This is Davins Truck as found in a friends shed.
Pic by Davin. Date: 06/03/08 This is Davins Truck as found in a friends shed.
Pic by Davin.
Pic by Davin. Date: 06/03/08 Pic by Davin.
Pic by Davin. Date: 06/03/08 Pic by Davin.
Date: 04/03/08 Scary stuff I know- but its only metal- we don't let a few small dents spoil our day. ( well year then..)
Yes it is as bad as it looks - but we have a cunning plan - and no it dosent involve Turnips...
Well battered - yet obviously not yet beaten. Another year and another dream to build for someone. This 1950 Desoto is quite quirky and rare- so I figured it would be something different to the usual diet of Holden projects I tackle for clients. Date: 14/03/08 Well battered - yet obviously not yet beaten. Another year and another dream to build for someone. This 1950 Desoto is quite quirky and rare- so I figured it would be something different to the usual diet of Holden projects I tackle for clients.
Date: 14/03/08 Its hard to believe - but they made quite a few different variations of this truck. One was just a cab chassis- then there is this version - with a Ute section crudely tacked on the back of the cab- thus making it an overgrown Ute- and the third was the Coupe version - which had a more car like appearance. The weird part is that it was available not only in a few different body styles - but also Brands! You had a choice of Dodge, Desoto or Fargo. It becomes clearer that back in the post war period- Trucks were a necessity. Cars were scarce and demanded lengthy waiting periods if you wanted a new one- so most folk bought commercial vehicles- hence the reason why there so much choice and after all they were practical vehicles.
Date: 04/03/08 From this angle the truck dosent look like its in too bad a shape. The front never really copped the same hard life as the business end - but still requires a lot of work to make it like new again.
Date: 04/03/08 The front floors are pretty solid for the most part - but there are some pinholed areas that will require replacement.
Date: 04/03/08 That rear bulkhead is all but punched through and although not at all rusty - is rather bashed- and yes it has to be fixed! You may also notice some small amounts of rust around the rear of the seat support. This is gone on both sides- and as its part of the body mount - its crucial its repaired
Date: 04/03/08 Although the truck isn't overly rusty- where the rust is - its quite severe. The bed channels used to hold timber for the floor to screw to- the channels are nearly non existent now- and the rust ate right through the wheel tubs on both sides
Date: 04/03/08 The inside of the left door has been intensively repaired - the filler you can see is over the panel beaten and welded areas - its actually not really filler- its a finishing product called Dolphin Glaze. The nature of this product means its only intended as a thin skim - note it is applied directly over the epoxy primer which is acting not only as a sealer - but a bonding agent. These repairs will last for many years if the vehicle is looked after.
Date: 04/03/08 The factory never got really enthused about making sure everything was welded properly - a bit of braze adds some strength back to an otherwise poor join.
Date: 04/03/08 Every welded area is re sand blasted to be rid of oxides and other impurities from the welding process prior to re priming with epoxy primer.
Date: 04/03/08 Some small holes and splits and the odd heat shrink required some delicate oxy torch work. The DHC or Henrob oxy torch is weapon of choice for all our oxy welding jobs.
Date: 04/03/08 The two bonnet halves file finished and now ready for some more epoxy primer. All welded areas have been blasted and acid etch treated areas have been washed down and sanded.
Date: 04/03/08 The bonnet centre on these trucks are a poor design and cop a hard time. The primered centre I have rejected in favour of the other on the left. Note the creases along the edges of the primed unit- they are a result of forcing the bonnet halves open - and also caused a lot of stress cracks.
Date: 04/03/08 These bonnet centres are the same despite the obvious difference in length- the primered unit has copped that much abuse- its shrunk! Actually its due to the cracking that the nose is flopped forward.
Date: 04/03/08 While we were waiting for the truck itself to show up from the sand blasters - the loose panels were worked on. This nose cone took several days to get right. When its off the truck it is just a big floppy panel - with a lot of dents and cracks. It didn't appear too bad until we started work on it and found it required quite a lot of massaging and repair.
