Recent Posts

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Projects & Restorations / Re: Madaguy 1955 Nomad Build
« Last post by ryeguy2006a on Today at 09:24:42 AM »
Thanks man, I'm getting very close now. I can't wait to get take them out for the first time. I placed an order for some seatbelts and other misc. parts, so I'm hoping sometime over the next few weeks I can get those installed and we can take a legitimate drive to a Cars and Coffee!

Thanks FedEx...



By some miracle everything was still in the box. Really have no idea how that happened since there were small pieces in there.



Next was getting the spare tire well installed for good. I thought that it was going to be a pretty quick job, but I was quite wrong as usual. Here's what I started with. The tub is in great shape, but the flange that gets spot welded to the body left a lot to be desired. Overall it was worth saving though. Here's what I started with.



The sides were in the worst condition and Golden Star sells the new sides, so I grabbed that kit to make my life easier.



Carefully stripped off the rusted pieces and cleaned up the flanges.



I cut off the front right flange as it was too far gone and just needed to cut out. I used the piece I cut off as a template for some new metal. I'm still working on my welding position and feel for the TIG welder, but I'm starting to get better. I dipped it a few times in part because of the shape of this piece I was welding out of position and because it was late at night, I couldn't sharpen anymore. My gaps were tight enough that in some spots I didn't need to add filler.





Next up was test fitting the panels. I took some mental notes on how the original pieces were installed so that I could replicate it with the new panels.



I had to make some minor adjustments, but the the first test fit went fantastic. One tip I'd give is to measure the opening on the car first, then make sure it was slightly narrower so it fit into the groove. That's the only adjustment I needed to make before I put it back in.



Fully welded now, with spot weld holes drilled.



I cleaned up all the surface rust and sprayed it with rustoleum paint. For anyone that hasn't used those Turbo Cans, you have to try them. They work so well and lay down very even coats. Must have for large flat areas.





Once I was happy with the fitment, I burned it in. I probably should have done this a long time ago, but some strategically placed welding blankets saved the wheel well covers and glass.





I wire brushed the spot welds and topped off with some flat black. I need to come back with some seam sealer and it will be a done deal.



The last piece of sheet metal work that needs to be done is the lower filler panel that goes under the rear tailgate. I'll have to pull the tailgate off, so I've been putting it off. That's why the red weldthrough primer is still there and not sprayed black. Once the tailgate and bumper are off, it shouldn't take much to get it cut out and installed again. But that is for another day since I want to drive this car!

The last piece that I installed on the car was the rear liftgate garnish moulding. I haven't installed it because it requires an odd size screw 12-24 machine screw. Luckily the local hardware store had a few in stock, so I was able to buy what they had and at the very least install it so it wasn't kicking around the garage to get damaged. Needs to be cleaned up and painted at some point too.



Back in November my wife and I commissioned a house to be built, and we are hoping to receive the Certificate of Occupancy this week. Assuming that happens my next few weekends will be moving boxes, unpacking, hanging pictures, and etc. So it's very likely that there will be little to no progress on the car. That said, between now and the end of the week, I'd really like to get the rear seats dyed, carpet laid down and seatbelts installed. Time will tell if I can get those things done!

Cheers,
Ryan
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Lobby / Re: Is your spare tire still there?
« Last post by FormTA on Today at 09:04:25 AM »


I don't. I have 17" wheel as staggard tire sizes. Like Mike, I just keep new, good tires on it. Now if I was traveling across the country, then maybe a more modern donut tire... I am going to construct a shelf area in the trunk for my T tops someday so, I need the space.

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Lobby / Re: Is your spare tire still there?
« Last post by kentucky yeti on Today at 08:47:52 AM »
My spacesaver spare is in the garage.  We drive the '77 to the Nats, Gatlinburg, St. Louis FirebirdFest, etc..  I just keep good tires on it and hope for no bad luck.
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Lobby / Re: Is your spare tire still there?
« Last post by Wallington on Today at 08:21:06 AM »
Haven't driven in about 14 years, but space saver for looks or shows only, even though I'd never be at a show. Full size spare and suitable jack was what I had for local trips.
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Lobby / Re: Is your spare tire still there?
« Last post by rkellerjr on Today at 07:42:33 AM »
hahaha, I have a full size spare with a small floor jack I put in the car when I'm doing a trip but do not carry it locally.
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Interior / Re: Finally some interior upgrades
« Last post by N PRGRES on Today at 07:31:55 AM »
Wish I had something fun to report but it's been nothing but tinkering.  Replacing door weather striping, tightening bolts, flushing the brake lines....

I did order new 3.5 inch Kicker speakers for the dash.  I'll put bass blockers on them to drown out the deep bass and use them as a tweeter and mid range fill. 

My seats are in but you'll have to wait till they are installed for a good photo =)
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Lobby / Is your spare tire still there?
« Last post by N PRGRES on Today at 05:57:53 AM »
No, not the one around your midsection, the one in your car.  Since I have road side assistance and can't imagine ever using that jack for anything, I am thinking I would rather have the trunk space, than the tire.
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Lobby / Re: Things that annoy you on these cars
« Last post by roadking77 on Today at 05:35:06 AM »
My windows are a PIA also. My dr. side works really well. The pass side only goes up about half with the door closed. Door open it works fine. The problem is hitting/rubbing against the weather strip. My dr. side goes up and down no problem.
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Lobby / Re: Things that annoy you on these cars
« Last post by FormTA on June 02, 2024, 06:10:16 PM »


Ha, I keep my t tops off all the time too!

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Lobby / Re: Things that annoy you on these cars
« Last post by Zach on June 02, 2024, 11:35:11 AM »
My doors open and close well windows up or down but I’m still struggling to get the windows to roll all the way up with the doors closed. I’ve adjusted them several times.

My window crank gear chipped some teeth some how, so luckily I don’t have to worry about that. My driver side windows align perfectly… 2 inches too low… One of those keep it rolled down at all time situations, same with keeping the t tops always off. At least my doors shut nice… besides it scraping the front fender…
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