North East Meet at Dutch`s

[Dutch Comstock]

On June 25th,26th and 27th there will be a metalmeet at Dutch Comstock`s shop in East Herkimer New York 926 Shells Bush Road.13350 Ph# 315-866-3034 The main project will be stretching a late 30`s or early 40`s chevrolet pickup cab owned by member Bennett Chapman from Georgia.We will stretch the cab so that there is leg room to sit comfortably inside and make and install all of the necessary panels.We can also have some other small projects going on and our favorite ,the working and shaping of copper as in flowers or a weathervane project or finishing one or whatever we can come up with.Kerry Pinkerton will be coming with Bennet with his trailer so I imagine he will bring plenty of extra Ewheels for everyone to use.I also gurantee there will be no snow at this meet. For anyone interested in camping out there is plenty of room for that and I will list area motels shortly.Anyone with an interest in a special project of there own for this meet please bring it forward. Thanks Dutch

[r.w.dewar]

I can't come to you metalmeet, but, am real interested in seeing a cab stretched. If possible it would be nice to have a non metal person take a load of pictures to show the rest of us. I say a non metal person as they wouldn't forget to take pictures because of being busy working metal.
My son-in-law is into robotics some metal work and photography.
When helping to organize and run competitions, plus be a competitor there was no way for him to take pictures. He hired a photographer to attend the event and take a pile of pictures. It worked out very well. The photographer got the robotics bug and is now a competitor. However, he does bring along a couple assistants to take care of the picture taking when he is busy with the competition. Now they get top quality pictures in both film and digital. Bob.

[Randy Ferguson]

Hey Dutch,
You couldn't have picked better dates. I'll be there!!!!!!! At least on the 26th and 27th I'll try for the 25th, but it's doubtful I'd be worth much after the long drive. We had planned to leave here on the 25th and spend a week in Mass. and drop in on you too. I'll have my spray gun with me if you wanna tag team that sucker!!!!!!!! :wink:

[Bob Baisden]

Hi Dutch,

Sign me up. I coming.

Bob Baisden
Augusta, Ga

[slob]

Dutch,

I'm gunna try my best to make it out there.....I might only make it for one day or two days but I really dont want to miss this.

I drove by carlisle when you guys were there.....TWICE....but.....I just didnt have any time to spare :cry: sorry I missed out

Rob

[Prostreet]

Hi Dutch
Could you e-mail me some of the closest motel or hotels you can count on us being there let me also know what the fees are and we will forward them a.s.a.p. Also is there any thing we could bring along to help the event ? we are not that far away Danville Pa. we will most likely pull in thursday afternoon or early eve .
Thanks again Steve :D

[v2cad]

Dutch
My family & I will just be getting back from vacation on that fri.
I'm going to try and make it out to your place for the weekend.

J.

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Dutch, I will definitely bring a couple ewheels for folks to play with as well as deliver to anyone who wants to save the freight.

[Jared Walch]

Dutch,

Count me in. Its a short drive, so I'd be glad to help with setting things up prior to the weekend.

Jared Walch
Bernhards Bay, NY

[dilling]

count me in

[censored]

there's a fairly good chance that I'll be attending. I just have to find out what else is going on around that time. :D

[r.w.dewar]

I was wondering about the extended cab project. Was the plan to extend the cab behind the doors, or, extend the cab through the door area? Bob.

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Bennett has been working on what he wants to do with his 41 Chevy truck that we're bring up to Dutch's. Here is a photo of a stock cab. Note this is actually a 1 ton but all the sheetmetal is the same except for the wheel openings. We're actually bringing two complete bodies up so we can plunder the inner doors and roof parts. After some graphics games with one of his street rod buddies, he came up with the following photos.

http://www.metalmeet.com/members/pinkertonk/Bennett/Stock_S.jpg
STOCK

http://www.metalmeet.com/members/pinkertonk/Bennett/Doors_Plus4S.jpg
DOORS + 4

http://www.metalmeet.com/members/pinkertonk/Bennett/Doors_Plus4_CabPlus2S.jpg
DOORS +4, CAB +2

http://www.metalmeet.com/members/pinkertonk/Bennett/Doors_Plus2_Cab_Plus2S.jpg
DOORS +2, CAB+2

Bennett asked me to post this photos as he hasn't yet mastered his computer. He's still trying to figure out what exactly he wants to do. Personally, I prefer the 4"+2" version (Third photo). The stock cab is too tall and skinny for my tastes.

http://www.metalmeet.com/members/pinkertonk/Bennett/CrewCab1_S.jpg

Just messing around with 'paint', I made this version with a club cab and 4" in the doors.

[Wray Schelin]

Hi Kerry,

Nice job with Photoshop! The stretch does improve the looks greatly.

I hope to be there.

Wray

[Boogiemanz1]

Kerry, the 4+2 has nice proportions, the ext cab also looks good. I am sweating the same thing on my `57 ...I want roooom....john

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Spoke with Bennett today and he's been able to log on and see the photos. Neither of us particularilly like the club cab so I'm guessing that either the 2+2" or 4+2" will be his choice. He wants to stretch it as much as he can without anyone noticing it's been done., that is, keep it subtle.