Date: 05/03/08 Both front guards have been re panel beaten. These were the only items that were started on elsewhere by another panel beater - that deal fell through and although the basic work was Ok - they were far from perfect - so we had them blasted and we started again. The panel beating of the bonnet halves has been completed by this stage
Date: 05/03/08 That brown bit of beaver is the best we have to use as a sort of template- we pretty much will be working from scratch with all new metal- but this may give us some vital clues as to what we need to make. Note the repaired left door. This was probably one of the better panels from the original truck.
Date: 04/03/08 The drivers door is going to require a fair amount of repair- note large dent. Its quite common for trucks to have this damage- its caused by reversing with the door open.
Date: 04/03/08 This bonnet half has had a massive amount of reworking to bring it back into shape- note the heat shrinks to relieve the stretched metal. Also note the holes along the edge- the braces were removed to allow better access for sand blaster and beater.
Date: 04/03/08 A closer view of the heat shrinks. The metal is brought to cherry red with the oxy and while hot is hammered in a circular motion to draw the metal - then a quick quench with a wet rag will further draw all the metal molecules closer- thus shrinking the steel. Experience really counts here in both executing the perfect shrink and deciding where it is best needed. Prior to priming I sand blast these oxy worked areas for two reasons- One is remove the oxides from the heated area - and the second is to stress relieve the area slightly with the shot peening action of the media. Once again experience counts here, or the work could be undone!
Date: 04/03/08 Phwor! It ain't half hot mum! It got to 45 degrees and this is the coolest part of the shed! Rather weird weather that Saturday in February- in the afternoon a cool change came through and dropped the temperatures instantly by 25 degrees!
Date: 05/03/08 There is not even enough here of this rear beaver to use as a template. Yep this beaver is buggered.
Date: 05/03/08 Before we got to carried away with removing our members- a bit of bracing was required. Remember folks- always brace before member removal! This allowed for measuring between holes both diagonally and across on the top of the bed sides.
Date: 05/03/08 Although a lot more beating is required here- if you look back on the first pics you will see that this header panel was nearly folded under. We may also remove this later to make it easier to finesse back into shape.
Date: 05/03/08 The first of the front floor sections is removed. You can see where the floor braces used to live as well. With this part out of the way - I could get to the division panel (or rear bulkhead as we will refer to it here on in.)
Date: 04/03/08 The newly repaired 'other' bonnet centre section in the foreground. Here I have already beaten out the caved in roof section to its approximate proper shape- but a lot of further metal massaging will be required yet!
Date: 04/03/08 With the rear bulkhead panel out of the way- all the floor braces have now been removed also. (Well what was left of them!) Note we have spent a fair amount of effort belting the wheel tubs back into shape- nothing like a bit of tub thumpin'!
Date: 04/03/08 Another advantage of rear bulkhead removal- I could get to the rusty floor brace bits- one of which is shown as removed here- just to reveal more rust.
Date: 04/03/08 The upper floor to bed brace is removed. Although this appears to be radical surgery - its a pretty straightforward peice to replicate.
Date: 04/03/08 I decided later after this photo to remove the curved lower floor section along the spot welded join line- this is traces of the trucks other DNA as a truck cab only- the factory simply added bits to the standard truck cab (rather crudely I must point out) to form the Ute section on the back
Date: 04/03/08 The only way forward is backwards. The whole truck back is unpicked piece by piece and removed to make repairing easier.
Date: 04/03/08 There is rather a lot of weight in the removed 1/4 panel. I suspect half the farm is still in there! The 1/4 panel removal was rather easy due to the poor methods the factory used for attaching this Ute back - basically it was only stitch welded on with an oxy torch! No spot welds really to speak of.
Date: 05/03/08 It took less than two hours to remove both rear 1/4 panels on my lonesome. It helped that we had already removed pretty much most of the rusted floor braces.
