Builds Harumi the Rusty Rescue JDM HJ60 - Build Thread (1 Viewer)

[BrickRunner]

Here's some better shots of the roof support structure.

Also finished reconstructing the D-pillar.

 

[BrickRunner]

C-pillar complete. The B-pillar beckons...

 

[BrickRunner]

No, I haven't given up!

 

[BrickRunner]

I think I'm getting the hang of this.

 

[BrickRunner]

I've posted my roof skin and the other bits up the classifieds if anyone wants them.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

I’m curious what tools you’re using to bend the metal and what gauge the metal is?

 

[BrickRunner]

I’m curious what tools you’re using to bend the metal and what gauge the metal is?

I have a mini press brake that fits in my press that can bend 12" wide sections, a 3" hand seamer, a ball peen hammer, a vice with anvil, various chisels and punches, assorted bits of metal channel, a hitch ball, a crescent wrench, and a pneumatic punch/flange tool.

The original metal measures 1mm (.0394"). I am using 20 gauge (.0359"). It's a hair thinner, but really easy to form. I could have stepped up to 18 gauge (.0478") to have an easier time welding and have it take longer to rot out, but it my opinion, if it's rusting, something else has already failed (coating, seam sealer, paint, etc.). California has it's downsides, but it takes a reeaallly long time for cars to rot out (unless you live by the beach!).

 

[BrickRunner]

With the B-Pillar behind, the A-Pillars await...

 

[BrickRunner]

Doh!

In retrospect, I should have just cut the gasket...

On the bright side, the rust was mostly in the upper corners, with very little in the lower sill.

Here's one for your wall of shame @CenTXFJ60. The scab plate was wedged under the windshield gasket...

 

[BrickRunner]

If I never have to drill another spot weld, it will be too soon.

 

[BrickRunner]

I think that's it as far as cutting out rust! There are bits of surface rust here and there, but that will get taken care of when it gets stripped to bare metal.
Hooray!

 

[Ragnaroek]

I have nothing but respect for your patience with that roof. Nice Work!

I think I would've cut it off completely and started looking for a donor body a long time ago. Or set the car on fire, idk.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

That’s incredible work. Love seeing the skin and bones picked off like that. Can’t wait to see how you build it up from here

 

[BrickRunner]

Weather permitting, I might just have the welding done by New Years!

 

[Ragnaroek]

I might just have the welding done by New Years!

What year?

 

[BrickRunner]

What year?

Haha!

I have this coming week off, so I am planning on crunching through it then.

 

[84 yota dude]

Incredible amount of work. Seriously impressed!

 

[BrickRunner]

Finished welding the left side, and started on the right side.

And belated Merry Christmas!

 

[GLTHFJ60]

So I've gotta ask, does it just not rain where you live?

 

[BrickRunner]

So I've gotta ask, does it just not rain where you live?

Haha! Actually it was raining last week. Our big rains are usually in January/February, and last January was a doozy, with flash floods, mudslides, and washed out roads. I got stuck in Ventura for a night because the road up to Ojai was a river.

But you are right, it doesn't rain that often.