HOTFR8
Banned
Was about to ask for an update. Slow progress but looking good.
Work Shop Truck Build
- Thread starter Rocket
- Start date
Trying to run a business, keep tabs on apprentice and a couple of part timers.
Keeping customers happy with deadlines & SOME HOW the family too! just doesn't leave much time for the shop 'PICKUP' let alone a project for myself (which has now been left untouched for over 3 years..........& that was only be cause we had to shift it....that............ tis another story
)
So, YES............... very slow progress indeed
Keeping customers happy with deadlines & SOME HOW the family too! just doesn't leave much time for the shop 'PICKUP' let alone a project for myself (which has now been left untouched for over 3 years..........& that was only be cause we had to shift it....that............ tis another story
)So, YES............... very slow progress indeed
HOTFR8
Banned
You will get there.
Welllllll ****** me!! 
I got a little more done today
I got part way through, bashing out some large dents & welding up some splits etc & I realised I'd forgotten to take a pic
so the first pic shows part way through, with most of the large dents already done 
I have a long way to go, but it has some basic shape now.
finish this one............& only 3 to go
(this is the best fender, because the others are so bad, it will give me something to match) they will all need to be cut to fit the change of body shape, especially the rears, but at least there is something happening, be it only a small amount.
Only today, a mate offered to give me a hand on it over the Christmas/New Year break (we will officially be closed) & as he used to run the old panel shop here, he may be handy to have around for a while
I got a little more done today
I got part way through, bashing out some large dents & welding up some splits etc & I realised I'd forgotten to take a pic
so the first pic shows part way through, with most of the large dents already done I have a long way to go, but it has some basic shape now.
finish this one............& only 3 to go
(this is the best fender, because the others are so bad, it will give me something to match) they will all need to be cut to fit the change of body shape, especially the rears, but at least there is something happening, be it only a small amount.
Only today, a mate offered to give me a hand on it over the Christmas/New Year break (we will officially be closed) & as he used to run the old panel shop here, he may be handy to have around for a while
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Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Found this photo today and wanted to know what you would call it ?
I think of it like my own, a Rodded Truck. This one was at Louisville in 1994 at the Street Rod Nationals.
This is kind of a late response, but that truck belongs to a guy named Wings Kalahan. He's a radio DJ, and is the guy who plays the music and does the announcing at NSRA street rod shows. He used to use it to tow his broadcast trailer around to the different events, although I think he's using a modern truck these days.
http://www.hotrodradio.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=page/page_cd=info/info.htm
Mmmmmmmmmmm,very interesting & cool.
but still truck based. I obviously have used a bad choice of words in my title
as discussed with an aussie 'truck' owner here. There is not much truck stuff on mine, all car running gear & suspension, seats etc etc so it is being built inside the 'Street Rod Guidelines' (which is car only) as a modified pre '48. If I was to use the F100 wheels & suspension like I wanted to, let alone any truck stuff, it would have been called a truck, would have had to be fully engineered as one & rego'd as one!It's all in the naming I spose............'Workshop Pickup' would be more correct, but just doesn't sound right..................but there is a HUGE difference. So shoot me for the naming
HOTFR8
Banned
I often wonder what happened to that Tow Rig as it was neatly done.
Mmmmmmmmmmm,very interesting & cool.
but still truck based. I obviously have used a bad choice of words in my title
It's all in the naming I spose............'Workshop Pickup' would be more correct, but just doesn't sound right..................but there is a HUGE difference. So shoot me for the naming
BANG......
I suppose we can partly blame Ford Australia for that one as they invented the Ute, a Commercial vehicle based on Passenger car frame and then we can go into the ADR's (Aust Design Rules). Makes life awkward when I used a light (Note: Hi-light of light)truck chassis for mine yet a real truck here is 4.5 ton and over. Now do not start me on Licence requirements as my car trailer I can legally tow behind my car on a car licence yet when I tow it with a truck over 4.5 ton it automatically becomes an articulated vehicle and I need the licence to suit
Good progress by the way
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I often wonder what happened to that Tow Rig as it was neatly done.
BANG......
