E-tek Restorations: PROJECT THREAD

[jayoldschool]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

This thread is doing nothing to quell my desire to find a 50s pickup. I love the "before" look of this one... if it were me, I would have done mechanicals and kept the body as is.

 

[Photo]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

e-tek,

If you're looking for a 'local' supplier of parts for this project, try these guys:

http://www.scottssupertrucks.com/

They're only about an hour south of me, are super friendly and know their stuff. Also saves you from the hassle of getting stuff over the border.

Once you're done that one, I'll bring mine over for you do practice on!

Lane

 

[Abbott]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Nice truck, good thread. Thanks for posting this E-tek.

 

[blue dog]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

it sat for 27 years in the harsh Saskatchewan climates (with yearly ranges minus 40F to 120F).
!

Good god man, that is a drastic temp change from summer to winter.
-40, not for this guy, ever.

 

[tatra]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Good god man, that is a drastic temp change from summer to winter.
-40, not for this guy, ever.

c,mon, if ddawg can do it in a thin leather jacket you can too............course he was getting paid to be here...........

 

[e-tek]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

This thread is doing nothing to quell my desire to find a 50s pickup. I love the "before" look of this one... if it were me, I would have done mechanicals and kept the body as is.

Me Too! This is my truck:

You look like a good candidate for one of those air flange/punch tools if you're drilling for spot weld holes. Talk about a timesaver.

I have one, the drill is about the same actually...

 

[4StarCstms]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Looks like a top shelf Job so far... as if we expected anything else out of ya!

When I had to patch the floor in my 75.. it wasnt so much of a patch job, as a full on replacement of the floor, cab mount, Frame mount, and part of the firewall!! Danged rust!

 

[bchee]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

looking good mr. carter!!

 

[e-tek]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

4starcstms - where's the AFTER picture

looking good mr. carter!!

huh???

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

This thread is doing nothing to quell my desire to find a 50s pickup. I love the "before" look of this one... if it were me, I would have done mechanicals and kept the body as is.

Not to 'jack but did somebody say "50's truck"?

Will 40's do?

 

[e-tek]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Dan, there's always room for a pick of your truck!! But THREE?!!?!?!

 

[Skin]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

man if you were my neighbor i'd be off like a shot every day to help when i could just for the learning experience. Hope to own an old 1940-50s truck one day and i hate trucks. They just have a class and style about them that i find euphoric.

 

[blue dog]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

c,mon, if ddawg can do it in a thin leather jacket you can too............course he was getting paid to be here...........

Spent some time in a place called okotooks [ black diamond, Alberta ] helping my friends finish the framing and getting the house sealed up right before the real cold hit a few years ago, You boys from americas hat are way more ******** when it comes to the weather and working outside in it then us folk down here in southern California are. 40 below, are you kidding me, there is no reason to live somewhere that gets that cold. I would not work in fort McMurry in the winter for any amount of money.
Sorry E-TEK, not trying to high jack your thread.
You are a very skilled man and i enjoy your posts.

 

[4StarCstms]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

E-Tek ~ Didn't wanna steal your thread...but since you asked

The Final Product

 

[e-tek]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Yep - the cold can be tough, but at least there's "free" health care.......

 

[e-tek]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Well, since everyone "jacked" my thread....guess I'll do the same...

4carcstrms - wonder if we're living parallel lives in other ways??

66 Ford done last winter:

 

[4StarCstms]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

E-Tek I hope yours wasnt as rotten as what I started with. I replaced everything but the Roof and back wall, and about 3/4 of the Firewall. Everything else, and I do mean everything was replaced with either NOS Parts, Licensed reproductions, or used parts.

Amazing how similar all the Ford trucks are,

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Dan, there's always room for a pick of your truck!! But THREE?!!?!?!

Well, since everyone "jacked" my thread....

DOH! You guys are right. I did hijack - apologies.

E-tek, You are a talented guy and a hard worker I guess I'm just jealous I can't do what you do...at least not yet. I bought a MIG from Jack but have barely used it as I am a bit financially embarrassed right now from paying for my daughter's wedding in June. I've gone so far as considering selling my '46

We'll see what happens, but or now I will enjoy your work.

P.S. Edited out the pix but couldn't figure out how to take the avatar duplicate out.

 

[bchee]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

looking good mr. carter!!

4starcstms - where's the AFTER picture



huh???

I meant Mr. Kotter

 

[HOTFR8]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

It may have been hijacked but all posts have interesting comments on the same lines.

 

[blue dog]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

E-TEK you must be busier than a one armed wall paper hanger, make sure to spend some time with the fam damly ! And keep the good work, me likes it.

