Above 1200 Sq/FT Zeph's Quasi WWII Era Shop

[zepher11]

Well, I did finally shoot the front doors and mounted them up. Actually kinda odd seeing the doors installed now after looking at this beast for a few years without the doors:

Now on to the tailgate which was a wrinkly mess. Been dreading this project, but actually getting a bit more confident on how to go about making it look decent:

More hardware for the tailgate. A never ending supply of hardware it seems:

I then made a discovery as I was looking over the front doors to see how the locking mechanisms and window hardware goes back in. The metal window channel that is welded in on the side of the door where it latches was missing from the passenger door! I don't recall it being missing when I removed everything. Very weird:

Here's where it should be:

Here's the one that's inside the driver's door:

Great! Now I need to make one and figure out how to weld it inside the door now that it's all painted. Lovely. Well, might as well get to it. Made up the channel:

Kinda like building a ship in a bottle, but just enough room to get my MIG welder tip in there upside down. I couldn't see with my helmet, so had to do it by feel and without looking:

Whew! All done and didn't scorch the fresh paint:

Now on to the upper tailgate door. It needs a bit of work too. Nice work by the PO on a repair here:

I cleaned up and painted the original rear view mirror and installed. Nice to get back to the little things:

Also installed the lower front door seals:

I attempted to apply the final OD on the tailgate this evening as the temperature was only 90 degrees. All went well and looked perfect until the last pass! Gun clogged and spit out chunks on the lower part of the tailgate. Now need to re-sand and shoot that again in the morning. Hopefully, there won't be too much ash falling to mix into the paint as I spray. Bugs used to be my number one enemy, but now it's ash from all the fires around us. Has been about 75 to 80 degrees around five am in the morning, but should be in the 60's tomorrow morning before it starts heating up.

 

[zepher11]

Reminds me when they would burn the rice fields outside of Beale.


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I remember those days as well. Don't see that any longer. The environmentalists have closed down any management of the forests, so we get all our smoke from fires that completely consume/destroy the forests. Was nice growing up here when the forests were managed. No smoke for my first 50 years here.

 

[Norcal]

Well, I did finally shoot the front doors and mounted them up. Actually kinda odd seeing the doors installed now after looking at this beast for a few years without the doors:

http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_21161.JPG[img]

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_21171.JPG[img]

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_21181.JPG[img]

Now on to the tailgate which was a wrinkly mess. Been dreading this project, but actually getting a bit more confident on how to go about making it look decent:

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_21191.JPG[img]



[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_21201.JPG[img]

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_21211.JPG[img]

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_2122.JPG[img]

More hardware for the tailgate. A never ending supply of hardware it seems:

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_2123.JPG[img]

I then made a discovery as I was looking over the front doors to see how the locking mechanisms and window hardware goes back in. The metal window channel that is welded in on the side of the door where it latches was missing from the passenger door! I don't recall it being missing when I removed everything. Very weird:

Here's where it should be:

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_2125.JPG[img]

Here's the one that's inside the driver's door:

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_2124.JPG[img]

Great! Now I need to make one and figure out how to weld it inside the door now that it's all painted. Lovely. Well, might as well get to it. Made up the channel:

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_2128.JPG[img]

Kinda like building a ship in a bottle, but just enough room to get my MIG welder tip in there upside down. I couldn't see with my helmet, so had to do it by feel and without looking:

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_2129.JPG[img]

Whew! All done and didn't scorch the fresh paint:

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_2130.JPG[img]

Now on to the upper tailgate door. It needs a bit of work too. Nice work by the PO on a repair here:

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_2126.JPG[img]

I cleaned up and painted the original rear view mirror and installed. Nice to get back to the little things:

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_2127.JPG[img]

Also installed the lower front door seals:

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_2133.JPG[img]

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/4381/CC_2132.JPG[img]

I attempted to apply the final OD on the tailgate this evening as the temperature was only 90 degrees. All went well and looked perfect until the last pass! Gun clogged and spit out chunks on the lower part of the tailgate. Now need to re-sand and shoot that again in the morning. Hopefully, there won't be too much ash falling to mix into the paint as I spray. Bugs used to be my number one enemy, but now it's ash from all the fires around us. Has been about 75 to 80 degrees around five am in the morning, but should be in the 60's tomorrow morning before it starts heating up. :rocker:[/QUOTE]



Someone who lost their home in the Camp Fire (Paradise, CA) calls the ash flying around "California Snow".

