Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Welding, Grinding, and Finish Work on the Box


 Got the call that are center caps were done. These are the tooling that were used to cast the parts. After casting was done they were machine for the lug nuts holes.

 Here is the part on the truck before it went to the polisher. We almost went with the cast parts because it looks very vintage, but in the end decided to go with the polished to match the beauty rings that will go on.
  
 The stock front on the motorhome had only 5 lug bolts but still use a 10 hole rim. We had the hub machined to add 5 more studs to make it match the rear 10 bolt that was stock.

 This is rear hub in its cast before polishing and before the chrome lug caps were put on. Well nine of them anyway.



 We had a extra cap made and had it sent out to be polished to see the outcome before we had the rest done. We were very pleased with the out come and the cost of the finished product. Haven't put on a trim ring yet to see the final look. Going to wait for the last moment of the build to give me that wow factor. Gives me something to look forward to.
  
 Chris started to weld all the panels together while I followed behind with the grinder.

 Chris used a spool gun and went thorough about ten spools. It took about two weeks to get the seams all welded and finished. Still have some spots that need grinding but for the most part it is done.


 After some grinding work.

 Made some scaffolding to make it easier to do the work on the top. That's Chris doing some finishing work on the welds.

 How that we have the panels all welded in place we can finish out the door opening.
These are the side panels for the door openings that will be welded in.

 The bottom and top door opening were formed in the panels that we have already installed.

 A close look on the door side panels welded in.




We have all the door opening welded in and almost have them finished out. This week we will be able to get final measurements for the doors and be able to draw them out. We will then send out the parts that will make up the doors to be formed. We are making final adjustments in the door hinges to make sure we have a good fit. The doors will have shaved handle and gas shocks to assist with the door opening. Our plan is to start on the rear steps and taillight panel while we wait for parts for the doors.