Now do not start me on Licence requirements as my car trailer I can legally tow behind my car on a car licence yet when I tow it with a truck over 4.5 ton it automatically becomes an articulated vehicle and I need the licence to suit
Good progress by the way
& what shits me is if I went over 1.5 ton carrying capacity (& or duallies) it then becomes a commercial which is under the 4.5 ton you speak of
& well out side of the Street Rod Build Guidelines It ends up into "light commercial" like small 4x4's & utes (pickups) but is funnilly enough, still inside of the ASRF
: A VERY grey area indeed!!I'm treading a fine line as it is, but everything will be stronger than on a "normal" Rod, but not truck.
One wonders if a Street Rod can legally tow anything over the 1.5 tons
So what happens if I build the 5th wheeler I want for it in years to come
............& of course......the licence required for that, will depend on were I place the pivot point (gotta build this first 
)I'm knackered...............so no work on it today
No workers tomorrow, so maybe I can free up some more time on it
Trying to get this ready for delivery (I know.......it's no Rod, but it has been work, though I was conned into doing it
)
HOTFR8
Banned
Yes that grey area of the rules is so .......
Oh to legally tow you may still need an engineers report to prove the vehicle is suitable to tow.
Jeep looks good. What is the story on that one ?
Oh to legally tow you may still need an engineers report to prove the vehicle is suitable to tow.
Jeep looks good. What is the story on that one ?
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I think it will depend on the weight, but seeing as though it is a 6mm chassis & it will be boxed with the same, I can't seeing it being a problem if the "new"
trailer ends up being heaver than 3.5 ton.It basically arrived in lots of boxes, so appart from it being 'just' a roller.................. to get it to the shop, we have done a complete resto. Full re-wire, mechanical, body etc.
Repro body & the front sheet metal was a real mess after spending much of it's life on a cattle property (I even did the paint, which we usually don't do. In fact I could do much more painting work if I had a booth.........one day
)Just waiting on the seats to come back & as you can see, I've already put rego on it & as of Friday, it has now done 10 miles.
Just have to sort a few of the last little problems.
The owner is due back in the country in 2 weeks, so hopefully all will be right for then were it will spend it's life on a polo stud.
SteelArt
Well-known member
Awesome truck, nice panel work to boot. How much to you sell your panel clips for I am after a few sets to finish off my 4 door 40 series.
Good to see there are quite a few Aussie's on here
Good to see there are quite a few Aussie's on here
****** (I counted my chickens a little early)
Just had a call from a new customer & he is bringing another trailer load of stuff for his car tomorrow (including a spare motor that I will have to steal bits from) so I may loose some time tomorrow now.
Here is the beginnings to his car:
Nearlly all new timberwork.
Made a start at least:
Cowl lower rust sections replaced, metal finished & it is now trial fitted.
You can see the lower patch & some bashing to iron out the dents.
New rear pan (as per original)............but no rust
Made from one piece..........no welding
This car is in for a "full" resto, (it's booked in for paint in the middle of next year) then back for assembly, including wiring & mechanical & trim, so I spose I need to spend some time with him & not on the shop truck
)Just had a call from a new customer & he is bringing another trailer load of stuff for his car tomorrow (including a spare motor that I will have to steal bits from) so I may loose some time tomorrow now.
Here is the beginnings to his car:
Nearlly all new timberwork.
Made a start at least:
Cowl lower rust sections replaced, metal finished & it is now trial fitted.
You can see the lower patch & some bashing to iron out the dents.
New rear pan (as per original)............but no rust
Made from one piece..........no welding
This car is in for a "full" resto, (it's booked in for paint in the middle of next year) then back for assembly, including wiring & mechanical & trim, so I spose I need to spend some time with him & not on the shop truck
HOTFR8
Banned
May be a difference between Victoria and South Australian rules.I think it will depend on the weight, but seeing as though it is a 6mm chassis & it will be boxed with the same, I can't seeing it being a problem if the "new"
Nicely done.It basically arrived in lots of boxes, so appart from it being 'just' a roller.................. to get it to the shop, we have done a complete resto. Full re-wire, mechanical, body etc.
Repro body & the front sheet metal was a real mess after spending much of it's life on a cattle property (I even did the paint, which we usually don't do. In fact I could do much more painting work if I had a booth.........one day
Just waiting on the seats to come back & as you can see, I've already put rego on it & as of Friday, it has now done 10 miles.
Just have to sort a few of the last little problems.
The owner is due back in the country in 2 weeks, so hopefully all will be right for then were it will spend it's life on a polo stud.