 

[zepher11]

Someone who lost their home in the Camp Fire (Paradise, CA) calls the ash flying around "California Snow".

It does somewhat resemble snow. After the heavy winds, I wanted to blow some leaves off the driveway, but I created a massive cloud of ash. I'd hose it off, but that's illegal here in California too. They've invited an extra 20 million people into the state, but refuse to increase the water supply. Better to limit everyone to 50 gallons per day and penalize those that don't.

Let's see. We also have no power because they shut down the gas fired energy plants. Now for some odd reason they find out that when the sun goes down, and there isn't any wind, there's not enough power when it's warm and folks want to run their air conditioners. Oh well. Better to get used to living in a third world country sooner than later. Geez, I'm usually so positive. Maybe it's not seeing the sun for a month....

 

[zepher11]

Still plugging along. Knocked out a few other minor projects on the WC26 Carryall this past Saturday. Turned my attention to the rear upper door. Not too beat up. A bit of body work on the outside and some holes to be filled on the inside. Not sure why a PO cut a bunch of holes in the upper clam shell:

Also installed the door stops. Note to self: don't install the kick panels until these are installed. Oh well, that's all done now:

Also finally had the time to shoot the final OD on the lower tailgate after a few miss-fires. Had to re-sand this a few times which seemed to take forever:

Cleaned up the upper door lift/support too:

Primer time for the upper door:

Final Red Oxide primer:

Of course me favorite color:

Now is the time I have been waiting for for a long time. I did a lot of work fixing the opening for the rear doors. Plus making the doors fit the openings. Seems like years...actually it has been years to get to this point. The moment of truth is upon us:

Can't forget the lower rear doot handle. Blast and paint:

Checking for fit and feel of the rear door latches:

Now time for the real money shot with both door in place:

I now can think about how to install the rear glass:

I also found some NOS door remote springs and some springs for the door latches. Not quite like the originals, so had to modify a bit. Hoping they will work. At least now I can think about installing the front door glass and latches:

Well, sadly all this is going to come to a screeching halt. I was hoping to finish the Carryall, but I have been a bit of a slacker. I've basically been working one handed for some time as I need shoulder surgery. Don't want to do it, but it limits what I can do. Did I say painful? It really slows me down on projects like this. October 1st is D-day as I go under the knife and will be out of action for a number of months. Hopefully, I can just about have everything completed with the exception of the seats...so close, but yet so far.

It's going to be hard on me because I don't sit down when I'm home. I don't watch TV. I'm just designed to do projects for some reason. It's gonna be hard to lay low. Oh well, hopefully the pain will go away and then I can actually get some work done for a change!

 

[B17E1943]

Looking great, John!

I was down in your area Saturday @ estate sales, but by the time 2:00 rolled around, I was beat, hungry and ready to go home.

PM me your address and I'll give you a buzz next time I'm down that way.

Sorry to hear about your shoulder - mine have been hurting lately, also. Lack of use, most likely; getting older *****, but it beats the alternative. My own fault.

I have a couple ideas about working on some Chevelle parts, if you're still up for it.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Hang in there, just with the good arm.

 

[N72727]

Well, sadly all this is going to come to a screeching halt. I was hoping to finish the Carryall, but I have been a bit of a slacker. I've basically been working one handed for some time as I need shoulder surgery. Don't want to do it, but it limits what I can do. Did I say painful? It really slows me down on projects like this. October 1st is D-day as I go under the knife and will be out of action for a number of months. Hopefully, I can just about have everything completed with the exception of the seats...so close, but yet so far.

It's going to be hard on me because I don't sit down when I'm home. I don't watch TV. I'm just designed to do projects for some reason. It's gonna be hard to lay low. Oh well, hopefully the pain will go away and then I can actually get some work done for a change!

