Above 1200 Sq/FT Finally build my, long needed, shop

[Michael B.]

I made some progress yesterday. I would have finished the grinding today if it hadn’t been Mother’s Day



I picked up the pace considerably when I set down the 4” grinder and picked up the side angle cutter.

 

[Michael B.]

I upgraded my 20+ year old HF $30.00 welding helmet. I should have done this much sooner! It’s a Hobart Inventor series.



I also found a good spot for my Direct Oil globe. I have had this since high school. I worked at this station my senior year (no they were not in use, I’m not that old).

 

[Michael B.]

I started the bondo work today. That 80 grit on a sanding board will wear a fella out.

 

[Michael B.]

I finally finished the initial sanding and laid down a coat of primer. In the last 12 days it has rained every day with a total rain fall exceeding 8”. I was concerned about leaving the sheet metal uncovered any longer. I am not displeased with the results. There is still plenty of sanding and touch up to be done for sure. Considering it’s been more than 25 years since I have done any major bodywork, it’s not awful.

 

[MWitte]

That looks a whole lot nicer than it did before you started!

 

[Michael B.]

That looks a whole lot nicer than it did before you started!

Thank you sir! I appreciate the compliment.

 

[Michael B.]

While I was working on getting the cab roof in final primer, it rained a little.



This was noon. Some areas had 8” by 2:30. It’s still raining and rain is forecast every day this week.





The far end of the muddy water is 3’ deep. My neighbor has a low spot
I sure am glad a live on a hill.

 

[Michael B.]

Slow progress this weekend. I applied some seam sealer to the rain gutter and started the next repair area. The drivers side step is a usual spot for rust. It’s not bad but it’s best to nip it in the bud.

 

[Michael B.]

I sprayed a top coat this weekend but I’m not very pleased with the results. The semi-gloss is a lot more glossy than I was expecting and it didn’t lay down very well. I will get some satin black and give it a go next weekend. I am considering buying a paint gun. These rattle cans are getting expensive.

On a completely different area I have the step patch panel trimmed and ready for installation. I will use the panel adhesive a friend has suggested and a few weld spots to complete the install. I could have finished it today if it weren’t for the father day festivities I did have the gift or my son’s presence in the shop this afternoon. That was great!

 

[Michael B.]

This weekend I glued down the step. I’m very pleased with the results. I moved on to more rust repair. I removed the passenger bottom door hinge pocket. That was a treat! I also knocked out the dent in the middle of the belt line running across the back of the cab. No pictures of the belt line yet but I’m pleased enough that I may not apply any bondo.

 

[Michael B.]

A minor shop upgrade today. With the heat index around 110, I installed another fan.

 

[Michael B.]

I’m trying to make the most of my 3 day weekend. Fixing rust is a tedious task.

 

[Michael B.]

 

[Michael B.]

The driver side lower hinge pocket was a “second verse same as the first” scenario.

 

[Michael B.]

Then there was an extra drilled hole from the PO.

 

[Michael B.]

Nothing picture worthy on the truck today. But with thunderstorms in the area we put the porch of the shop to good use