[jlrussell4]

Hi All,

I know you didn't ask for a vote, but I like the 4+2 look. 8) 8)

Jim

[Tony Sanchez]

---Hi Dutch, If I survive this early fire season I would like to attend your metal meet again.
---Tony.

[Bob Baisden]

Kerry,

When are we building the truck bed?

Bob

[Randy Ferguson]

Hi guys,
I sure hope Bennett makes the right decision and goes for the 4+2 version. Proportionally, it's the only way to go.

Bob, I like the way you think!! Although the real truck isn't the one pictured, and Bennett may very well have a bed already, we are metal minded and it would be awesome to build a custom bed to match the body. Kerry had a Studebaker Coupe Express , which had a factory bed that flowed well with the cab. The same could be done with Bennett's truck if he would desire such a thing. No reason we can't make it another MetalMeet2004 Project, unless a deal has been made with Dutch to build the truck.

[Randy Ferguson]

Ya know guys, just scanning the list of probable attendees, this would make a better show than that hokey Monster Garage episode featuring the "icons" of the Kustom Kar world. No doubt MUCH better craftsmanship too.

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Don't know what Bennett has in mind for the bed. Pretty sure he is not planning on Dutch building it for him though but what do I know :shock: .

The Studebaker Coupe Express style bed would look a little odd with the 41 Chebby boxy shape. The Studebakers of 38 were VERY swoopy. I like the idea of doing something though.

Bennett talked with Dutch today and asked me to 'chop' the top on the photos of the 4+2 and 2+2 versions. I'll try and get to that tonight.

[Randy Ferguson]

Kerry,
I was not suggesting using a similar looking bed as your Coupe Express. It is the style in which it was designed that makes it appealing. The straight box beds look like crap in my opinion as opposed to the style of the C.E.
I was thinking in terms of something that flows with the lines of the '41. The feature lines of the cab should be incorporated in to the bed and the fenders blended into the bedsides as well.
Chopping the 2+2 version would work, but the 4+2 version will look 'pancaked'. I think the 4+2 version looks perfect as is!!

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Bennett talked with Dutch today and Dutch suggested a 2" chop and Bennett wanted to see what that would look like. Here is my attempt

http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3323/7Doors_Plus4_CabPlus2_chop2.jpg
ABOVE 4+2-2 in top
http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/3323/7Doors_Plus2_Cab_Plus2_Chop2.jpg
ABOVE 2+2-2 in top

I don't know how to slant the windshield so I just kept it at the same angle. Anyone who wants to play with the images, email me private and I'll send the large images. I'm not too good at this photo stuff.

[Boogiemanz1]

Kerry you are doing a good job with the photo's. I liked it unchopped better. Are there photo's of the coupe express?.............john

[Kerry Pinkerton]

John, I probably have some hard copy photos somewhere but I no longer own the truck. Sold it to John Liggett from Decatur, Al. He came by after MM02 and saw it. The Stude was a good example of what happens when you cut before you measure. This truck was very far gone. No floor, fender bottoms, etc. Cab and hood and bed sides were solid. I decided to make a hot rod out of it and channeled it 5"m subframed both ends, shortened the bed. It looked GREAT but I soon discovered I could not fit in the cab and did not like the way it would look if I stretched it. That pretty well killed my interested in it and I sold it to the first buyer who came along. Funny thing is that John is bigger than I am :shock:

[Driven2xs]

I'll be there !!! You know, if the truck isn't enough of a challenge for you guys, I could bring my '39 Chevy 2 dr sedan in for a 3" section and a 3"A post/2"C post chop. Hood can be remade to be a one piece, front folding unit, so you guys could REALLY show your stuff. I mean, with all this talent,....... And my car is only an hour or two away !!!

Is this working, or do I have to keep dreaming ? :cry: :mrgreen:

Can't wait to meet you guys.

Jeff Parker
Central Square,NY

[Brian McCollim]

Dutch, how firm of a commitment do you need? I want to come at least for Saturday, but I am not sure of my work schedule that week. Do you need advance notice? If I come I will just sack out in the back of the truck if thats ok? Let me know if you get a chance, thanks.
Brian.

