1957 Gunmetal Grey Restoration

[Splash440]

I used some thick wall tubing to make the spring hanger bolt sleeve. Due to the damage in the bolt hole from wear (oval shaped), I welded in a thick washer to reinforce the hole. I used 3/16 plate to make the bottom of the hanger to add some strength.

Once all that was secured I used some 1/8 inch plate steel to repair the damaged area. I did the repair in two pieces overlapped like the original construction.

[ICON 1956]

I have to take my hat off to you, You sure have a long way to go yet. If your retired and have the space and tools then go attack the challenge. This build reminds me of a neighbors brother that bough a 56 in baskets. three of us worked on it. His brother did the majority of the work. Keep us posted of the progress.

[ICON 1956]

You know your stuff in metal work, That's a rare talent...Your doing great !

[Splash440]

You know your stuff in metal work, That's a rare talent...Your doing great !

Thanks, I enjoy figuring out how to do things. Everyone needs a hobby/passion in retirement, this is mine.

[ICON 1956]

Yes I can imagine that your own boss and no time clock to punch in or production numbers to produce. Your doing fine by figuring out how this puzzle goes together, Your at a relaxed pace turn on the radio to some classic tunes. step back and admire the work. Kudos ! Enjoy your retirement you deserve it...As the song goes "Don't worry be happy".

[Splash440]

Yes I can imagine that your own boss and no time clock to punch in or production numbers to produce. Your doing fine by figuring out how this puzzle goes together, Your at a relaxed pace turn on the radio to some classic tunes. step back and admire the work. Kudos ! Enjoy your retirement you deserve it...As the song goes "Don't worry be happy".

You are spot on. I have satellite radio in the garage, I rotate between the Sixties and Seventies channel.

[Splash440]

The next step in the process is to blast the small parts and start assembly of the chassis. I have a small blast cabinet in the garage which makes this pretty easy and definitely not as messy as the blast pot outside.

Once cleaned up I spayed them with several coats of Chassis and Rollbar Paint. I have used VHT paint for several projects, it goes on good and holds up very well.

I disassembled the rear leaf springs, blasted and painted them. With new retaining straps they are good as new.

[JimCunn]

"You are spot on. I have satellite radio in the garage, I rotate between the Sixties and Seventies channel"

You must be younger than me, I choose the forties and fifties :-)

[ranchbird]

If you don't mind me asking, how old are you and what did you do in your prior life. I just turned 65 and retired about 2 months ago still getting use to it.

[JimCunn]

I can't imagine retiring.

[Splash440]

If you don't mind me asking, how old are you and what did you do in your prior life. I just turned 65 and retired about 2 months ago still getting use to it.

No problem, I am 67. I worked for E.I. Dupont for 38 years. I had multiple different jobs as it is a big company. I was raised on a tobacco farm in North Carolina. We had to learned how to work on things as you could not afford to pay someone else to do it.

I was fortunate to work for a company that still has a pension. I retired in 2012 and moved back to the farm. My wife and I spent 14 months building our house and my garage. We had it framed and dried in and we did the rest, siding, plumbing, electrical, floors etc. We got someone to do the sheetrock as that is an art if it is done right.

It took me about six months to a year after the house was finished to really settle in. Then, another couple of years to guit worrying about running out of money. But, it is all good now.

Another reason I like basket cases other than being cheap is they take more time and they are an exercise in patience. I do not like to sell the projects, and you can only have so many vehicles.

[JimCunn]

"We had to learned how to work on things as you could not afford to pay someone else to do it".

Us, too. BTW, you have great welding skills.

I'm 78, self employed, and have no plans to ever retire.

[ICON 1956]

We are a rare "dinosaur breed" I'm 66 I was the senior dental technician at Northwestern University Dental School. retired from academia. and a retired USA Hockey referee. I just love working on classic cars.....It keeps me busy.

[ranchbird]

Splash440, what other cars do you have in your stable, looks like a pretty nice 51 or 52 F1 in the background.

[JimCunn]

" I just love working on classic cars...."

Me too, but my real obsession is working on and flying antique taildraggers.
I also like vintage military vehicles.