Always impressed by your work.
We will miss you but our thoughts will be with you.
Surgeons are doing an excellent job these days. Just routine. Stay positive. It just takes a little time. You will be a new man and this project will be completed. Try to give some news. You know that a crowd is waiting here to applaud the end of this project.

 

[cvairwerks]

Zeph: I’m just starting down the rabbit hole of doing my own canvas work for my aircraft projects. Took a while to find the data, but it appears that a lot of the stitching is done with a Type 301 straight lock stitch or a single needle Type 401 chain stitch. If you are looking for a machine, it needs to be a walking foot commercial or industrial one that will do those stitch forms. The walking foot advances the material stack from top and bottom at the same time. Even used, probably going to drop at least $500 on one. I’m going to use denim for practice and prototyping my work. I’ve got places where there will be up to 6 layers of duck in a seam and I don’t want to waste duck on practice with it being as expensive as it is.

 

[zepher11]

Looking great, John!

I was down in your area Saturday @ estate sales, but by the time 2:00 rolled around, I was beat, hungry and ready to go home.

PM me your address and I'll give you a buzz next time I'm down that way.

Sorry to hear about your shoulder - mine have been hurting lately, also. Lack of use, most likely; getting older *****, but it beats the alternative. My own fault.

I have a couple ideas about working on some Chevelle parts, if you're still up for it.

Thanks Dave. Getting old does ****, but we do what we can do to stave off the alternative. lol

Yeah, I'll PM you my location and cell #. We need to get you going on that Chevelle project!

Here's a video I shot at the cruise in Cottowood this past Saturday night. I think they said there were 3,000 people and an unbelievable amount of cars. They did repave the roads with a new coat of rubber. We need to get you to this point. Turn up the sound:

Take care,

Hang in there, just with the good arm.

Oh, you know I'll be out there looking for one handed projects! lol

Of course, I'll be back at work too. Surgery is on a Thursday and thinking I can go back on Monday....my wife is giving me grief, however.

 

[zepher11]

Always impressed by your work.
We will miss you but our thoughts will be with you.
Surgeons are doing an excellent job these days. Just routine. Stay positive. It just takes a little time. You will be a new man and this project will be completed. Try to give some news. You know that a crowd is waiting here to applaud the end of this project.

Thank you. Yeah, it'll be nice to not have the pain that's for sure. It's actually a Distel Clavicle Resection. I had it done in 2010 after having the bone on bone for about 10 years and ignoring it. At the same time I had a Superior Labrum tear repaired on the same side after 26 years. A twofer. They didn't have a repair for the SL back in the day, but technology catches up so I had it.

Anyway, I had about two months of bliss without pain until the Physical Therapist pulled too hard on it as I complained for him not to. He popped it and it's been bad ever since. That was 2010. Going back to the same doctor. I told the doctor that he should put a pad between the bones. He said they do that now. Right on! Therefore I really want to make sure it heals right this time.

Hopefully, I can dink around on small projects one-handed.

Zeph: I’m just starting down the rabbit hole of doing my own canvas work for my aircraft projects. Took a while to find the data, but it appears that a lot of the stitching is done with a Type 301 straight lock stitch or a single needle Type 401 chain stitch. If you are looking for a machine, it needs to be a walking foot commercial or industrial one that will do those stitch forms. The walking foot advances the material stack from top and bottom at the same time. Even used, probably going to drop at least $500 on one. I’m going to use denim for practice and prototyping my work. I’ve got places where there will be up to 6 layers of duck in a seam and I don’t want to waste duck on practice with it being as expensive as it is.

Awesome. Yes, member "fourbyfour" has been proving some goon information on the type of machine. It's still all super new to me, but I have watched a few videos now. They sure make it looks easy. Seems like it would be really satisfying to sew one's own projects.

I have been keeping my eye out for a machine on CL. Have seen them in the past, but none lately. They make the walking foot look like the way to go. I need to make up my Command Car doors too which are canvas. In some spots it is about six layers or more of canvas. Probably need to really practice before I was at that point.

If you start on you seat projects, post up some of your progress here. Sure would like to see how it goes.

Cheers,

 

[Grizz1963]

Once again reduced to just smiling and shaking my head.

I could sit and watch you for hours I suspect, as you work, build, repair and reassemble.