[Dutch Comstock]

Hi Brian and the rest of you interested in the meet.The plan is to try and accept all comers.If it gets to crwded we might have to cut it down But I think we can handle a good sized group.We can also handle anyone coming for one day.I have 11 acres so I think I can find a place for you to take a nap Brian.
The main plan of attack is working on parts for Bennett`s truck. There will be a group involved in the actual chop and stretch of the cab or whatever Bennett decides he wants done. There will be roof and door panels to be made on the english wheel along with the detail parts of the cab.Bennett also has a set of hidden hinges for the door and this can be another project after things move along.He is also bringing along his fenders which have to be looked at and determined how to go about repairing them and then doing it. We can also get some copper work going. We have to look both cabs over and decide what we can remove from the parts one to repair any bad panel on the better cab and to make any part for the good cab that we don`t have.
Bring gloves and safety glasses and ear protection.You can bring your favorite hand tools and have them well marked so they don`t get misslaid and not taken home.
I will get out phone numbers for local motels tomorrow.
If Tony Sanchez is able to make it to this meet it will be real good because he didn`t earn the name choptop for nothing. This kind of work is right up his alley. Dutch

[Dutch Comstock]

This is a list of Motels in my area listed as tp preference.The First two are equal but the first has always done well people visiting me.Inn Towne Motel 227 N.Washington St.(315)866-1101 www.intownemotel.com 1-800-464-7485
Herkimer Motel ,100 Marginal Road This one is right next to exit 30 on I-90 (315)866-0490
Glen Ridge Motel,5571 State Route 5 East www.glenridgemotel.com
This one is actually in East Herkimer and is about 3 miles form my shop and will be about 5.00 dollars a night cheaper.
The directions to my shop are as follows.
Starting at Exit 30 on I-90 you will take a right on state route 28 north through the village of Herkimer. Route 28 will follow State route 5 in Herkimer for a ways and then turn left at the eastern part of the village going norh.Follow 28 north to the outer edge of the village and you will see Steet Chevrolet and then Heidelburg Bakery on right. (also a good place to get quality natural baked goods). You go 1/4 mile past bakery and Shells Bush Road will start on the right. It will be a large bridge going over the West Canada Creek. You will go 3 miles east to 926 Shells Bush Road. There is a red mailbox that looks like a tractor and sign beside it with Dutch Comstock Drive on it. The shop is on the Left past the house. Park where it is convenient
People who are coming north from Pennsysvania on I-81 north or following the southern route to Binghamton will take I-88 from I-81 just north of Binghamton and go east 60 miles to Oneonta and just east of Oneonta will be exit for State route 28 north and Cooperstown. Route 28 north 60 miles will bring you to Herkimer .Dutch

[Bill Firth]

HELLO ALL
This is my first post I am fairly new to metal shaping and want to learn all that I can. My curent project is a 54 chevy truck.I have been planing to stretch the cab almost exactly like the project that
Dutch has set up for the Northeast metalmeet.
If new comers are welcome I would love to come and join in the fun.
Hope to be there
Bill

[Boogiemanz1]

Bill, welcome to metal meet, glad to have you. I don't know of any limitations on Dutch's meet, I sure he will answer on that.

Do you have any pictures of your truck? I'm trying to find time to work on a `57 that I have had forever... If you go to that meet, I'm sure you will get tons of ideas..........later.........john

[Dutch Comstock]

Bill, You are welcome to join us.It matters not that you are a new member but only that you have the common interest.Experience doesn`t matter as we will help you get all of the experience you need. Dutch

[Bill Firth]

Jonh,I recently got a digital camera but my computer skills are limited.......see what I can do

Dutch,I look forward to the experience :D Bill

[cc]

Hi,

If event reservations are in order I'd like to make one. I'll be in Maine for a MC event and will likely not be able to arrive before later in the day on the 25th.

I will be traveling by motorcycle so will have a problem bringing tools. Of course I'm new at this, so don't know how to use many tools anyway.

[Jared Walch]

Does anyone attending Dutch's metalmeet sell or make beater bags? I'm looking to purchase a new one soon, about 12" diameter.

I can bring 18 Ga. stainless sheet to the meet for anyone interested in making themselves a shrinking disk.

I work near Frigo Design, they sell small lots of stainless drops as well as CRS and Aluminum sheet at very good prices. Something to keep in mind for those that were having difficulty finding material.

Jared.

[Wray Schelin]

Hi Jared,

I make them and will be bringing a few to Dutch's Meet. I will also bring a bunch to MM04.

Wray

[Kerry Pinkerton]

I'll have some also. They are not as nice as Wray's. Also hoping to have some sandbag stands and other 'new' stuff.

[Jared Walch]

Thanks guys. New stuff is always good to see.

I'm looking forward to a chance to use Kerry's E-wheels. Perhaps it will provide some ideas and features to add to mine that I'll be building soon.

Jared

[Archie]

well my fishing tournament was canceled, freeing up the weekend. The wife says ok so I'm in. I can bring Bennetts old ewheel if its needed. Just let me know.

Archie

[Archie]

Jared

If your bringing stock I could use some stainless to make a small disc.

Archie

[slob]

do we have an official count of how many is coming?? an unofficial count? I guess its just a matter of whoever shows up gets in :lol:

I put in for the friday night off from work so I'll be heading up friday morning when I get out of work and leaving sat night.

Rob

[Jared Walch]

Jared

If your bringing stock I could use some stainless to make a small disc.

Archie

No problem. I bought a piece to make mine for $18 and I have enough left to make about 5 more 9" discs and several smaller ones.

I made one 9" disc with a plywood hammer form. It came out fairly decent, but the finish of the edge could be nicer as the plywood was a bit soft. I plan to make another 9" disc by hammer forming over a hard wood or plastic disc. I believe John Kelly uses a steel form, but i don't think that is necessary if you're only making a few.