Date: 05/03/08 Quite a laborious task is the drilling out of the poorly done spot welds that amazingly was sort of doing a pretty good job of holding the bed panels together. I say poorly done because many were misaligned spots and some were doing very little other than causing us frustration with deciding what need drilling and what didnt. I normally wont drill out spot welds- but because we need to use many of the parts again - we had no choice.
Date: 05/03/08 This is just a small sample of the removed offending rusty and damaged parts- these will serve as templates where possible so we can make new sections.
Date: 05/03/08 One filleted truck...
Date: 05/03/08 Wilson ( aka Davin) is being put to good use by drilling out spot welds. It was a team effort when I wasn't slinging off shots with the camera...
Date: 05/03/08 With one rear hide deskinned and removed- it becomes obvious where all the weight was hiding...
Date: 05/03/08 About a bucket of garnet ( sand blasting media) had found its way in through the rust holes and the fuel filler opening.
Date: 05/03/08 ...and rodents had made themselves a home in the black soil that resides in the rearmost of the 1/4 panels. Dust gets in and with a bit of moisture - mud balls are formed by the constant vibrations while the truck is driving. Even with all this - there was not a lot of rust as a result- so obviously the moisture was very prevalent during this tucks life.
Date: 05/03/08 The unpicked inner and outer skins are going back to the blasters for another round- this inner was unpicked further after this photo to remove the wheel tub and floor sections.
Date: 05/03/08 We estimated around 5 kgs of crap had accumulated in here- so the fuel economy may improve marginally- but its pretty obvious that this is the only way a vehicle of this age should be repaired. How many would have decided that because there is no rust showing that it didn't need dismantling like this? That's the difference between regular smash/panel shops and resto shops like streetneat- we tackle the job properly and assume nothing.
This position certainly allows easier access to the rear of the cabs floor. The rear inner body mounts were harbouring rust- so they had to be unpicked and removed carefully without upsetting the rest of the structure. Almost all of the roof has bee Date: 11/03/08 This position certainly allows easier access to the rear of the cabs floor. The rear inner body mounts were harbouring rust- so they had to be unpicked and removed carefully without upsetting the rest of the structure. Almost all of the roof has been panel beaten back into an approximate shape- but still requires a fair amount of slappin' into shape.
..and here is why the mount need extracting- lots of flaky rust. When rust is forming it has a pressure rating of over 10000 psi! Its no wonder metal gets pushed outta shape! This mount had some extra spot welds- oddly enough - the other side missed o Date: 11/03/08 ..and here is why the mount need extracting- lots of flaky rust. When rust is forming it has a pressure rating of over 10000 psi! Its no wonder metal gets pushed outta shape! This mount had some extra spot welds- oddly enough - the other side missed out on spot welds - typical of the poor nature of construction for this truck - but nothing we cant put right!
The left side was slightly worse - although not welded in with extra spot welds- it was still a major process to remove this without destroying all surrounding metal.
Its now back off to the sand blasters to blast all the areas I have now opened up. Date: 11/03/08 The left side was slightly worse - although not welded in with extra spot welds- it was still a major process to remove this without destroying all surrounding metal.
Its now back off to the sand blasters to blast all the areas I have now opened up.
There has been days of work go into restoring the rear bulkhead panel - we wanted to make a new one - Davin wanted his repaired so it would match with the rest of the trucks load area. Fair call we decided- so the beat goes on... Date: 11/03/08 There has been days of work go into restoring the rear bulkhead panel - we wanted to make a new one - Davin wanted his repaired so it would match with the rest of the trucks load area. Fair call we decided- so the beat goes on...
...and on. The trick here is to get all the lines right before tackling the plethora of dents. This process involves hammering away for days and fighting the panels tendency to warp into its own shape. A lot of clamping and careful manipulation co Date: 11/03/08 ...and on. The trick here is to get all the lines right before tackling the plethora of dents. This process involves hammering away for days and fighting the panels tendency to warp into its own shape. A lot of clamping and careful manipulation combined with a few heat shrinks - and after nearly a weeks work - this panel will be like new again. The joys of it all. Ive contracted a semi retired panel beating mate to assist with all this beating - so between the pair of us we will slap some new life into this truck. After all its only metal...and time... lots of time!