HOTFR8
Banned
Good to see you in Bendigo at the cruise night. I guess you got wet and what was the swap like being so wet ? Was it a slow meet ? Did people still go or stay away ?
Also good to hear your plans for the pickup bed and how you propose to convert it. Remember I asked for photos of that bed so many here can see what you are doing.
Also good to hear your plans for the pickup bed and how you propose to convert it. Remember I asked for photos of that bed so many here can see what you are doing.
Wellllllllllllllllll,
We were lucky on Friday night, the rain stayed away just long enough to have a great gathering of Rods
The swap was VERY wet on Saturday (it's tough being in doors
) Mike D used a little of my space & I for some reason had plenty of visitors just happy to have a seat, a chat of even spend a few bucks just trying to avoid the rain. (I know one bloke couldn't drive a tent peg in the ground Friday, but was walking in 3 inches of slush on Saturday )Anyway,
We had a good day Saturday (considering the weather) though Sunday wasn't much chop (I finally got home last night & unloaded today)
Chewing the fat with Kelvin again was great. He has been a great supporter of what we are doing & he has again "told" us to have our stuff at the Vic Rod show & "again" he offered space on his stand. Of course, we have been great supporters of his work/products & have been considering for over a year now using the 'A' closed cab that he makes, as "pre built" projects for us, supplying a Rodded chassis to S.A. reg's with the his body on it (we are still too busy at this stage
)Spose once I can "actually" spend some time on it, I may just get something done & then a few pic's may appear here
You may note:
"Hot Rodding International" No.3 which is due out in a few weeks, features the shop, including the shop "truck" so another "must buy"
HOTFR8
Banned
You may note:
"Hot Rodding International" No.3 which is due out in a few weeks, features the shop, including the shop "truck" so another "must buy"
What your Shop ??? And you dig at me as a trophy hunter. Hello Pot calling Kettle Black Come in over.
Always good to catch up with you.
HOTFR8
Banned
Arr yes,
But I didn't send Larry the pic's or do the write up!
I still ain't NO trophy hunter.........I can't help what others do
(Go in search of fame, not me)
So tell us more who took the pictures and what is the story ? I will be interested to see this when it comes out.
Will be good PR for your business.I never chased Larry to do any stories for me either I needed photos for 'Cummins Commentary Magazine' and Larry offered to help he then asked me to write the article as he decided he wanted to get the scoop before any others had the feature.
HOTFR8
Banned
I got a preview last night. It was part of Larry's trip to WA at Easter when he called on a few places on his trip across to WA.
Right ho!
(a little more progress this week)
Got the apprentice to have a go at making a few patch panels on the lower cowl sections:
Then I gave him a demo & quick lesson on using a shrinkiing disc:
Then today (after a little discussion over a beer after knock off yesterday) I have decided to make up the doors before the door frames, and as we need a piece of the door tops from the rear ones, so I started on the first rear door:
This is what I started with:
gotta add this:
then to get to this......... notice the dip on the top of the frame:
Then...........
at the end of it, it's all tacked in with the final shape (now just to weld it all up)
It's all about lots of measuring & making the cuts in the right place (& minimal cuts at that)
The edge with the hinges, is totally different fron the edge with the latches, so it's a lot of fun trying to get them match up. The donor doors are also from a slightly different model, so the shape isn't that close (but it's all I've got to work with)
It looks all too easy by the pic's but believe me, I made templates of the door inner shapes, outer contours & another of the door edges.
The doors actually have a lot of shape in all directions & to get them right.......& to make sure the glass will fit, is not that easy (why did I start this )
(a little more progress this week)
Got the apprentice to have a go at making a few patch panels on the lower cowl sections:
Then I gave him a demo & quick lesson on using a shrinkiing disc:
Then today (after a little discussion over a beer after knock off yesterday
) I have decided to make up the doors before the door frames, and as we need a piece of the door tops from the rear ones, so I started on the first rear door:This is what I started with:
gotta add this:
then to get to this......... notice the dip on the top of the frame:
Then...........
at the end of it, it's all tacked in with the final shape (now just to weld it all up)
It's all about lots of measuring & making the cuts in the right place (& minimal cuts at that)
The edge with the hinges, is totally different fron the edge with the latches, so it's a lot of fun trying to get them match up. The donor doors are also from a slightly different model, so the shape isn't that close (but it's all I've got to work with
)
It looks all too easy by the pic's but believe me, I made templates of the door inner shapes, outer contours & another of the door edges.