I am also finding a need for a smaller domed disc now so i might make up something for my 4-1/2 inch grinder.

Jared

[Dutch Comstock]

Participants of Dutch`s metal meet. Jare lives close to Frigo design and has offered to bring some of there sheetmetal drops from them. They have 18 gauge steel, stainless and 5052 aluminum and all of them a re nice usefull sizes. Several of the group have even had a ton of the 18 gauge truck freighted to there shop and it is still a super buy. If you think you could use a small amount contact Jared off line and he can give you current prices and you can send him some money.
Another note is I have not limeted the size of the meet and we will handle all comers.I will find out what I can handle.We will just put everyone in groups as to there interests and see what flies.My wife will set up a lunch propane grill for those who want it.I will also have soda and water available and anything else that anyone has ideas of.Dutch

[Jared Walch]

What he said :D

If anyone needs small quantities, let me know. If you're looking for large quantities, I'm sure you could make arrangments to pick it up Friday or Monday.

Jared
chevyolds1@hotmail.com

[renegade]

Dutch,

Hope there is room for me at the meet. I am new to metal shaping
but I've been in construction most of my life and I can beat anything and everything with any type of hammer.

[Archie]

Jared when you said

"If anyone needs small quantities, let me know. If you're looking for large quantities, I'm sure you could make arrangments to pick it up Friday or Monday."



What would be the sizes of small quantities? Big enough for patch panels?

Archie

[Archie]

I'll try this once more?

Hey Randy

If you have time and would like to make one of those cool beater bag stands that you had at MM03, I will buy one in a heart beat.

Also looking for one of those cool anvil set-ups that Wray had at MM03.

Time restraints (5mnth, 3yr,and 6yr old) keep my shop time down and limited.

I will be at Dutchs trying to escape those restraints for one weekend.

Archie

[Jared Walch]

Jared when you said

What would be the sizes of small quantities? Big enough for patch panels?



By large quantities, I mean Hundreds of pounds or more. Frigo Design will sell lots of a ton or more. I'll probably bring a stack of drops anyway just to make sure people have something to work with. I'm sure Dutch will have plenty around anyway.

18ga. CRS is quite cheap, its the Stainless and Aluminum sheet that can sometimes be difficult or expensive to purchase in small quantities.

Jared.

[Archie]

Hey all

I just checked the cost of lodging in Herkimer.
The intown hotel was 80.00 a night
the Glen ridge was 45.00.

I figure its just a place to crash so as long as I dont come home with fleas I'm ok.

Glen ridge it is.

Archie

[Dutch Comstock]

The steel panels from Frigo Design are aprox 13 x36 ,26x36 ,30x40 and some longer. They are the hadiest panels you can have. They store easily and one of them will always fit the job. They actually have 5 or six different sizes. When you buy a one ton pallet from them thay give you an even mix of all of there drops. They will also find the most economical trucking available when shipping to you. They are easy to handle and two guys could hand unload a ton off of the back of a tractor trailer on a pallet to your pickup in ten minutes.They are a super bargain even truck shipped. Dutch

[Randy Ferguson]

Archie,
I won't have room to bring one assembled, but I'll do my best to grab a few disc blades to bring along. If you can find some scrap pipe, we can make you one at Dutch's.

[Dutch Comstock]

I am in the center of New york State on interstate I -90 Exit 30 . This is 60 miles east of Syracuse and 80 miles west of Albany and 120 miles northeast of Binghamton. At exit 30 turn right on N.Y. rt 28 north. This will Take you by the Herkimer Motel and Dennys resturant on your right. You will keep going north under railrroad tracks and follow rt 28 sign at stop light. At next stop light Rt. 28 will take a right turn and run with route 5 east. At the fourth light will be Washington street and the Inn towne Motel will be two blocks to the left. To continue on to my house you go straight through this light untill the 2nd light which is only a left turn.Route 28 turns left here. If you are going to the glen Ridge motel you will continue on straight on route 5 for two miles and the motel will be on your left.
To keep going to my house you turn left where rt 28 goes north and follow it untill the chevrolet dealer, Steet Chevrolet is on the right.There is then a bakery on the right and just Past there starts Shells Bush Road on the right. The road starts as a bridge across a small river You turn right here and go aproximately 3 miles to 926 Shells Bush Road. My mailbox looks like a big red tractor on the right and there is also a sign that says Dutch Comstock drive. Park on lawn above the house. Have a good trip. Dutch

[mshellw]

I'd also like to come. I'm very new to metal - shaping, i just discovered this site from a link on the hotrodders.com website. I'd love to help however I can. I know a bit about welding and metalworking in general, but I've never "shaped" a piece of metal in my life. I'll probably be able to come on saturday, as I'm driving from Brooklyn.

thanks!

