Builds Out with the old and in with the new!(turboed 2h!)now no longer turbo, but rebuilt! (3 Viewers)

[pistonpete]

Been there, done that, Big job for sure, but all worth it in the end. Are those parts on your donur any good ? Do you have access to a metal break??

 

[mongoose2231]

I have no access to a metal brake. I could buy one. I am going to use the metal of the donor. No rot on it but dented good everywhere. I'll take some pics of it tomorrow.

 

[mongoose2231]

So over the weekenf I just did nothing other than chill. I actually camped in my front yard with my daughter! It was quite an adventure!

Albeit...we used our camper.
Anyhow, today i managed to fix my power washer and took to the parts truck to get it cleaned so that I can start chopping. I tell you, if this thing wasnt so dented, I'd probably just swap cabs. Here she is after a bit of cleaning.

 

[mongoose2231]

At least it's got good metal underneath, which is what I need.
Them rockers are much healthier but dented. I am thinking I can hammer out the dents as best I can, so we shall see.

I need to find my spot weld drill bit. Used to have a proper one, not those chicom knockoffs you find now adays on the interwebs.

 

[mongoose2231]

The rear most cab crossmember that the tail gate attaches to seems to be intact. Which is good cause I can just cut it and weld it onto my truck. My big dilema here is I have never done this before, so I have no idea how to weld sheet metal other than learning some theory by watching a bunch of YouTube videos. Welding thicker metal is more forgiving, but sheet metal is a different story.

Oh, and another thing, the frame on the parts truck is damn solid. I know it's an early model frame but I have half a mind to powder coat and keep it as a spare. Mine is ok, after patching it last summer, but one can never have enough parts stashed away...

 

[pistonpete]

You know, I would much rather fix dent's than rust..It's shame to cut that up..

 

[mongoose2231]

Ye think??? I mean, it's pretty busted. I am going in the woods to try my hand at some turkeys. I will snap a couple pics so you can see.

 

[mongoose2231]

Let's be honest, this thing has seen better days...

 

[pistonpete]

OK,OK, I see......looks like she had fun in her life, hihi..

 

[mongoose2231]

Yep, was an army training vehicle out in VA. got it of a fellow forum member a couple years back

 

[pistonpete]

Well, a lot of good metal there it seems . That should help a lot..

 

[mongoose2231]

Yes, seems that way. I have good confidence that everything I need is there on that truck.
On another note, I took a break from the cutting and welding to try and get a turkey.
Got kucky, tastes amazig!
Love game meat, comes preseasond from the woods.

 

[mongoose2231]

Today I took care of my first patch. I got a great fitting replacement made out of the spare. Unfortunately I did not have my phone for pictures. I managed to weld it in and it all went great. I sprayed some clear over it as I had planned to leave the patches exposed but I think that will not be the case. I only have a picture after the fact.

 

[mongoose2231]

I am also pissed because I used a flapper wheel to grind down the welds and I ended up eating a lot of the parent metal. Learning as I go. The ultimate goal is to get rid of most of the rust , which I will and that's it. Once I am done with welding in new metal, I will take a good look at the old girl and decide if I go ahead and do some body work. Also a first for me. Bondoing and sanding shouldnt be too bad I think. The good thing is that the truck can be driven, so I will take it out of the garage during that process to eliminate the giant mess that comes with that.
Gotta get a paint gun at some point too...

 

[pistonpete]

Any Buddies that do body ??

 

[mongoose2231]

With this Covid floatin' around, I doubt any friend can come and help. But you know what, I will do it myself!

 

[pistonpete]

Kool, It can be done. try not to put too much heat, tacking is good, cool the tack's down with an blow gun. It keep's the metal from warping a lot, Then when done, try an make sure you don't have any pinholes, that's what make's the bondo ballon after and the repair fall apart .
I like to close the light's and put a light behind the repair if possible , ( redneck X-ray )...

 

[mongoose2231]

I did see pin holes. Welded over them. I am aware of the heat issue as well. Youtube rocks!

 

[mongoose2231]

Getting the hang of this!

 

[mongoose2231]

And here are the welder settings I found work best.
For those who have the same machine and want to delve into fixing their own rust.