 

[zepher11]

Once again reduced to just smiling and shaking my head.

I could sit and watch you for hours I suspect, as you work, build, repair and reassemble.

Thanks Grizz. Appreciate the feedback. All these little projects on the WC26 really are noticeable now as it gets closer to final completion.

 

[zepher11]

Now that I actually have some motivation to get off my **** and get the Carryall completed, I performed some rare weekday work last evening. Installed the lift support for the rear upper door:

Now trying to figure out which way the weather stripping is attached on the rear doors. These two photos show two ways it could be installed into the clips. Not sure which way to go yet:

One would think that after 80 years the original chain links would hold up. As I was squeezing the lower connecting link, I broke the regular chain link. Now that everything is cleaned up and put together, I need to weld that.

I was sorta dreading installing the rear window rubber seals. Primarily, cutting the rubber too short. It's an S style seal that goes over the metal lip of the window opening and then curves around and wraps around the edge of the window.

May have cut a little short now only worried about it shrinking and cracking. I have noticed that all the new rubber parts I get start cracking and degrading and need to be replaced in about three years.

That's if they are kept indoors. Likely would rot out in a year or so if left outside. Amazing how the 80 year old rubber holds up.

All installed:

Installed the metal clips on the inside:

Pulled out the windshield from storage. I remember when I put it away for later that I was thinking it didn't need any work and was good to go. Now something is not like the others. It looks like it needs to be binned. Not sure what to do with it at this time. The glass is the green glass and looks in good shape. The frame...not so much:

 

[gpw_42]

Zeph,

Thanks for keeping us updated as this project moves forward. Truck looks great, and I appreciate how you included the reflectors for the back door "money shot!" I'd vote for the top weatherstrip pic to be correct, but that's little more than a SWAG.

Before you decide to bin that windshield frame, given your skills, check the price on replacements. Know it's thin and difficult, but repros are crazy expensive (and I don't remember seeing an NOS one in your recent parts haul).

Good luck with the shoulder surgery. Imagine you'll be down hard for ~2 weeks, then wanting to get back after it. Less is more...

 

[shortykorte]

One step closer.

I wonder if the difference in rubber is old being rubber and the new being synthetic rubber.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[zepher11]

Zeph,

Thanks for keeping us updated as this project moves forward. Truck looks great, and I appreciate how you included the reflectors for the back door "money shot!" I'd vote for the top weatherstrip pic to be correct, but that's little more than a SWAG.

Before you decide to bin that windshield frame, given your skills, check the price on replacements. Know it's thin and difficult, but repros are crazy expensive (and I don't remember seeing an NOS one in your recent parts haul).

Good luck with the shoulder surgery. Imagine you'll be down hard for ~2 weeks, then wanting to get back after it. Less is more...

Thanks man. Yes, I have been waiting a long long time for that money shot. That's one good looking rear end I think!

Yeah, I'm thinking I can fix the windshield frame. I had three NOS closed cab windshield frames, but traded two for some parts to MWM. Scored a seat frame, top bows, battery box and a few other items. I kept one NOS windshield. It's still in the box. I don't think the WC26 is worthy of an NOS one or I'd use it. I'm going to see if I can do a better job on my VC1 Command Car and use the NOS windshield for that.

I'll be tough to lay low after surgery, but will have to do so. Hopefully, I can go back to work pretty quickly and not be home sneaking into the garage!

One step closer.

I wonder if the difference in rubber is old being rubber and the new being synthetic rubber.

Has to be something like that. Amazing how fast they self destruct. Not too bad if easy to replace, but some areas it's a big project!

 

[zepher11]

Well, I couldn't resist in placing the rear registration number. I been moving this stencil around the garage for a long time. was worried I would ruin it or lose it:

Wasn't sure which went in first the door latches or the window hardware. Finally figured latches first:

Took some time to adjust the door strikers to get the doors to latch properly and fit the opening well. Actually they didn't turn out too bad:

The little clips that are used to hold the weather stripping for the rear doors are really little. Tough to hold and the punch into the holes in the doors, so made a little tool. A long #6 screw with nut:

Also installed the little rubber window bumpers in the front doors. Now those were a little tricky to get in there:

I hope to see if I can figure out the front door window install today.

