[red68chevL]

Stuffing a 13" tire into the back? Subscribed! What is your planned backspace on the wheels? I applaud your perseverance, wild project! Keep it up, keep posting!!

 

[HappyRtFt]

I ended up changing those rear braces a bunch as well, cut, weld, bend...I am hoping they hold things in good enough now...

Yeah they are tacky, I've measure about 30 times and it "seems" they should be good...famous last words though. What shape did you end up with?

 

[HappyRtFt]

Stuffing a 13" tire into the back? Subscribed! What is your planned backspace on the wheels? I applaud your perseverance, wild project! Keep it up, keep posting!!

Thanks Scott, I sure will. 13 is the plan, not sure on the BS yet, I just took some measurements and now am doing some research and will see what others have posted.

 

[HappyRtFt]

Just a quick update. Started on the wheel tubs and I didn't want to just make a flange, so I'm butt welding them..sloooow going. Made a wheel measuring widget so I think I'll have enough room for the tire and will get the backspacing dialed in once the brakes show up (ordered em they should be here in another couple weeks). Broke her back down and am going to start welding her back together, so any last minute tips/tricks/considerations/lessons learned from those who've come before me are always appreciated. Found myself having to make daily lists in order to focus on stages i/o jumping around. Some days are better than others. I'll post more pics asap

 

[1965_ss]

WOW! That is some serious metal work. What an awesome build, looks good.

 

[Diabolical]

This is my kind of build. Thanks for the pics.

 

[HappyRtFt]

Progress update: Trunk floor, Trunk floor extensions, flanges & wheel tubs are committed (as I should be...), I have a little more grinding, which I'm putting off for a few minutes because, well you know, it's grinding. Lot of work on this back section. A few days during this phase the doubt/frustration crept, but kept going even if I only got a little bit done. Happy I did.

 

[HappyRtFt]

More from the back section...I figured I try making pie-cuts before grafting new metal into the tubs and it seemed to work out ok. Back at it tomorrow.

 

[HappyRtFt]

Been doing some multi-tasking...picked up a great dash shell from Gary Dunn (great guy, great service garydunnchevparts) and tested out some tires to make sure they fit and get some backpacking/offset figures. I think I have what I want, so next step is the actual wheel choice and purchase.
In addition I got the front of the car welded back up and after 7+yrs to have a solid car (at least front) feels great and super motivating. I'm not gonna sugar coat it, lining up all those pieces in front and setting the A-pillars was a murf, but everything is where it needs to be and the fenders fit on (without the assistance of a come-a-long ). The door hinge pillars, specifically the bottom were a challenge. I had to remove the bottom brace to get to the 3 spots where it gets welded to the top of the rocker, then weld the brace back on. Took my time, stared at everything for probably way too long, but I learned at each step. The plan is to buy flush-mount glass and as a relatively inexpensive "Plan B", I bought some glass from AMD to make sure my spacing/angles were set properly. All in all, I learned a bunch, got frustrated some and am happy that part is completed. Not sure if I want to tackle the firewall or quarters/package tray/back end as the next step.

 

[HappyRtFt]

A few more pics

 

[SFD]

Impressive. Nice job. Coming along nicely. Looks like a great retirement project. I like it. 👍👍👍

 

[HappyRtFt]

Thanks Steve, it is definitely starting to feel like a car again. I know I've said it before and maybe I just got lucky, but these AMD panels are pretty dang good....so far (🤞). I haven't had to slice-n-dice em or H&D for them to fit.

 

[HappyRtFt]

Not sure where time has gone.....famous last words, huh. Well she's still alive:

 

[HappyRtFt]

More pics