My 75' Panel Restoration (my first bus!!!)

What size wire are you using? Looks good enough though I think. I'm sure zee or paid weeding would be able to correct me if I'm wrong

 

.9mm I think. Will need to check the spool. I ground down the outer weld, not sure if that would weaken it?

@zed

 

Looking at the one you say you went over again, I'd say still not enough power and wrong technique - upside down U's to melt each side and join them together... I use thin wire for everything. The underneath one looks good and that's the hardest!

 

@zed,would you just go over again at a higher power or cut and weld again?

 

Reattempted the weld. It was already ground down so I measured where the join would be and ground it out a little then ran this weld over the join. Opinions?

 

Looks a bit better than before.

 

Well I am still plugging away at the rear corner and pretty much got the inner roof section done. Now, once the corner repairs are done, would it be better to attach the corner panel then do the roof repair or the other way around?

 

Its easier to do the side panel then the roof corner as it goes on top which makes lining up the corner panel easier

 

I've just read this from the beginning and if we could still give Karma you'd get loads. I admire your determination.

 

I will try and get some photos up soon.

 

Well I am still plugging away at this. Small repair on the n/s inner panel before the corner is put on, re-did part of the chassis leg, and nearly completed the roof inner. More cleaning up to do before I tackle the inner bit.








Not perfectly straight but vee'd out and done at full power.

 

Got some more work done today while on a day off. Partial roof repair. I have the corner tacked in place bit I need to make some adjustments.




And with the welds ground back.



Can't believe how many layers of paint were under the white! Had a welder I know pop by the van and check the chassis rail just to be on the safe side. Not straight but will do the job. Also tried out one of the dash support brackets for the front, perfect size which is handy as it has a hole pre drilled for a bolt and it is properly lined up for the bolt.

 

As I have my rear valance off already, I would be interested in making it detachable as it is in another thread I have seen. Anyone got any ideas as to how I could achieve this?

 

I would weld it in, IMO if it wasn't structural it wouldn't be made from gert thick steel.

 

I agree with zed f some one hit you up the arse that's what helps protect your engine and if you have a bumper will help stop your chassis legs open up or going in towards each other

 

Fair point, maybe I will keep it normal. Going back up tomorrow to get some more of the roof done.

 

99.9% of the roof corner is done now. Just got to tidy up the gutter where the joint is. Will be glad when the last bit is done as its been a slog doing the same bit over and over.

 

For you photo lovers:







Not 100% spot on at the rear but I may be able to adjust it. Seems strange having a corner after being cut off for so long.

 

Been up to the van again today and have done some more welding. Got some of the dash supports plates on. I have noticed that the hole in the dash for one of the bolts to go through is exactly above where the wiper motor arm goes through, so how am I supposed to put a dash lug there? Also managed to burn my foot with a large blob of weld!

 

Been a while since I have posted but I am still chipping away at the jobs. I have tacked the inner rear valance in place this evening which allows me to work on other areas that need lining up. Can anyone advise thesize of the gap between the valance and the engine lid please?