for the whole thing. I would like to use the 5" flapper but unless it is a new disc it tends to put too much heat into the work. I will sometimes use an actual 5" grinding disc to take off the big stuff but it is tricky not to damage the material around the weld. Another option is an 80 grit sanding disc on the 5" grinder. Not sandpaper but a disc with a backing plate. You get more speed than the 2" and I can give the air compressor a break cuz its electric.

 

[1tontoy]

Looks fantastic. Are you using your TIG for this?

 

[Awl_TEQ]

I did use the TIG for adding the spot weld flange to the patch in the rear corner floor. I wouldn't use the TIG for butt joints in a panel because I think it would put too much heat in the weld area. The advantage of tack welding with the MIG is you can go slow and keep the panel cold and therefore flat but still get penetration through to the other side. You could turn the amps way down and weld real cold with the TIG but then there is no penetration and the panel would not be fully welded. I'm not saying it can't be done but you would need more skill the I have, which is not to say I have a lot. Never said I was a ticketed welder Only said I CAN weld

 

[tmarx]

Keep it up !!

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Working on it today. Hope the finish the rocker repairs and set it on the frame - we'll see...

Spent the last couple evenings reading up on 6H9 including your whole thread

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Not quite ready to put on the frame but I did get some done today.

Cut the other rear corner off - this one had good steel left in the floor and spot flange so I will re-use them.

I did both cowl wings first so as to retain the same height (though upside-down)

Finished the right side

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Welded in the left rear corner.

The disc mentioned above for the initial removal of material

cleaned up - I use a 2" air angle grinder for the finishing

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Then I did the left rocker, right rear corner and right rocker. The rockers are not fully welded along the door sill because I want to flip the tub over to get a better angle on the weld. I might use the TIG for that too.



you'll notice the rear corners are left long. I was going to hammer them over but now I am going to cut them off with a jigsaw and TIG weld a flange onto them.

 

[1tontoy]

Looks Awesome!!! What grit(s) do you use for the larger pads and for the 2" pads?

 

[Awl_TEQ]

All 80 but I also use the maroon scotchbrite in the 2" and sometimes a 36 grit 2"