LFD's Coupe build

[rokcrln]

Made some good progress today in the shop. I finished up the windshield buck and started on the frame table mount for it as well.

I made the new opening for the windshield using this new buck for the template and it worked out real well. After forming it around the buck using my shrinker and stretcher, I then transfer punched the mounting holes and fastened it down. Then went ahead and welded it up on the buck as well and when it was done I pulled it off and flipped it over and it bolted back in place 180* from how it was formed

So next I will build the frame mount that will hold the buck in place in the car. It will also tie into the firewall jig and the doors will also have a tab to bold to to help keep everything right were it should be during construction. I figure I will keep the windshield buck in place even once the jig has been removed until the body is fully welded off for good measure.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[Rick (madera)]

Looking good! Just like Johnny Cash " one piece at a time"

[rokcrln]

I had a good weekend in the shop and made good progress even with the 106* temps in the shop. I started and finished up all the assemble structure that will mainly be used when assembling new bodies. If you look at the pics you will see bracing for the rear of the jambs, front jambs, firewall and windshield all to bolt into for proper placement. All these panels are made on the bench with patterns and templates that I have made during this process and all the anchor points that you see the structure jig bolt to is part of the bench building then I can slap it on the frame table and get going from the same point each time. I will also be adding support assemblies that will aid in the door tops and roof structure and all this will bolt into the interior structure you see now. All of it can unbolt and be removed so the floors can go in the car before it is lifted off the frame table.

I then started on the hood and side shape and after I get the mail liners I think I will make the buck out of wood and then I will be able to use this as a fitment buck during the hood process. Then after the hood and side panels I will get started on the rear end and truck opening.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[Rick (madera)]

looks GREAT Kevin!
It all seems to flow together.

[rokcrln]

Thanks Rick but I am thinking a little nip and tuck on that old alternator is in store to slip it inside the side panel

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[rokcrln]

I decided to work a bit over the weekend on the tops of the door opening and I made one similar to how I did the lower door openings with a 2 pc set up but when I was done I liked the shape but I did not like the 2pc set up so I tried my hand at building a hammer form. I also went this way so I could hope to reproduce them faster and with more accuracy as well. I used 1 1/8" ply for the inside of the opening that if slat and then used 3/4" MDF for the out side that has a 1/2" thickening from front to rear with a bend not a flat taper. I then took 4pcs of 1/4" ply and laid up the hammer form clamping block and let it all dry for a few days.

I went out tonight and in about 45min I had a piece that fit perfect but with a more professional look and feel to it. As I made the first hammer form I was smart enough to copy every piece so tonight after my success on the first piece I started the assembly of the other side. At some point I plan on doing the same thing for the lower door openings so I can build them in the future as one piece units.

On this one I just used my plastic mallets, body hammer and a cocking block but I was thinking as my arm we going dead that maybe something like Kent Whites air hammer set up might be the ticket for speed and smoothness. Any thoughts on this?

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[Old Tin Rods]

That thing is over the top.. Great looking build!

[BarryA]

Looking great Kevin!!

On the air-hammer/flow-forming I think it should work pretty good. Easy to use too much power though. That can mess up your wood form as well as the piece you're making.
I would look for ways of fitting interchangeable plastic heads that give you the shape you need for the area with less marring. There have been a few posts along these lines before - sorry no time to find them for you now...

[rokcrln]

So today I finished up the two door top hammer forms and started on the hood buck. I hope to have a few hours to work on the hood Sunday. I made the base of the hood buck and it will have 3 stations going front to back and 5 stations from side to side. I am really happy with how the bottom platform of the buck turned out because I had made the 3/4" angle form for the passenger side of the hood. That is all I made before starting on the piece you now see today. With my chassis center-line laser turned out I just measured two spots, one in front and one in the rear of the engine bay on the 3/4" angle. Then I transferred that info to my MDF and then just flipped it over for the passenger side. After that I figured where I wanted my stations to go and laid those out before I started cutting the windows in the MDF. Once I cut it all out I set the platform in place and it fit perfect and all my contact points are with in 1/32" from side to side and front to back so all the time I have been spending to make it as good as it is has paid off. I hope to have more for you soon.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[anders nørgaard]

Looking reall good Kevin! Planning pays!

Thanks for sharing