There has been a fair amount of other areas being attended to to on the Desoto- such as beating the caved in roof back our and file finishing. Look closely and you will see reflection on the far side- this roof came up beautifully. The Desoto has very g Date: 26/04/08 There has been a fair amount of other areas being attended to to on the Desoto- such as beating the caved in roof back our and file finishing. Look closely and you will see reflection on the far side- this roof came up beautifully. The Desoto has very good steel to work with - but that also makes it very time consuming to massage back into shape and file finish. It took around two days to get this roof right - that a lot of beating and filing in anyones books!
a lot of new metal has been fabricated by Marty Dean and added back into the truck here. The truck also saw a trip back to the blasters to be rid of further rust that was uncovered after the rusty metal was removed. Here you can see the rear cabin mou Date: 26/04/08 a lot of new metal has been fabricated by Marty Dean and added back into the truck here. The truck also saw a trip back to the blasters to be rid of further rust that was uncovered after the rusty metal was removed. Here you can see the rear cabin mounts had to removed cleaned and replaced after the lower area of the floor and bracing was also replaced. Note the curved section at the rear most part of the floor was also put back. This is traces of the trucks other DNA as just a truck cabin. If this had been built just as a cab only - this area would have been the trucks back panel support. Note also that he rear window sill has also been extensively beaten back into shape- not an easy task!
The rear of the seat brace was also replaced entirely, as were the door pillar insides. These interior pillar flat panels were made slightly larger than the originals to better finish of the appearance inside the cabin. What was there originally was Date: 26/04/08 The rear of the seat brace was also replaced entirely, as were the door pillar insides. These interior pillar flat panels were made slightly larger than the originals to better finish of the appearance inside the cabin. What was there originally wasnt very damaged- just poorly made and rather ugly.
The hard yards are still in front of us. The back of this truck is completely disassembled now down to its bare individual components and have been re blasted and epoxy primed. All those dents and the rust will take quite a lot of work to put right Date: 26/04/08 The hard yards are still in front of us. The back of this truck is completely disassembled now down to its bare individual components and have been re blasted and epoxy primed. All those dents and the rust will take quite a lot of work to put right and metal finish. But looking on the bright side- this is the second half of the bodywork now.
Work on those huge rear panels has to start somewhere. The first thing to do was to repair the rusted sections were the bed x-members used to be attached. Date: 14/05/08 Work on those huge rear panels has to start somewhere. The first thing to do was to repair the rusted sections were the bed x-members used to be attached.
This inner quarter panels has also been given the first round of massaging to iron out years of abuse. Any pulled spot welds or splits have been oxy welded up. All these parts were later given another coat of PPG DP40 over the bare steel and worked Date: 14/05/08 This inner quarter panels has also been given the first round of massaging to iron out years of abuse. Any pulled spot welds or splits have been oxy welded up. All these parts were later given another coat of PPG DP40 over the bare steel and worked areas to protect them while other repairs were being carried out.
The outer rear quarters have also been roughly beaten back into their former factory shapes. There is still a long way to go to get these pristine again- but with all those big dents sorted- we feel we are making good progress. Date: 14/05/08 The outer rear quarters have also been roughly beaten back into their former factory shapes. There is still a long way to go to get these pristine again- but with all those big dents sorted- we feel we are making good progress.
The inside of rear bulk head required a new brace to be made and fitted- by the time we hot through drilling out the dented old one- there was little point in trying to re-use it. This and many other folded sheet metal sections required for this truck Date: 14/05/08 The inside of rear bulk head required a new brace to be made and fitted- by the time we hot through drilling out the dented old one- there was little point in trying to re-use it. This and many other folded sheet metal sections required for this truck was fabricated by Marty Dean.
