Chopped 55 f100

[txvwnut]

You need to carry a ladder with you so you can show off the roof. That's the coolest breadbox on wheels. Not overdone but carried through out just enough.

 

[Richard D]

I love the van, but I bet it's murder in 100 degree weather. How hard is it to A/C a Corvair?

 

[C_F]

After all the work you put into that van, I can't believe you drove it onto the salt! You'z a crazy guy! It did make for some cool photos though. It's nice that you are able to get out & enjoy the van after all that hard work.

 

[Duke55]

I love the van, but I bet it's murder in 100 degree weather. How hard is it to A/C a Corvair?

Thanks. Adding A/C to a Corvair is doable. Has its own unique challenges but probably not any harder than most vehicles.

Someone has some mad skills. I love the paint job. Not my style, but so sweet.

Thanks. Don’t worry there is still hope for you [emoji12]. I don’t have to look back too far to a time this wasn’t my style. That is the great thing about this hobby. Style and interests can change as we stumble from project to project. Hell I thought these vans were plain ugly when I first seen them. Now it’s grown on me and I think it’s plain cool. Likely a sickness I have.

After all the work you put into that van, I can't believe you drove it onto the salt! You'z a crazy guy! It did make for some cool photos though. It's nice that you are able to get out & enjoy the van after all that hard work.

Could very well be the only project car of mine that will make it to the salt. This van was never supposed to have this much work put into it. Even though I got carried away from my original paint plan, my plan for having fun with it hasn’t changed a bit. Also after the time I have spent cleaning the underside since we got back I am certain it is much cleaner now than before I took it there.

You need to carry a ladder with you so you can show off the roof. That's the coolest breadbox on wheels. Not overdone but carried through out just enough.

Thanks for the great comments. I have had a few short guys come up and their buddies tell them how nice the roof is. Pretty damn funny.

That van is killer.

The paint is amazing knowing how much work goes into getting it to look like that. My hat is off to you once again.



So what is your next project???

Thanks Don. Still have some upholstery and small things to finish up on the van. Then I will be starting on a party garage (inspired by my trip to yours). Will also get back working on the Merc.



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[Ohmthis]

WOW!!!! The van has turned out amazing. I REALLY love the lace work, and it’s not my style. I always get impressed more and more by your work. Great job!!!

 

[Duke55]

WOW!!!! The van has turned out amazing. I REALLY love the lace work, and it’s not my style. I always get impressed more and more by your work. Great job!!!

Thanks I really appreciate it.


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[Duke55]

As usual, it’s been awhile since I’ve posted. So far I have put a little over 600 problem free miles on the van. It’s been a lot of fun this summer.




About a month ago I bought back my grandpa/dad’s old wrecker that was sold unexpectedly after my dad passed away.



Got it running good. Installed some gnarly tires and went through the brakes. Added a power dual reservoir MC.




Structural plans for the party garage are being reviewed now.



My favorite picture taken of this thing this year.





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[nonhog]

Love the wrecker, anxious to see what happens with that!

 

[xtremek]

As usual, everything looks great, including the party barn.

 

[C_F]

That's a cool looking wrecker, congrats on being able to buy it back!

Awesome shot of the '55 in the grass, that truck sure is a beauty.

 

[Duke55]

Thanks everyone for following along and the comments.

Few more cool shots of the wrecker from Sunday night.








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[Chateau Slate 66]

That wrecker is awesome! Glad you are keeping it in the family.

 

[Stillgottimefor1]

Great looking machine!


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[Duke55]

Recently took a metal shaping class from Wray Schelin. I went to the class with high expectations and they were significantly surpass. Had a great time, met some cool dudes and learned a bunch. The class is 130 hrs of shop time (4 day coachbuilding/shaping class, 3 day advanced shaping/finishing, 5 days expended learning). Can do all 130hrs consecutive or break it up however you need to support your schedule. Wray is very open on schedule. If interested in more information look up Proshaper.com.

A few pictures from my first 4 day class.







Other pictures





There are currently 7 cars being built as part of the class.

I will be going back two more times this year to learn and shape more.

Also need to post some pictures of the Mack truck I am working on. I did the bed for it over a year ago and now I am doing the rest of the truck.






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[nonhog]

Cool deal on the class. A little jealous.

 

[xtremek]

Sweet looking work. Looks like you learned a lot.

 

[Ohmthis]

Royce, great job on the metal work. That is such an art, very few people are skilled enough to do it. I’m planning classes in 2020, vacation time is all called for this year. I’m excited to see the Mack truck. I can only wonder what you will do with it.

 

[Duke55]

Some pictures of the Mack. Sitting on 2006 Dodge frame with a 12V Cummins. Going to be painted bright yellow. I painted the bed for it about a year and a half ago. Stretched the cab 6” and a handful of other stupid ****. Just finished the 1st round of priming and sanding.

























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[HOTFR8]

That Mack looks interesting. I posted a photo of some similar some time back.
View media item 91358

 

[gofastwclass]

The metal shaping class looks like a LOT of fun, I need to check into that.

 

[xtremek]

That is some sweet sheetmetal word

 

[Duke55]

Few more pictures of extending the cab.


Practice piece















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[MP&C]

Nice job on the stretch!

 

[xtremek]

Way cool.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Very nice!

 

[Duke55]

Very nice!

Way cool.

Nice job on the stretch!

Thanks guys! Can’t wait for this one to be done. Hopefully one day I’ll learn to just work on my own projects but likely won’t be anytime soon.


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[Duke55]

Finally laid down some color.









Most everything else is ready for paint.


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[johno]

You're right, that is "some color".

 

[MP&C]

Hopefully one day I’ll learn to just work on my own projects but likely won’t be anytime soon.

I’ve found it much cheaper to work on other people’s projects!

 

[jjeffries]

Wow. Awesome. John/CT

 

[36truck]

The back of the cab sure has a curve to it. Looks great. Nice work on the stretch.

 

[Duke55]

I’ve found it much cheaper to work on other people’s projects!

I find if I don’t spend money on cars, I spend it on something else.


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[xtremek]

That looks really nice. I hope you can get some pics of it completed.

 

[HOTFR8]

Looking good. I am keen to see how this one comes up when finished.

 

[Duke55]

Thanks guys. Been playing all week but plan to get serious again soon.

Now for my distraction.

Brought this home Sunday. It’s my dads daily driver he finished building in 94 and drove daily until 2010 when he passed away. He put just over 100,000 miles on it. Been sitting in his garage ever since. Checked/topped off all the fluids and gave it a once over then put it back on the road. Starts and runs like it never missed a beat. Even still has his Credence Clearwater CD in the stereo. Took my girls to soccer yesterday and drove to work today. Looking like I got a new daily.

Couldn’t be happier about this truck.
















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[MP&C]

429?

 

[HOTFR8]

Nice looking truck and great to know youe Dad had that truck. How pleased would he be to know you are know driving it.

 

[Duke55]

429?

Yes. It was built with 9.5 compression ratio, Lunati split duration cam. MSD everything with knock sensor monitor and dial advance/retard timing on the fly in the cab. Edelbrock carb and intake. 4 speed manual. 3.73 gears. All done in the mid nineties and unchanged ever since.

We have a pile of 429’s stashed away. I even built one in high school for my truck. My dad was convinced they made more horsepower and got better mileage than a 460.


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[johno]

That's a beauty.

 

[Bob Heine]

Royce, now you need a trailer that matches the Dodge so you can tow the '55 to all the local shows.