Loaded the bed and cab up on a Uhaul truck and small trailer...... don't ask how this old man go it on them. I was fortunate enough to have friends willing to help out with Mig welders and show up to their shop during their days off for the holidays. I forgot how long it really takes to weld something! As I was driving away from the house and had already turned onto the fog filled main street, I remembered I forgot the camera to document the event, oh well.
Growing up I always thought that the older cars and trucks were made of thick steel that could take a hit and show little damage. I learned that the outer skin of the truck had only 20 gage metal and the inner bracing in the bed as well as the wheel wells are 18 gage. If you are not familiar with gage thickness, I can bend and mold the 20 gage (The higher the number the thinner it is) with some effort with my hands.
After feeding everyone home made breakfast burritos, no Lisa did not make them, we spent 3 hours welding on the bed. I didn't want to take more of their time away from their family and opted out of doing any welding on the cab. Thanks Jim and Bill for all your help.
I was given good ideas about the cab and adding a hidden roll bar system that would add strength to the cab while bracing the new add on of the roof. I noticed I had trouble trying to keep it from buckling so by adding the small bracing system will help strengthen the cab and fix the roof issues. I try to add my ideas down here or on paper because I know it is going to be a long process, especially without a Mig Welder (Yet). So I will continue to do what I can, and boy is there a lot to do on replacing bad or rusted metal and even fabricationg peices to last through the winter. I am hoping that the up coming classes and hopfully teaching position still allow me the time to spend on it and continue to be creative.
To all, have a great Holiday season!