The doors actually have a lot of shape in all directions & to get them right.......& to make sure the glass will fit, is not that easy (why did I start this
)hoopty388
Well-known member
The doors actually have a lot of shape in all directions & to get them right.......& to make sure the glass will fit, is not that easy (why did I start this
because you'll end up with one killer jaw dropping truck. lol
just kep telling yourself that.
HOTFR8
Banned
(why did I start this
Ask that question again when your truck is parked at an event and you have people crawling all over it asking you who did this or how do you do that and like me you will see it will be worth the effort.
HOTFR8
Banned
Looks like Larry gave it a name for you - COMFY WORK TRUCK
Oh! (still waiting for my copy
)A little more done if anyone is interested:
Finished that main shape of the doors as seen in the prior few pic's.
Repaired the 'A' pillars & hung the front doors.
Started on building the 'B' pillars.
Made the lower seat belt mounting points, welded them in & added gussets to strengthen it all up:
'B' pillar all tacked in & hung the first rear door to see how it would look, as important as the side profile of the car is to "look" right, the plan is for the widest part of the car to be the centre of the rear doors, so everything needs to line up just right.
Today, I built the other side 'B' pillar & threw the other rear door in to also make sure the total width of the back of the cab would would.
Lots of measuring & looking.
It's a little hard to see in any of the pic's, but the doors are actually different at the 'B' pillars. the doors have a different profile from the front edge to the rear, so when the 2 doors are paired, they do not match (just as the jambs don't line up when making tghe 'B' pillars, so plenty of work to 'Make' them the same
Oh!
I have now........... un-channelled the cab by 3" so it now is only channelled only 1". I'm now thinking of leaving the truck fenders as they are with only minimal changes
(I'll have to work on that one?)6 Grrrs
Well-known member
I just stumbled upon this thread tonight. This is a super neat build an I have subscribed. Looking forward to updates.
HOTFR8
Banned
For any one else reading this Rocket got a few pics of his work shop in book just out here. Hot Rod International 3 from Graffiti Publications.
I get the idea now with the tub and can see it will need some work.
I get the idea now with the tub and can see it will need some work.
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The tub is narrower than the rear of the cab.
The plan is to make some half fenders for it, with the running boards bolting to them (after making up all new skins to make it "look" like a '38 of course)
The Hilux tub will have all the outer skins removed, with the floor & tailgate stuff retained, but the handle moved to the inside.
So a "style side" bed with fenders is what is planned (original style tail lights)
HOTFR8
Banned
So we have to say that will look COMFY.
personaised plates COMFY would suit it as well even COMEFY So we have to say that will look COMFY.
Nope
Would have to be 'YNOT46' or something I reckon
(others here might not realise I am YNOTU2 on a few other forums, just as my enclosed trailer carries the rego of: YNOT12
)HOTFR8
Banned
Nope
Would have to be 'YNOT46' or something I reckon
(others here might not realise I am YNOTU2 on a few other forums, just as my enclosed trailer carries the rego of: YNOT12
Well then the title of this topic should be the COMFY shop truck.
HOTFR8
Banned
Not likely
Dunno about the spelling of comfy either
(it's a work horse, so it won't be that comfortable
Y-NOT-4-6 then (a 6 seater for those who stiil don't get the 46)
Now Rod with all the long distance road trips you do I can not believe that statement from you. It should be comfy, you need good seats, Heat & Aircon, cruise control every thing to make those long trips simply comfy. That is why I built HOTFR8 as I want to arrive at my destination relaxed and not heat exhausted with a back ache.
What about RELICS
would work with the company name ?HOTFR8
Banned
Naaaaaaaa
the RELIC bit needs to be on the wife's car
Oh!!
I should also add.............
That plate has already gone..............cause I've seen it
******............Oh well that is a pity.
****** would be a good one
HOTFR8
Banned
I musta been wrong.
Maybe it was just RELIC.
I have just checked & it is available...........BUT!!
@ $200 per year...........they are a bit rich
RELIC would be good. Right it off in your tax as advertising
But,
$200-00 a year. Here in VIC we buy the plates outright and just have the standard yearly registration fee etc.