Safari Pacific MX2 Buildip
#126
Now its time to get back to work.
Today I started to tackle the wheel wells. Since I want to keep the little curve, where the body line rolls into the back of the cab, I cut those pieces from the cab.
The small portion to the bottom is the little curve I mentioned above. Roughly cutting the two pieces to fit I then clamp them into place.
No backing material was used to weld this up. As you can see, things got a bit ugly.
I repeat on the driver side pieces.
After welding the driver side, I realize the angle was way off. I replace the part cut off from the wheel well edge.
Today I started to tackle the wheel wells. Since I want to keep the little curve, where the body line rolls into the back of the cab, I cut those pieces from the cab.
The small portion to the bottom is the little curve I mentioned above. Roughly cutting the two pieces to fit I then clamp them into place.
No backing material was used to weld this up. As you can see, things got a bit ugly.
I repeat on the driver side pieces.
After welding the driver side, I realize the angle was way off. I replace the part cut off from the wheel well edge.
#127
#130
Wanting a better picture of the body line curves, I went outside into the sunlight. With better lighting they don't look half bad.
Next I dry fit the passenger side onto the body panel. I have to push the panel inward to align with the door.
I make my trimming marks
Then I trim and clean up the sharp edges.
Next I dry fit the passenger side onto the body panel. I have to push the panel inward to align with the door.
I make my trimming marks
Then I trim and clean up the sharp edges.
#131
#139
Onto the roof... I start by creating a pattern for the curve. The old groove where the roof and side meets will be rounded as well.
With the pattern in hand and some sheet steel I head over to another shop. There I get the metal for the roof rolled as well as the wheel well pieces.
Back at the shop I start to dry fit the rolled piece. Roof is very rusty!
With the swamp coolers rusting out all the exposed metal I decide to prep everything for primer.
With the pattern in hand and some sheet steel I head over to another shop. There I get the metal for the roof rolled as well as the wheel well pieces.
Back at the shop I start to dry fit the rolled piece. Roof is very rusty!
With the swamp coolers rusting out all the exposed metal I decide to prep everything for primer.
#140
#150
Thanks all!
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After finishing up primering I resume completing the curve of the cab. First I clean up the edges for backing strips.
Using some fancy unistrut and visegrips I clamp down the roof and side panel. The unistrut kept all the sheet steel flat while I added the packing strip.
Placing the pre-curved steel over the gab I mark cut points.
After shearing off one side I double check the second cut's location.
Now I need to create the tapered edge to meet with the old molding groove.
-----
After finishing up primering I resume completing the curve of the cab. First I clean up the edges for backing strips.
Using some fancy unistrut and visegrips I clamp down the roof and side panel. The unistrut kept all the sheet steel flat while I added the packing strip.
Placing the pre-curved steel over the gab I mark cut points.
After shearing off one side I double check the second cut's location.
Now I need to create the tapered edge to meet with the old molding groove.