Projext X 1967 Fastback

[IGALOP]

Great effort Rick!

[Foresight]

Geez, top stuff

[hybrid]

Agreed, top work!

[ozbilt]

I am debating on if I should take out the inner rocker panel piece - an new inner piece is on the new floor pan assembly. I cut a small hole in the fender well at the back of the rocker to look inside and it doesn't look too bad, but there is a lot of debris still in there.

I would take the old one out & slip the new one in. Crazy big job you have undertaken, but doable ...

I would also put a RH torque box in there as well. Might as well make all the improvements while the build is happening.

[rkmiller73]

The job looks more difficult than it was. I also have experience taking out panels with a spot weld drill bit and chisel.
Some spot welds are small/weak and pop right of with a tap from the chisel.

Main part is keep moving from one to the next and be aware of the panel connections.

Usually, it is easier to take out a panel as a whole because you are working with a smaller area - just the spot welds holding it together.

Back in the old days we had to save as much of the panel as we could and then make patches to repair it.

In my past experience cutting the panel up into sections is just extra work that adds time to the job.

The floor panel (or what was left of it) was not as heavy to move as I thought it was going to be. after getting everything loose, I hit it twice with the 3 lb hammer and it fell right out!

I need to clean up the edges and fix a few spots before the hard part - fitting the new panel.

Yes I am keeping the floor pan for the seat belt, fuel/brake line brackets.

[rkmiller73]

OK, I had some time today and I took out the driver side torque box.

I ended wasting a bunch of time trying to take it out in one piece. I ended up drilling the spot welds holding the torque box together and got it out in two halves.

I have kept the front end supported and the entire car is still supported by the sling. So far the front end has not sagged and what is left of the rusted firewall is holding better than I thought it would.

I will feel better with the floor back in and the car back on the jig.

I am going to take out the inner rocker panels next. I looked and there are about as many spot welds per rocker as there were per floor side. The weld and sealant book states 47 welds on each rocker.

It may be a while before my next update...

Thanks for all the support from everyone here. The wife just doesn't get it. After the floor pan came off so well, I ran into the house and had her come out to look at it. She didn't seem as excited as I was.

[Nuts]

You're a machine Rick. I expect another post with pics inside 2 hours. I estimated your speed at 40 SPH (Spots Per Hour)..2 hours should give you plenty of time to upload the pics.

[ozbilt]

The wife just doesn't get it.

OK Foresight, post the Youtube clip here ........

[Foresight]

As requested!

[rkmiller73]

ROFL

That is hilarious! I emailed the link to my wife!

I like the Australian sense of humor! I read other threads on this forum and just about fall out of my chair laughing.

I like this forum - good people and solid methods to your restorations - not to mention experienced (been there and still doing it) people that freely give advice and help. I greatly appreciate all of the advice and I have gotten ideas and learned from other threads here.

About me: I started out on Model T's, Model A's and 1030's era Fords with my grandfather and dad, then started working in a restoration shop (1910=1930's Rolls Royce/Bentley) through college with a few stints in a regular body shop.

I am by no means an expert.

I am working every chance I get right now for couple of reasons:

1. the weather here in Texas has been great (60's), but in a month it will be in the 90's and shortly after that 100's.

2. I have to travel to central america 3 weeks in April for work.

Thanks everyone!

Ryan Miller

[rkmiller73]

Here is a photo I took with my dad demonstrating the chisel technique for spot weld cutting on the jeep.

This thin masonary chisel is made of hardened steel. I sometimes tap a few spot welds to see if they are weak enough, if not or they look solid I drill them and then use the chisel.

I use a 3 lb hammer, dad is holding a smaller ball peen for the demo.

Also if you like military jeeps check out my website: www.willysmjeeps.com Wes and I run it with some help from other members.



Here I am with my family and a beard right after my last Afghanistan deployment. I get this mustang done and will have one for each son (after they turn 40! ) - At least that is the excuse I tell the wife!
Maybe I should get a second jeep too ....

[Dynamic]

Wow first of all welcome, incredible build and it looks and sounds like you are well and truly experienced in this kind of stuff! I love the willys....jeeps that is, gotta be careful what you say around here I can't wait to see this build progress you're working at a very fast pace love it.

[sydneydrift]

My wife should see this video!

Great work Ryan, since I'm a newbie here... loving every updates! Cheers!

[Nuts]

Welcome Sydneydrift. Yep it all happens here. We're full of it!

[jas24zzk]

Well Well,
you made me think back a long way.

Learnt to Drive in 1943 Ford GPW, and also spent a lot of time in a '45 GPA....and we used to take it swimming once a year.

Cool AS!