 

[Norcal]

It does somewhat resemble snow. After the heavy winds, I wanted to blow some leaves off the driveway, but I created a massive cloud of ash. I'd hose it off, but that's illegal here in California too. They've invited an extra 20 million people into the state, but refuse to increase the water supply. Better to limit everyone to 50 gallons per day and penalize those that don't.

Let's see. We also have no power because they shut down the gas fired energy plants. Now for some odd reason they find out that when the sun goes down, and there isn't any wind, there's not enough power when it's warm and folks want to run their air conditioners. Oh well. Better to get used to living in a third world country sooner than later. Geez, I'm usually so positive. Maybe it's not seeing the sun for a month....

Are you on a public water system or your own well? If you pump your own water there is nothing anyone can do about your water usage. during the last drought, there is a subdivision north of me but south of you with large lots, & large expensive homes, their big lawns stayed nice & very green because they all had there own wells, not connected to the California Water Service Co.
system.

Good luck and best wishes on your surgery,

 

[zepher11]

Continuing on my missing to get as much completed on the Carryall. After I installed the door latch remotes, the driver's side was a bit sloppy. Would lock with the handle. There is no key, so one has to push the handle forward and it locks. Will this would not. The passenger side has the key lock on the old cars.

Anyway, wanted to see if I could fix it before I installed the windows in the doors. So out it came and it was interesting. The notches for the spring detent looks good from the outside, but it is just a razor thin facade. Behind it is completely worn down. Decided to pull everything apart and zipped a couple of small welds on the lever with the notches.

Used a hand file to re-establish the notches and put it all back together. Works fantastic now. Locks and stays as intended.

Then onto the door glass. Had to install the channel and then figure out hwo to get the glass into the channel and mount the side channel. If I cold do that then I could install the regulator.

Roller stops to keep the wheels from popping out.

The window channel I had to make and weld inside the door worked well.

Window cranks and door handles ready to go, but I don't have the little pins that hold them on. I swear I ordered some, but can't find 'em!

Starting to look like a real truck. Stuck the stars on the doors as well:

 

[zepher11]

Are you on a public water system or your own well? If you pump your own water there is nothing anyone can do about your water usage. during the last drought, there is a subdivision north of me but south of you with large lots, & large expensive homes, their big lawns stayed nice & very green because they all had there own wells, not connected to the California Water Service Co.
system.

Good luck and best wishes on your surgery,

Thank you. Hope it goes well and can get back after it with some rest.

Yes, on a well here, but the state is coming after wells. They are also coming after septic tanks. The $300 annual fee for septic tank testing is on hold, but it'll be back.

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is moving right along. Ultimately, the state of CA will require meters on wells. Just a matter of time. There will be a lot of resistance, so they'll take it slow, but it will come. With us paying for the pleasure of being regulated....

 

[Norcal]

Thank you. Hope it goes well and can get back after it with some rest.

Yes, on a well here, but the state is coming after wells. They are also coming after septic tanks. The $300 annual fee for septic tank testing is on hold, but it'll be back.

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is moving right along. Ultimately, the state of CA will require meters on wells. Just a matter of time. There will be a lot of resistance, so they'll take it slow, but it will come. With us paying for the pleasure of being regulated....

My septic tank is redwood & was installed in 1957, still has the original leach field too, 4 subdivisions were built down my street over the last few years which means I have to hook up to city sewer,if it fails. & that will cost me around $20K to hook up, If I were ready to sell, I would & get out of this State as fast as possible, that $300 fee would be times two because of two dwellings.

 

[zepher11]

My septic tank is redwood & was installed in 1957, still has the original leach field too, 4 subdivisions were built down my street over the last few years which means I have to hook up to city sewer,if it fails. & that will cost me around $20K to hook up, If I were ready to sell, I would & get out of this State as fast as possible, that $300 fee would be times two because of two dwellings.

Wow Redwood. That's amazing. The problem with moving is that a lot of Californians are and then voting the same things in where they go for some reason. I've thought about it, but the weather here is incredibly nice basically rear round. The only problem is it comes at a price. Being in a 75% conservative county helps, but not for long. They are bailing out of the Bay Area and headed here. Home prices are sky rocketing. Just a matter of time.