 

[Motown 454]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

The truck is looking good, it is in pretty good shape. Nice work.

 

[e-tek]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

DOH! You guys are right. I did hijack - apologies.

E-tek, You are a talented guy and a hard worker I guess I'm just jealous I can't do what you do...at least not yet. I bought a MIG from Jack but have barely used it as I am a bit financially embarrassed right now from paying for my daughter's wedding in June. I've gone so far as considering selling my '46

We'll see what happens, but or now I will enjoy your work.

P.S. Edited out the pix but couldn't figure out how to take the avatar duplicate out.

I was kidding Dan!!! Your truck can be in my thread ANYTIME!! Congrats on the wedding - but DO NOT Sell the 46!! Even if you're strapped, just pretend you don't have it (the truck). Or think of it as a retirement saving fund. I could see selling if you OWED on a vehicle, but not otherwise. I've seen how you love it - don't regret it.
Here's hoping your situation turns around quick.

 

[e-tek]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

E-Tek I hope yours wasnt as rotten as what I started with. I replaced everything but the Roof and back wall, and about 3/4 of the Firewall. Everything else, and I do mean everything was replaced with either NOS Parts, Licensed reproductions, or used parts.

Amazing how similar all the Ford trucks are,

Oh, you'd be amazed how bad it was. I fabricated most of the lower cowl and sills.....Here's the thread:http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50692

 

[e-tek]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

OK, onward and UPSIDE-DOWNwards!

Put it up on it's back to work on the lower hinge posts:

Welded up the cab mount area I fabbed up last week.

Someone asked what I dress my welds with. I start with a grinding wheel to concentrate on the proud weld, then finsih with a 24 or 36 grit flexible disc.

The lower cowl and hinge post gathered up a lot of dirt over the years - leading to rust out:

To get at it I had to remove these lower braces:

Time for a lot of clean up!

I'm thinking I'll cut them off here and fab up new pieces. I like to cut at bolt (or other) holes so as to have an exact replication point:

Frame (and these other parts) went out for sandblasting today too:

 

[Stuart in MN]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

I'm amazed at how clean this truck is, considering how hard it was worked over the years.

 

[Mr. Jean]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Really going to enjoy following along on this one. Thanks for posting this for us all. Got one of these in my garage too.

 

[e-tek]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

I'm amazed at how clean this truck is, considering how hard it was worked over the years.

It really is amazing. Other cars and trucks sitting in the same field are trashed. We got a TG for this thing that was sitting INSIDE a fella's shop for 10 years - it has more rust on it than the original gate!
Unfortunately, the parts I have to repair aren't the easiest....

Really going to enjoy following along on this one. Thanks for posting this for us all. Got one of these in my garage too.

I see that sweet Chev in your Av Mr. Jean! I guess (hope!) that's the after-photo!

 

[Mr. Jean]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

I see that sweet Chev in your Av Mr. Jean! I guess (hope!) that's the after-photo!

It's not all done yet, just finished power brake addition yesterday. Still a few things left, but they are never really finished anyway.

Here's a better peek. Best of luck with your project and have fun.

 

[e-tek]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

I can't believe how many vehicles I've seen with Torque-Thrust 2 wheels after I bought a set for my Galaxie 6 years ago. They make ANY vehicle look awesome!

 

[e-tek]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Today was time for some squaring, cleaning (TONS of dirt came out of the A pillars!) and getting the frame back form the sandblasters. Is there anything prettier than newly sandblasted metal? It has a subtle gleaning texture that glints in the light like a beach saturated with diamonds and white sand.....

Made sure the steps that where installed where squared - all good!

That little tab at the top in the next photo - designed to do what? Trap dirt? Did a VERY good job of it!

Then I started digging out the ****....

And digging....

And it kept coming out too! I filled an entire vacuum bag with what was packed in both A pillars for who knows how many years....

The frame came back from the sandblasters today too. The metal - EVERY BIT OF IT - even the rubber frame stubber's - came out like new!! I'll throw up some close ups tomorrow!

Thanks for looking!

 

[4StarCstms]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Looking Good!!

 

[e-tek]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Didn't really do much metal work, but re-sprayed the rust with MetalReady and took some photo's of the sandblasted frame to show before and afters.


I like to wrap the sprayed areas to lessen evaporation:

This is a re-pop part for the lower A-Pillar. All that accumulated **** shown above is what rusts out the metal. These will make a nice splice. The cut-line is marked.

Check out the before and after....

The frame, suspension and associated parts look awesome. These will mostly get POR15 and a semi-gloss frame enamel, except for parts that should be detailed various colors. Time for some research!

