Been quite a while since my last update. Truthfully, I've had a hard time getting into the garage lately. Basically since right before Christmas, through the snowstorm and subsequent downed tree cleanup until today, lots of other things that needed to be done. In between, I did get some time in the garage. In the last update, I showed a pic with the floor almost completed. In the interim time, I did get the passenger side floor done. I intentionally left the very center incomplete with the thought that I'd do the center of both sides at the same time. So, with the floor done and a coat of primer and paint down to keep things from rusting, I moved on to a task that most don't have to deal with. Specifically, the lower hinge reinforcement. Earlier posts detailed my thoughts on how to build a new reinforcement. After really digging into it, I decided to keep what I already had and reinforce the reinforcement. What does that mean? I added a second layer around the first...a doubler. What was wrong with the original reinforcer? The top weld nuts were incomplete. The bottom of both nuts were rusted away. The bottom weld nut was still there, but barely attached, with almost all of the reinforcement in that area gone. Pics of the weld nuts are attached. When I cut off the remnants of the weld nuts, it struck me that I could double up on the reinforcement while I was replacing the bottom portion that the weld nut is attached to. A bit unconventional, I understand, but its on the back side of the reinforcement, so it won't get in the way of the hinge (I tested it and the pic is attached). The cross portion that is welded to the sides of the hinge pillar were mostly intact, with one side rusted away. I'll add doublers to that, once I get the new hinge pillar piece installed. All during this effort, I was learning my new HF welder.... Yes, I broke down and bought the new version that they sell, that corrects the major deficiencies of my old one. Mainly, it changes from AC/electrode positive to DC/electrode negative. I really had my doubts that it would make much of a difference, but boy was I wrong! Night and day different. There's good and bad in that, though. Yes my welds will be better and I think that I'll have fewer welds to redo, but there is still a learning curve associated with the new equipment. What better place to practice and learn than in an area that no one will ever see, unless they unearth this journal! Anyway, I'm now satisfied with the reinforcement work and have added a quick coat of paint to protect the bare steel. I did a bare minimum of grinding on the welds, since they will be hidden away. Now, it's time for me to focus on the bottom of the hinge pillar. To be honest, I've had a really difficult time focusing on the reinforcement repair work. Not sure why, maybe its the cold, who knows. I'm hopeful that I can get my motivation back and knock this part out quickly. Sadly, I've still got a mess on my property that needs cleaning and that will have to be dealt with. The last thing I need is my HOA giving me grief! Enjoy the pics. As always, comments and suggestions are welcome.
PS, While lacking motivation to work on the current project, I took the time to do an off-topic task that I'll need in the not too distant future. I've always hated the way that the heater switches look like an afterthought. In fact, my truck didn't have a rotary switch, it had a simple toggle switch that was wired with old extension cord! Anyway, to prepare for when the cab welding is done, I knew I needed something for my heater switch. I also want to add a momentary switch for the intended electric fuel pump. The thought here is that the momentary switch will be used to prime the carb bowl before cranking the engine. I also plan to have an oil pressure switch that will work the fuel pump when the engine is running. So, I rooted around and found a good solution. It is a small panel that came from a 1940s F**d. I took out the old heater switch, cleaned off the rust and painted it to match the dashboard. I added both the momentary switch and the new rotary heater switch that everyone sells. I think it looks pretty good! The holes in the original panel exactly match up to factory holes on the underside of the dash, to the left of the steering column. It's like it was meant to be! Several years ago, I did a restoration of the original heater. It's been sitting in my basement waiting for me to get the cab work done. Hopefully it doesn't have to wait much longer. Let me know if you want to see a pic/writeup on the heater. It turned out pretty nice, if I do say so....