 

[Norcal]

Wow Redwood. That's amazing. The problem with moving is that a lot of Californians are and then voting the same things in where they go for some reason. I've thought about it, but the weather here is incredibly nice basically rear round. The only problem is it comes at a price. Being in a 75% conservative county helps, but not for long. They are bailing out of the Bay Area and headed here. Home prices are sky rocketing. Just a matter of time.

That is what gets me, why export the California garbage to other states? I do not want to bring CA problems to elsewhere, But the one thing I would miss is the climate, the humidity in the south means air conditioning is not a luxury, but the Co op PoCo is 9 cents & 11 cents a KWH depending on the season, compare that to PG&E's rates.

 

[cvairwerks]

Zeph: You mentioned someone that was helping you with sewing machine info...the name you listed, I wasn't able to find...Maybe a typo?

 

[Enigma]

Hi Zeph. Here's a good poster to blow up, print, and hang up in your garage above that nifty bench...

thats a cool poster! where can I get one?

 

[250]

Lots of people would feel differently about air conditioning not being required in California.

The Mrs and I moved back to CA after living on the east coast for 7 years to be closer to family. We're up in the foothills of the Sierra's and there are so many people from the bay area or where ever buying property up here its hard for the people that actually live an work in this little town to find stuff.

You really do pay for your weather here though.

 

[Norcal]

I cool with a evap cooler, cheap to repair, cheaper to operate, & have a portable one for the shop, need drill & tap a 5 gallon bucket to place on top & run a hose to keep the cooler filled with water. The humidity is low enough in the Sacramento Valley for them to be effective.

 

[zepher11]

Zeph: You mentioned someone that was helping you with sewing machine info...the name you listed, I wasn't able to find...Maybe a typo?

Yes. Typo: "fourbyford." Sorry about that:

 

[zepher11]

thats a cool poster! where can I get one?

I don't know. I have looked, but haven't found one online. I just printed out on a legal size piece of paper.

I bet Kinko's or whatever reprographic store is out there could take the file and make a nice poster out of it.

 

[zepher11]

Lots of people would feel differently about air conditioning not being required in California.

The Mrs and I moved back to CA after living on the east coast for 7 years to be closer to family. We're up in the foothills of the Sierra's and there are so many people from the bay area or where ever buying property up here its hard for the people that actually live an work in this little town to find stuff.

You really do pay for your weather here though.

I cool with a evap cooler, cheap to repair, cheaper to operate, & have a portable one for the shop, need drill & tap a 5 gallon bucket to place on top & run a hose to keep the cooler filled with water. The humidity is low enough in the Sacramento Valley for them to be effective.

PG&E gives us a minor baseline amount of power, but then jacks it up in the higher tiers. 43 cents at the higher tier. Plus they are now expanding the "Time of Use" window to make solar even more difficult to pencil out in the future. If one uses power between the hours of 3pm and 9pm it's the peak rate. Tough to turn down the A/C when it's a 110 degrees out.

I have an evap cooler (Master Cool) we have used since moving in here in 2003. We never used the air conditioning before until we put in solar last year. Now my wife has the house down to 68 degrees, but the way PG&E sets it up, one can't produce enough power during the peaks, so have been getting hammered the past two months.

The smoke doesn't help either. Even with a 10.36 KW solar array making about 65-70 kwh a day, our PG&E bill has been $450 in each of the last two months. That's after netting. First time in 18 months we have had to pay for energy use. However, now that my wife has the A/C...there isn't any going back to evap...

 

[shortykorte]

Ouch.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[zepher11]

Ouch.

And we get the pleasure of having rolling blackouts and Public Safety Power Shutoffs with our extremely high electric bills. Just a gift from our friends in the in the California Legislature.

 

[fourbyford]

Good thing you get the "discounts" and have a large PV system!

