Thread: Project Special K

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Thanks Bobby and Allan. I almost forgot about reading a couple of years ago about plug welding. That sounds like the ticket. I'll go to our metal scrap yard and look for some copper block material, or maybe the local welding supply!
I'm new to welding, but do have a Hobart Mig welder, so I'll give it a try. Allan on the fenders they are both repairable, just need someone skilled with a block and hammer. There is a local guy who might do it for me, that I'll go see next week on a day off! If not I can sell them for the same amount as two new fiberglass ones!

The old pickup is lookin' great Steve! I have a big block of brass in the tool box, just stop by and grab it anytime! Welding the holes shut isn't a real big deal, just watch out for getting too much heat in the panel, it can warp easy. I'd suggest you weld one, then let the panel cool before you do the next...or if you have a long lead on your welder you can switch from side to side, or at least skip around on the side you're welding! Saves a lot of pingin' and dingin' later.

Thanks for the tip Dave. Allan I think I have a chunk of copper pipe that might just work! I have 6 days off at the end of the month and hope to get some major part of this done during that time!

HI,
With the 1143HC pistons do you think it would be possible to run a set of after market SCJA cobra jet heads with the current dish and reliefs. The reason I'm asking is I have essentially the same long block from S&S and was wanting to upgrade the heads to the SCJA.

Not sure, but I would ask them. The guys there are very helpfull with build specs.

Hi Steve,
Just finished reading your whole thread on your pickup build, and throughly enjoyed it. I think your truck is great and I like the idea of it been stock in appearance with only different wheels to say otherwise but when you put your foot into it, people will think,heck that is no flathead under the hood. I found it also refreshing to follow your build knowing that even though you aren't a professional rod builder,you were and are prepared to ask for advice on how to accomplish things and just as important, the people on this site are so good and quick to help. Absolutely brillant. Another thing I have noticed on this site is that most of us are animal lovers, if I just could get my little dog to help hold things while I tack weld save burning my hand. and he just will not wear eyemuffs when I am grinding. I know that it is frustrating when you just wish the project was finished but the enjoyment you will get from knowing that you did most of the work on your truck is priceless. Keep on trucking

Thanks Whiplash. I feel like ammature hour here, but some of the most skilled builders on this site, have been the most helpful, time and time again. Some stuff just comes as a learning curve! I really wish I got to do welding in high school shop, but I took basic auto, auto chassis, and auto electrics, and rebuilt my 289 in my Mustang there! I also took wood shop, but never quite had time for metal shop.
I wish they had welding for dummies course!
I am enjoying this build, it's fun most of the time, and when not, I take a break, and then come back to it when it will be. The best part and worst part are doing it myself!
After reading all of the accidents in rods lately, I fear about my own skills!
Before this one hits the road I'll take it to a professional mechanic for the once over, and some fine tuning!

Originally Posted by stovens

I wish they had welding for dummies course!

Steve, you should check out your local community college curriculum to see if they offer a basic welding course. I took one a number of years ago and it included the full range of welding modalities including oxy/acetylene, stick, MIG and TIG, While the course itself won't make you an expert welder (that takes lots and lots of practice) it does give you the basics. The course I took was not expensive and was one night a week for a couple of months. They even let you bring in your own projects to practice on. I took the aluminum hood from my MGA and TIG welded a torn section. That was probably worth the price of the course.

Restorod I checked into that and they do offer a course. Problem is the times and my work schedule conflict. One of these days I'll make it work!

Today I built a 4x 8 foot 2x4 frame to put the bed on while I do the body work on it. I would have put a 3/4 ' plywood top on, but that means a drive North on the freeway or south(time killers!) So for now, this will work, and next time I have to run up the high way I'll pick up a sheet. Turned out well, and will also use this platform for the front hood work and maybe as a painting pedestal.
FYI the black spots on the concrete are drips of POR 15 from over a year ago, that stuff doesn't go away or come off easy!

Good solid base, Steve! Should make working on the box a lot more pleasant, especially if you were too put in a couple of uprights and bolt the box to it!

Originally Posted by stovens

Thanks Whiplash. I feel like ammature hour here, but some of the most skilled builders on this site, have been the most helpful, time and time again. Some stuff just comes as a learning curve! I really wish I got to do welding in high school shop, but I took basic auto, auto chassis, and auto electrics, and rebuilt my 289 in my Mustang there! I also took wood shop, but never quite had time for metal shop.
I wish they had welding for dummies course!
I am enjoying this build, it's fun most of the time, and when not, I take a break, and then come back to it when it will be. The best part and worst part are doing it myself!
After reading all of the accidents in rods lately, I fear about my own skills!
Before this one hits the road I'll take it to a professional mechanic for the once over, and some fine tuning!

Steve,you might have been told this already,,,but if you dont try to do something,you wont know if you can or not...What you have done so far has probably saved you quite a few bucks,so keep on pluggin at it brother..You are doing ok..My weakness is electrics,,try as I might,I just cant get my head around it,,it takes me half a day to install a car stereo...Body work,fiberglass,painting,,no probs...been doing it for thirty years...but those darn auto electrics..and some engineering tasks..forget it,,but in saying that,I have tried,,just a little out of my comfort zone,but at 56,I am still learning..

You're coming along great Steve. BTW, Harbor Freight sells a copper welding spoon that is made to use as a backer for welding. We bought one not long ago. I tried using a penny one time because I couldn't find any other copper in the shop and it caught fire and turned to white powder.

I like your platform, it will save you from bending over too much.

Don

Yes Steve,as others have said, you have and are doing an excellent job on your truck, so just work at it at your pace. I would agree with Dave also, good table and solid but somehow bolt the bed to the table so it can not escape from you when you are working on it. I purchased a Tig welder 2 to3 years ago and taught myself how to use it, at first I was horribly disappointed in my first bird droppings welds but I just practiced and practiced on offcuts until I was happy to weld on the car. Mig welding is easier I think but like anything, practice makes prefect.

Today I got the bed panel installed. It actually wasn't that hard. I just used a sawall to cut the old bolts off (actually they were hot hammered rivets!). I then used some steel screws to put the new panel in. Not sure if I will weld it, and then cut the bolts down and weld them in to look like rivets again.
Old vs new wish I could afford a whole new bed, but it sure does look better now!

Looking good Steve, I just hope and pray that the weather doesn't change and start to rain as it would take some man handling to get that into your garage.