BUILD THREAD “The Juggernaut”

[EME_Mack]

I dont think I've ever seen that type of file before. Im going to have to find one before I start doing the visible body work on my olds. Those are some top notch gaps and the work you did on the hood to fender to door really shows the attention to detail to the little things that you wont notice until you see the factory fitment and go whoa

 

[Rktpwrd]

I dont think I've ever seen that type of file before. Im going to have to find one before I start doing the visible body work on my olds. Those are some top notch gaps and the work you did on the hood to fender to door really shows the attention to detail to the little things that you wont notice until you see the factory fitment and go whoa

Thanks Mack. I've been in and around this hobby for many many years now, and while I enjoy checking out nice rides at car shows, I pay attention to the details.

I've seen countless beautiful cars with expensive paint jobs and chrome bling on everything only to notice the car looked like it was assembled in the dark by a blind man, the panel gaps are so bad. So disappointing.
That's not going to be the case on THIS rocket.

Speaking of which, the panel gap has been finalized and finished now on the driver's side front of the hood.
🙂
Now, not only do the hood gaps not bother me anymore, I actually ENJOY looking at them! They look (to me at least) as they should.

Some pics of the gaps all the 'way around now.

Passenger's side hood to fender:

Passenger's side hood to header:

Driver's side hood to header:

Driver's side hood to fender:

No rest for the wicked, no wasting any time, on to the next!

Donovan

 

[Opie Knievel]

Looking good.

 

[Injectedcutty]

Donovan, that takes a level of patience to gap the car correctly that a lot of people don't have! Outstanding work as usual my friend, can't wait to see what's next!

 

[Rktpwrd]

Thanks guys.

Scott, I wish I had some cool mod or upcoming plans to keep you all interested, but I'm afraid everything for the next while will be as boring as watching filler dry.
Literally.
Tonight's progress is a milestone of sorts as it concludes the metal work done on the hood, on the outside and topside anyways.
I'm currently using some All Metal on the front edge of the hood to fill pinholes and imperfections left from all the welding and filing, but nothing to really write home about.
Or post about.
Lol
But don't worry, I will continue to post up about the sections I get done as I complete them (with pics as usual) just to keep things current. It just means the posts will likely get a little farther apart and be less interesting.

 

[Kiko]

Donovan,

I was re-reading some of your earlier posts and a question popped into my mind: When you polished the stainless lines, do you top coat them in any way, or leave them "natural"?

 

[Texas82GP]

Thanks guys.

Scott, I wish I had some cool mod or upcoming plans to keep you all interested, but I'm afraid everything for the next while will be as boring as watching filler dry.
Literally.
Tonight's progress is a milestone of sorts as it concludes the metal work done on the hood, on the outside and topside anyways.
I'm currently using some All Metal on the front edge of the hood to fill pinholes and imperfections left from all the welding and filing, but nothing to really write home about.
Or post about.
Lol
But don't worry, I will continue to post up about the sections I get done as I complete them (with pics as usual) just to keep things current. It just means the posts will likely get a little farther apart and be less interesting.

Progress is progress my friend. There's nothing boring about your build. Keep the news coming.

 

[Rktpwrd]

Donovan,

I was re-reading some of your earlier posts and a question popped into my mind: When you polished the stainless lines, do you top coat them in any way, or leave them "natural"?

I left them "natural". That's the beauty of stainless. Once it's taken a good polish and kept clean, it's virtually maintenance free.
Just as your stainless cutlery in your kitchen doesn't oxidize, neither does stainless.

Actually, that's not totally true.

Stainless does still oxidize.
Stainless steel is an alloy as with most other metals, but it is the addition of chromium and nickel that slows the oxidation process down to virtually nil.
It's also the chromium and nickel that provides the shine once it's polished.
Oxidation still occurs, but it's so slow as to be almost non existent.

You still have to be careful tho, as with other alloys, stainless is available in different grades. As a general rule of thumb, 304 stainless is high quality and will meet or exceed any expectations for what we do. Stay away from the lower grades of stainless, they usually have a higher carbon content and are prone to faster oxidation and discolouration.

Everything and anything you'd ever want to know about stainless steel:

http://www.sppusa.com/stainlesssteel_overview.php

Hope this answers your question.
🙂
Donovan

 

[Rktpwrd]

Progress is progress my friend. There's nothing boring about your build. Keep the news coming.

Thanks Jared.
Will do my friend!

 

[Kiko]

Actually, that's not totally true.
Stainless does still oxidize.

I'm aware that high grade (aka "kitchen grade") stainless resists oxidation very well, but in the auto industry there are lots of manufacturers that sell stainless products of dubious quality. Very often, it's hard to find out the composition because even the sellers don't know the exact content. Buying from reputable car parts manufacturers is not always the answer, because their products do vary in quality depending on lot productions and material sourcing.

I've fabricated some parts on my vehicle from stainless and they have aged well so far, but... I want to keep it that way, hence my original question to you. Your response confirmed my own decision -- I buy my stainless steel from a metal dealer in town with a good reputation and clearly labeled stock composition.

Anyway, thanks for your reply!