-marshall

[wpski]

I would love to go to the meet. I'll be able to show up for saturday and part of sunday for sure. I've never done any metalworking like this before just really basic stuff and thought it would be a good experience for me. Thanks

[Prostreet]

Good morning to you all . Well we are leaving tomorrow, my son Thomas is so excited (13 years old) thats all he has talked about the last 2 weeks . A friend of mine Roger and his son are meeting my wife Kate and I here at the shop thursday afternoon . Hope all you guys that are coming have a safe trip . If any are on the way threw Pa. give us a yell 570 437-2026 we are right off state rte 80 and also 11 -15 . Have a great day see you all Thursday eve .
Steve :lol:

[outlawchopper]

I am trying to make it for Saturday, I really want to go and learn. I was wondering if anyone will have any mallets to purchase, as currently I am using a ball pein! I am obviously a newbie.

[Dutch Comstock]

Bennett and I arrived at Dutch's yesterday morning and spent the best part of the day unloading the truck, setting up my ewheels, and discussing what we are going to do.

Today, work began in earnest. Bennett was patching some rust areas in the firewall and Dutch and I started laying in the expandable braces that will allow us to keep everything lined up when we cut the cab in half.

Bennett has decided on 4" in the doors, 2" behind the doors, and a 2" chop. Dutchs friend Collin is here helping and we expect people to start arriving tonight. Tommorrow should be a big day. The weather is absolutely perfect. Low 70's with low humidity. At least Bennett and I think it's low! :lol:

I just got off the phone with Brian Brennan, senior editor at Street Rodder. He is very interested in an article so we will be taking a TON of the highest quality photos we can. If you have a good camera, bring it! Either digital of 35 will work.

I'll try and post some photos later if I can figure how to reduce the size using Dutch's computer.

Kerry

[Randy Ferguson]

Hi Guys,
Good to here things are progressing along so well already.
We're getting ready to leave shortly and plan to be there
in the morning ready to get to work!!
Kerry, did you mention to Brian anything about MM04??

[dilling]

need any tools sander die grinder.sand paper ??? spray guns

[Wray Schelin]

Hi Jeff,

If you are going to Dutch's you can bring tools if you want to, like your own hammers , dollies, e-wheel, etc .

If you want to bring supplies like abrasives , yes they will probably be used or needed.

Thanks,

Wray

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Kerry, did you mention to Brian anything about MM04??

Not yet but we will be speaking frequently over the next few weeks and I thought it would be better to establish some credibility first.

[Dutch Comstock]

v Everyone just went to the Motel. Bob Baisden showed up this afternoon and later Charlie showed up on his motorcycle after riding from somewhere in Vermont but I think he lives in Minn. He is a fairly new member and I can`t remember his last name. He jst went to supper and to bed.We have the cab all marked out and braced for the big cut . We will start cutting at 9:00 a.m. sharp. Randy is on his way and should be here in the morning.We also fixed a lot of small repair areas on Bennett`s cab and we have all four fenders needing varius work. The ewheels will be singing tomorrow. Kerry will start posting pictures tomorrow. Goodnight, Dutch

[Kerry Pinkerton]

What a blast! There must be 25 people here and we are having a ball! I've taken 126 photos but can't seem to upload from Dutch's computer so I'll work on that later. We have the cab cut to heck and back and the panel replacement process is well underway. We have teams making panels, stretching the doorskins, etc. I don't see any reason we won't get this done!

If you are still "Thinking" about coming, come on!

[slob'sbaby]

:o I got a call from SLOB and he told me that he is having a great time! I can't wait for the pictures!!! :D :lol:


Robin

[jlrussell4]

Whats going on in East Herkimer? You guys are awfully quiet, and we are getting real antsy waiting to hear of your progress. :)

Jim

[Wray Schelin]

Hi Jim,

We had about 30 people here today at Dutch's, the weather is fantastic with no humidity and things are humming right along in the shop. I arrived here on Saturday afternoon because of family commitments that made it impossible to get here sooner. When I arrived there was a bee hive of activity around Bennett's truck body.

It looks like David hasn't been able to fix the gallery uploads yet so pictures will have to wait. Maybe tomorrow we can post some, by then a lot of the body of Bennett's truck should be made or modified. Dutch has been overseeing the chop of the top with about six members working with him and another six or so working on new panels . A few of the members are working on copper projects and watching the action soaking it all up. We're all having a great time, with lots of laughs. I thought you would be homesick for NY and make it up here yourself. :D

Wray

[Driven2xs]

What a great time I had yesterday ! Got to meet Randy "The Mighty Thor" , Kerry, Dutch (Of course), Bill from VA, Emile and Ben from Holland, Canadian Colin, NY Collin, Bennett, Steve, Slob, and a whole slew of great people. It doesn't matter what metal shaping background you have, there was something there for everyone. Even "People Eating Copper Flowers"... It was amazing the time that everyone took to help out "newbies", such as myself. There was a beehive of activity going on all Friday.

I just wanted to thank everyone again, and look forward to the next one !!

Jeff Parker

[jlrussell4]

Hi Wray,

thought you would be homesick for NY and make it up here yourself.