...D

 

[zepher11]

Figured I would pull apart the windshield and clean it up for the time being. Lots of work pulling this thing apart with the silicone. Didn't want to bend/damage the frame or break the glass:

Couldn't get the sealant off the windows until I used some lacquer thinner. That and a lot of elbow grease did the trick:

Blasted the sealant residue and all the paint off, and then primered:

A little OD:

Then, which seems to be happening more and more with the paint I have used for the past ten years, this cracking effect happens. Same primer manufacturer as the OD paint that I've used a hundred times. Also notice that the rattle cans of the same paint that I get in the gallons is not matching very well now. Never had a problem in the past. Weird. I have been having to shoot parts over again often now.

Does leave that vintage look though:

 

[zepher11]

Bonus photo:

 

[tym]

Bonus photo:

Looking nice! Glad to see this thread back on track and moving away from the politics.

 

[BORING HOP YARD]

Hey Zepher, first those are crazy power bills.
Are you using wax and grease remover for surface prep or ?

 

[zepher11]

Looking nice! Glad to see this thread back on track and moving away from the politics.

Thank you! Sorry, I try to avoid it, but sometimes it boils over. Should be good now.

Hey Zepher, first those are crazy power bills.
Are you using wax and grease remover for surface prep or ?

Yes, the PG&E Company started a couple fires out here, so the bills will be going up more here soon. I run an electric utility and our rate is 16 cents a kwh which is a lot lower than PG&E. I'd explain it, but I'd get political again...

I do use wax and grease remover. If I have sanded down a panel or it has sat for over a day with primer on it I have to sand and clean.

Mostly, I primer let it dry and shoot. Sometimes that's not possible so I will need to sand the primer and use wax a grease remover to clean.

Most of the time I can plan to shoot the primer and then OD right over the top of it without sanding. Primer instructions say that's fine and over the past ten years, it has worked well. I did this for the rear doors, front doors, fenders and hood.

The body was a different story. It was so large I ended up having to sand so used wax and grease remover on the entire body. Can't tell the difference between the body and the other parts when installed using the two different processes once they are united.

Now I'm a little gun shy as both the gallons and rattle cans of OD paint I use have this weird bubbly issue that ends up like sandpaper on the panel. I had to re-sand the driver and passenger doors after final OD and redo those.
Had to do this twice with the rear tailgate and then re-primer and shoot. Frustrating and time consuming.

I think I found the new paint I'm going to go with in the future. It's synthetic enamel. A lot more expensive however. About 30% more a gallon at $50 plus shipping. Everyone says it's the best. Time for a switch.

 

[zepher11]

Worked over the windshield. The hardest part is installing the outer rubber weather stripping. Has a little "T" section that tucks up inside. No idea how Rosie installed these back in the day, but like most Dodge part installations there always seems to be trick or technique that has to be discovered.

After trying to stuff it in the channel a myriad of ways for over an hour, I finally discovered a way to do it. After the discovery, took 10 minutes to get the whole thing installed.

After that, had to hulk this thing up into place, hold it, and try to get it in the proper location by myself...no wonder I need surgery. lol

Anyway, tight fit inside the wiper mounting locations. Using the side sliders and lower latch managed to massage it into place and tighten the bolts:

The command center:

Next I wanted to finish installing the window regulator handles. Of course, nothing fits. Odd that I have NOS spring loaded escutcheons and handles as well as a couple window regulators. Will a 5 minute job too over an hour to get a couple handles on. Had to cut the regulator crank pins the handles slide onto and re-drill the holes for the pins that the escutcheons cover. Will I was able to get them on, but highly unlikely I can get them back off when needed. We'll see. Even had to grind the inner part of the escutcheons to slide over the regulator:

Way too long:

Butchered final version. Muff the first on up a bit. Tough to drill after installed. Kinda wished I had discovered this before I installed everything:

Next, I really want to at least get the driver's seat mocked up to some degree, so if I need to move the truck I can have me or someone else do it. I cut the first piece of plywood and tried to figure out how to mount in on the seat back:

I muffed the driver's side door star. The stencil material ripped and got stuck in the fresh white paint as I was removing it. Looked like...well, bad. Had to tape off around the star and re-sand it and paint. Then I muffed that and had white overspray all around the star. Just trying to hurry as I'm running out of time. Need to slow down. Anyway, taped off the star and re-shot the OD:

Well, all done with the exception of the seats. Was hoping to drive this soon, but that will have to wait: