Time For A 32 Build Up

Starting with Junk

July 12, 2004

We have to start some where so here we suspend the body after the body is squared and Doors (whats left of them) & braces tack welded to hold it square. Then the floor is formed and put in place on the frame. Drilled for body mounts then the body is lowered back down and suspended while lots of measurments are taken before tack welding the floor in place. I know it looks hopeless but this will be a really nice ride when done.

Mounting the body


Its best to do the dent repair and sand or bead blasting after every thing is squared. Do not weld up the floor soild. Only Tac Weld until the doors are fitted to the body. Then final weld the floor.

  • Angle Iron
    • braces Tacked in place to suspend body above floor.
  • Come alongs
    • or what ever it takes to get the correct measurments.
  • The floor
    • looks good compared to what it did look like before the other partial floor was removed.
  • Amazing
    • what can be done to this old steel.

    Making the door


  • Once the mold has been made
    • the work has just started. Sanded, Polished, Waxed, and Sprayed.
  • Depending on the angles
    • you are working with be sure to figure the lay up out before starting.
  • If you start trying to move the mold around
    • after you have started laying it up, the mat may get loose, pull gel coat, or any number of problems may be created. Have a plan if its a complicated part to make because of angles.
  • That's what I'm talking about.
    • The mold does have to be moved around in this case but have a plan.
  • Looking Good curing.
  • Removed and trimed.

    • Hanging the door

  • Origonal hinges
    • removed and measurments taken.
  • A jig
    • for the hinges was made to hold them true durring installation.
  • Cutting , checking and fitting.
  • The key
    • to a good straight door is the set of the hinge.
  • Some hinges
    • to low will make the door Batwing down.
  • Hinge pins
    • not close enough to the outside and far enough forward cause their own set of problems.
  • Its easier to check
    • striker alignment, latch mechanisims workings and power window clearances.
  • Along with
    • any other accessories you plan to install before the skin is bonded in place.