Well I was going to come up. I had my wifes blessings and all :D . Then I got a notice of my class reunion and the high school alumni reunion over the July 4th weekend. I couldn't do both, so the reunions won out this time. If I don't see you folks before then, I'll see you all in October.
Now I'm off to get a start on a buck for my wagon 8)

Jim

[Prostreet]

Hi Guys
We just got home from Dutch & Linda's , what a blast !! Let me tell you first the Comstock family have to be the most hospitable folks I and my wife Kate have ever met. :D (truly) and we thank them . It was so nice to put faces with names . This place was rocking.
Boyd had nothing on these folks working on Bennets street rod . Kerry as usual had a great line up of e-wheels , I like the new bench model on stands . Got to hang out with Benny for a while . Colin (with one L ) was a blast and dose a great impression of Bill Clinton we all had allot of laughs . so much I had a sore belly :lol:
every one had there specialty Dutch, Randy, Benny,Bennet , Kerry
Spy and Wray who really has his way with sheet metal with out an ounce of guess work . Something to be said about his ability to interpit what to expect the metal to do when you perform a particular function . I call it ( the lites are on ) when Wray explains something you can see the lite :D :D :D . All in all it was a blast thank you everyone . Steve

[Bob Baisden]

Hi,

Wow, I had an awesome time at Dutch's shop. Big thanks to Dutch and Linda for extending such wonderful hospitality. Not only did Dutch let us use the shop, Linda made us a fantastic lunch everyday. These events are so great, Ben decided to fly from Holland for his 50th birthday.

Archie, Jared, and I spent half of a day trying to wheel out a new door skin (without a flexible shape pattern). Wow those low crown panels are tuff. Kerry half dozen wheels really got worked hard and performed excellent! The next day, Ben and Emile made a flexible shape pattern of the other door. Using the pattern, we got the panel to 95% :D, Ben thinks its more like 90% :lol:

I spent Sunday following Wray around the shop as we cut out the old rear quarters and welded in the new rear quarters Randy, Ben and Emile fabed. Everyone really needs to see live how Wray metal finishes a weld seam. It was exactly as Wray described in previous posts, with the marker and dolly, etc.

Seeing the shrinking disk in action was really cool. Colin and Wray spent a large part of Sunday chasing a big wave out of the new firewall.

It was great meeting everyone and I will see you all at MM04.

Thanks
Bob Baisden

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Wearing out is more like it... :lol:

Things are never go as fast as you expect and then we didn't expect to do the same amount of work as we did.

Bennett's "Parts truck" had a considerable amount of other needs in addition to the verticle sections. For example, we have:

- Fabricated and installed both sides of the truck from the front of the door to the firewall
- Shaped and installed replacement sheetmetal for the cowl vent.
- Installed a new flat firewall
- Built new rear door jambs to accept the suicide hinges
- Stretched the roof, chopped the top 2"
- Leaned the windshield back
- Built and installed new inner door frame for both sides
- Shaped new rear cab corners and welded to the lower cab back
- Shaped the cab back and are ready to weld it in once we tack the rest of the cab back to the structure.
- Fabricated new lower inner door structures for the stretched doors
- And a ton of other stuff that I can't recall until I see the photos.

Last night we (We... I mean Dutch showed us) the shrinking disk and it is truly amazing. The top is coming along great and is nearly perfect without the need for filler. Hopefully we will be able to hang a door and tack a skin on it before we shut down tomorrow. Ben and Emile have thursday flights back to Holland and Bennett and I have to get back home. I've got tons of work to do before I get to drive back up to Syracuse next month (two weeks)

While I was up here, Dutch found a source for baseall bats and I got 50 to make bat hammers. I'll have them at MM for those who would rather buy them than make them.

Such a great trip. Dutch and Linda have been as great as you could exect any host to be and then some. Last night we drove up through the country to a little town of Dolgeville and had dinner returning through some of the most beautiful country you could ask for. Like most of us, all I knew of NY was what I saw on TV and, of course, reality is much different.

Hope to be back home Friday and will start posting the photos.

[Bob Baisden]

Hi,

I posted photos of the event in my gallery.

bob

[Dutch Comstock]

Good evening, This is the first time I have been in the house before 10 or 11:00 at night for a week.This morning we worked on the left door post and the hidden hinges and then some of the guys wanted a demonstration on lead work so I got out the tools and cleaned up the left front windshield post and gave a lesson on tinning and applying and finishing a lead repair. After awhile everyone was tinning the surface and spreading lead. For awhile there was a lot going on the floor and it didn`t take long before it was going well. This afternoon we cleaned the shop and then it was time to say goodbye to some wonderfull friends as they all had a long way to go to home.
I want to say a special thanks to all of the people who participated in the meet. You are what made this such a wonderfull time and a great learning experience for us all. I hope most of you meet again at the fall meet at Randy`s and if Linda can handle another large meet we will do it again next year. Thanks everyone, Dutch

[Jared Walch]

Many thanks to Dutch and Linda, who were excellent hosts! Dutch has a very well-equiped shop and everyone had the tools and materials they needed.