Look at the backing plated and suspension parts - straight outa the womb!

Gotta make sure to remove all the sand before painting!

 

[dgarage]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Awesome job!

 

[Motown 454]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

It looks great. People with a lot newer vintage projects wish they were as nice as this when they started them. When you do the frame do you hit it with sand paper or can it be painted just like that? Nice work.

 

[HOTFR8]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Is sand still legal there ? Here it is no no longer legal to use sand and all blasting must be enviromentaly friendly no dust in the air etc. Nice job and sure did clean up well.

 

[bop_pa]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Looks awesome, Keep up the good work and pics...

Didn't really do much metal work, but re-sprayed the rust with MetalReady and took some photo's of the sandblasted frame to show before and afters.


I like to wrap the sprayed areas to lessen evaporation:

This is a re-pop part for the lower A-Pillar. All that accumulated **** shown above is what rusts out the metal. These will make a nice splice. The cut-line is marked.

Check out the before and after....

The frame, suspension and associated parts look awesome. These will mostly get POR15 and a semi-gloss frame enamel, except for parts that should be detailed various colors. Time for some research!

Look at the backing plated and suspension parts - straight outa the womb!

Gotta make sure to remove all the sand before painting!

 

[larry_g]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Didn't really do much metal work, but re-sprayed the rust with MetalReady and took some photo's of the sandblasted frame to show before and afters.



Look at the backing plated and suspension parts - straight outa the womb!

]

I was going to say something earlier about the tie rod ends, and the drag link but I looked up the drag link and the picture showing was of the newer style socket ends. So far you have not posted a picture that shows the drag link or steering arm but I see in the picture that you have the older style ball ends on the tie rod at least. These are adjustable to take up slop that is caused by wear. But after time the balls wear out of round and then adjusting will have problems as you will have tight spots at extreams of travel or slop while on center. Rebuild kits are avaiable that include new ball studs and other parts to renew the ends. I did this on my '49 and it made a world of difference.

So, check your balls if your staying with the stock frontend.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[e-tek]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

Is sand still legal there ? Here it is no no longer legal to use sand and all blasting must be enviromentaly friendly no dust in the air etc. Nice job and sure did clean up well.

Oh ya - sand is still very legal. It's a natural substance - why wouldn't it be? All the industrial blasting is done outside too - with wind blowing the sand and dust for miles around! So - being a natural substance, that makes up most of Australia - why would it be illegal there?

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Re: E-tek Resto's 56 Chevy Truck

....DO NOT Sell the 46!! Even if you're strapped, just pretend you don't have it (the truck). Or think of it as a retirement saving fund. I could see selling if you OWED on a vehicle, but not otherwise. I've seen how you love it - don't regret it.
Here's hoping your situation turns around quick.

Thanks e-tek. My situation is ok, it just would get better (faster) if I did sell the truck. Chances are I will not. As a car guy it is always bittersweet to sell my project cars. I become emotionally invested in them so I kinda hate to sell them. But then again, selling a vehicle is just an opportunity to dream about what I'll buy next and then to go shopping, buying, etc, etc. - all good!

...Torque-Thrust 2 wheels....make ANY vehicle look awesome!

I mostly agree but I like the original Torque Thrust D's better for older vehicles like my truck. Even though my truck would probably look good with bigger TT2's on it, I like the old 15's with meaty side walls as they looked back in the day when someone (rarely) invested in fixing up an old truck.

As a matter of fact, I came across a smoking CL deal on 15x7 TT-D's from a guy that was going out of business. I felt terrible taking advantage of his dire circumstances (but apparently not THAT bad) and scored a set of 4 for $150(SWEET!!!) including SoCal Speed Shop cast aluminum center caps!

Today was time for some ... cleaning (TONS of dirt came out of the A pillars!)

That little tab at the top in the next photo - designed to do what? Trap dirt? Did a VERY good job of it!

Then I started digging out the ****....

And it kept coming out too! I filled an entire vacuum bag with what was packed in both A pillars for who knows how many years....

Did you make any modifications that will prevent the trapping of **** in the future? Pictures?

Oh ya - sand is still very legal. It's a natural substance - why wouldn't it be? All the industrial blasting is done outside too - with wind blowing the sand and dust for miles around! So - being a natural substance, that makes up most of Australia - why would it be illegal there?

Airborne particulates and lung contaminates is the answer. Don't know if it will ever be illegal here but in my business (heavy civil construction) when we saw concrete all the slurry that comes out of the cut has to be vacuumed up. This was never the case in the old days. Concrete slurry is just water, cement, sand, rock particulates - as you point out, all natural, but it is not legal to let it into the sewage system.