Alot of work was done on the truck cab and a ton was learned. There is a limit to how many people can work on a truck cab at once, otherwise it probably could have just about been finished by Sunday. :D

There is nothing like having a process explained and demonstrated live. Even if you've done something many times, it is great to see each person's method. I saw the process of hand-crushing tucks explained in at least a half dozen different ways.

I learned alot about wheeling methods from Wray. That and the flexible shape pattern made the door panels seem much simpler. It is difficult to trust your flexible shape pattern until you actually see it work. It's even more difficult when the panel is "out of arrangement", but it does work.

Chopping and sectioning will always be skills acquired mostly by personal experience and learning what not to do :shock: , but it was very educational to see the layout of the cuts, bracing of the cab, and the method of building the door frame within the re-shaped opening. These are relatively simple things that can save you a ton of work, with trying to make things fit.

Dutch, let me know when you can use some weekend help on a top chop or something. I'll be glad to help out.

Thanks again to Dutch, Linda, and everyone that made this meet happen!

Jared Walch
Bernhards Bay, NY

[Bill Firth]

Excellent Event!! Special thanks to Dutch and Linda for their incredible hospitality. I met alot of great people and my head is still spinning from all the knowledge and skills being demonstrated. Can't wait to see you all at MM04. :D

Thanks again for everything,

Bill

[cc]

I just made it back to MN. I had a great time at Dutch and Linda's. Thanks to both of you.

Thanks to Kerry and others who brought e-wheels and other tools for the general use, and especially to those who were taking delivery of e-wheels and allowed them to be "broken in" by the rest of us.

I learned more on the first day I was there than I had from all the books that I had read. As others have said, there is nothing like doing it with the help of the experts.

Everybody I visited on the way home got to see the aluminum fairing part I made. Some were impressed, some were polite.

I'll have to do this again.

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Bennett and I left Herkimer yesterday about 3:30 and drove until about 11 when we stopped just inside Virginia. This morning we got up at 6 and hit the road. We got to Bennetts about 5:45 and I made it into Huntsville about 9:30 (EST) Can you say whupped!

[Wray Schelin]

Hi Kerry,

Now you need to sleep for about two days straight . :D I was whipped after just two days. I still haven't had time or the energy to write my impression of the Meet at Dutch's.

I bet Bennett is very happy, I can't wait to see the final pictures. :D

Thanks for all you did to make Dutch's Meet so successful. Thanks also to Bennett for allowing us to work on his project . Of course, thanks also to Dutch and Linda for being so generous and offering to host the event.

Wray

[Spy]

we et home :cry: , we had an awesome time at Dutch's shop. Big thanks to Dutch and Linda Ben Emile.

[schaeffer sondey]

Yup, it was my 1st MetalMeet after being a member for about a month. That's what I call good timing.

I made a lot of new friends, had a great time and learned tons of new stuff.

I'm on my way with a set of anvils and upper wheel I bought from Kerry. Then while everyone else was working and traveling, :wink: I found a Watervilet planishing hammer in the WantAd that I bought.

Next I'm cutting up the 1/4X4X10 tubing I picked up at the scrap
yard a while back to make the rest of my ewheel.

Schaeffer

[Boogiemanz1]

Schaeffer, you must be living right, 3 for 3 on one weekend........john

[Bennett Chapman]

THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! Words cannot express my appreciation not only to Dutch and Linda but also to all the participants. Thanks to all I am going to have an AWESOME TRUCK. I learned a tremendous amount about metalworking and I learned how great all you guys are. It is an experience I will always remember. Can't wait to see everybody in Robinson.


Thanks,

Bennett

[Boogiemanz1]

Gonna be driving that truck Bennett? Seriously, keep us updated with photos.....john

[Pedalcar]

Hi Gang,

Thank you Linda and Dutch for giving us a family feeling as it supposed to be.They even gave me a very special 50th birthday.

This was worth every mile that we traveled.

Our skills have raised a lot and without hassetating everybody showed and shared there knowledge.

We made a doorskin as Bob mentioned before and his and Charlie's was better :? :lol: but with the pro's as a backup (thanks Wray) it all came out fine.

Than we made a new innerstructure for the doors and a new B post i think you will all find it in the gallery's that are posted.

After that Emile and i started Monday on welding the roofpanels together step by step and Dutch kept saying this is gone turn out ok ,we where a bid worried because of the warpage but we had confidence in Dutch so we kept going and after seeing Dutch using the shrinking disk we knew it all would became what we wanted.

Then he passed the shrinking disk to Emile who passed it to because it was to hard on him and we finished the roof until it was as smooth as a....... this was amazing (as the disk says)i am gone make one and us it.

On Wednesday we got a lesson in leading and that was a great experience too,now i know how to practice the wright way.

To get these things all under control is to start doing it have fate and be patient,and POST a question if you don't know it because you don't find people elsewhere who are sharing there knowledge like these guys do.and they don't stop until you are on the right track.

Thanks again Dutch and Linda for giving us a place to get together and have fun.

Also want to thank Wheeling Wray,Welding Carter,Emperial Kerry,
Truck Cap Bennet, Little Wray Randy,Michelle ,Bob, Charlie,Emile and the rest that showed up to be part of this.


Pedalcar Ben

[bigpink187]

I still can't upload photos so I'm using my son Kris' login. About 25 photos are at:

http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=5716&password=&sort=1&cat=500& page=1

We have about 350 photos between myself and Bob Schutte and I'm sure that more will come in. I'll try and contact the folks at Street Rodder next week and discuss next steps. I'm not sure they will be as interested since we did not finish. However, we have enough photos to do half a dozen articles that would be better than most the how-to's they typically have so who knows.

I'll try and post some text and link the photos in when I get back from Syracuse the week of the 18th. This next week will be a real thrash getting ready to take a load of machines up to the Syracuse Nationals. I'll be leaving on the 13th. Richard Klienschmidt will be joing me and demoing his shopdog machines. I'll post the space number as soon as I get it.

Kerry Pinkerton

[Dutch Comstock]

Hi I also want to thank every one fo the people who attened the meet as It was my wife Linda and some of my area friends and everyone who came to the meet that made it turn out to be such a great success. We also thank Bennet Chapman for bringing the project truck, a 41 chevrolet pickup all of the way from Georgia to let us cut it all up in pieces leaving him with his mouth hanging open to wonder what he had gotton himself into.( see picture below)Then we only got it part of the way back together and he is still not mad at us. Also thanks to Kerry who took off all of the time from work to Bring Bennet up and all of his ewheels besides to use.
Thank you everyone Dutch


http://www.metalmeet.com/photopost/data/519/4Bennett1-med.jpg

[Dutch Comstock]

When Dutch mentioned to me that he was planning another Metal Meet, I think it was a week or two before everyone got here. I asked him how many were coming and he said "don't have any idea"!!!

It was a huge success!!! I got to meet all the guys Dutch had been telling me about for some time. And what a great bunch of guys you all are!!!!!

Trust me, things will be different next year---I hope to have the house garage cleaned out (maybe I'll do that in late October, lol).

Randy, no more Glen Ridge for you guys, I'll check around for prices BEFORE you come next year. (Kerry and Bennett, too).

Thanks to Michelle (Super Griller) and Ryan and Shelby who were a big help.

Looking forward to next year and be sure and let Dutch know what we can do to make the next one better.

Love,
Linda

(Ben and Emile, what a pleasure to meet you both)[/b]

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Hi Linda,

Don't worry about cleaning out the garage on our account and the Glen Ridge was fine with us (although probably not that family friendly). Everything was great and you and Dutch were magnificent hosts. You even got the weather to cooperate.

I hope next year that Dutch schedules it either the week before or week after the Syracuse meet so I can do both with one trip. I love your salsa on those great hot dogs but two of those 4 day round trips in three weeks are a killer...

:shock: :lol:

[Prostreet]

Hi Guys
Glad to see you all have gotten home safely. Dutch and Linda as mention before thank you . when we come up next time I will bring a case of Star buck Ice cream for every on ( to watch me eat it all )
Ok i guess i could share . I have not shut up since i've been back . even the mail man is sick of hearing it . Talk about getting your blood going . My wife loved the trip, my son stayed bizzzy hunting frogs ! and trying to negotiate a deal with Dutch on a Mustang (or two) thats all he looked at all the way home . Dutch and i talk him in to looking closer to home for one . He found one up the road and keeps trying to convince the school bus driver to stop and go look . The kids hooked :? Well I guess we will have to go see this one its a 67 fast back . I finally stopped long enough to make a flexible pattern of the front portion of a 37 plymouth hood we have to louver. And for the next 2 nights about 2 hours each it fits . You guys are right you have to make a pattern of something and follow threw no matter how small or not so complicated . there is a feeling of accomplishment when its done . im getting geared up for the rear door on a 40 willys sdn delivery. Im sure i will make a few parts in between that but that is my next customer job on the table. Kerry thank you for the replacement wheel I should probably take out AAA :lol: . Dutch I got your tin hanging on the wall if the sheet metal room it gets everyones attention the first thing they say is theres no way he made that by hand !!! I tell them there right he used what ever tool he had in his hand :wink:
Thanks again when the gallery is up and running i will post some photos. Wray is the house next door to you by chance for sale????
Steve and family

[Pedalcar]

Hi Guys

The Spy and I agree with Kerry ,if it could be Around Syracuse it would be great,a couple of people could even start a MM at the Hot Rod meeting ,it would be great for the sellers like Kerry and Richard.

And the Spy and I would be able to see this event.
:D
Just our 2 cents

[Driven2xs]

Gee guys,, why would you want to do that? There is only 7,000 cars registered for the show! :!:

Seriously, there are 7,000 cars. It would take all 3 days to see them all. My buddy from PA has been there the last 2 years, and I have YET to see him parked there !

Look forward to the next one !

I'll be there with a White 65 Chevelle and a Green 71 Nova. Look me up !

Jeff