The cabins roof has been finished as has the rear window area, including window sill. Look closely and you will also see the rusted out front cab corners have also been replaced. The cabin in general is now pretty much finished. Date: 14/05/08 The cabins roof has been finished as has the rear window area, including window sill. Look closely and you will also see the rusted out front cab corners have also been replaced. The cabin in general is now pretty much finished.
Its hard to believe this is the same original panel that was bashed nearly inside out. The panel has now been returned to its original location and joined onto the new rear cab floor sections. Date: 14/05/08 Its hard to believe this is the same original panel that was bashed nearly inside out. The panel has now been returned to its original location and joined onto the new rear cab floor sections.
The long road to recovery for the mangled quarters begins with a rather instensive metal massage. The bulk of the larger dents are dressed out first. Then the tedious and time consuming process of metal finishing begins. Its a combination of hammer Date: 04/06/08 The long road to recovery for the mangled quarters begins with a rather instensive metal massage. The bulk of the larger dents are dressed out first. Then the tedious and time consuming process of metal finishing begins. Its a combination of hammer and dolly work - some slapping and some heat shrinking. The highs and lows are highlighted via a lot of filing with a body file. After all this metal massage has taken place- the epoxy primer is sprayed on again to protect the steel and get it ready for the finishing glaze putty.
Here is the opposite side going through the same treatment. Remember how battered these panels were? Once again its hard to believe its the same panel. All the splits have been oxy welded up - the basic shape has been restored and a huge amount of mass Date: 04/06/08 Here is the opposite side going through the same treatment. Remember how battered these panels were? Once again its hard to believe its the same panel. All the splits have been oxy welded up - the basic shape has been restored and a huge amount of massage and metal manipulation has taken place.
The lower of this quarter panel was quite rusty due to the large amount of crud that had collected. Note the new metal patch has been constructed in several sections. The use of the shrinker stretcher allowed the curved angle section to be made witho Date: 04/06/08 The lower of this quarter panel was quite rusty due to the large amount of crud that had collected. Note the new metal patch has been constructed in several sections. The use of the shrinker stretcher allowed the curved angle section to be made without distortion - or a huge number of cuts and welds. It pays to have the right equipment and this shows what can be achieved with metal- and years of experience. These bare metal areas are all treated with another few coats of epoxy primer. The welded areas as good as they are will be given a very thin smear of fibre glass filler inside an dout of this area to be absolutely sure no moisture can ever penetrate through to the finishing filler. Treated right this repair will last for another 50 years or longer
The inner and outer quarters have now been 90% finished. All possible body work has been done while the panels are apart to make it easier to get to and work on. Most of the final glaze filler has been applied over the epoxy primed panels - filed and Date: 04/06/08 The inner and outer quarters have now been 90% finished. All possible body work has been done while the panels are apart to make it easier to get to and work on. Most of the final glaze filler has been applied over the epoxy primed panels - filed and the re epoxy primed to seal it all up. It will eventually be spray ployestered ( spray bog) to ensure absolute straightness and to blend all the repaired areas together. We work on the principal of the fridge magnet. If the fridge magnet wont stick anywhere on the bodywork - it has to be re worked until it does. This ensures the least amount of plastic filler is used. We have not used bog in our shop for over ten years. The products used are Upols Dolphin Glaze and Upols Fibre Fill. All the panels are shown here drying after a good coat of cavity wax on the internal surfaces.
A closer look at the inner panels allows you to see the treatment inside we have given it. It has been epoxy primed with PPG DP40 and then a liberal dose of CAM brand cavity wax rustproofing. Two whole litres of rustproofing has been applied. We thin Date: 04/06/08 A closer look at the inner panels allows you to see the treatment inside we have given it. It has been epoxy primed with PPG DP40 and then a liberal dose of CAM brand cavity wax rustproofing. Two whole litres of rustproofing has been applied. We thin it slightly with prepwash and allow 24 hours for it to dry before welding these panels back together. Note the fibre insulation has also been replaced as per original- it has been soaked with cavity wax to prevent it rusting out the panel in future
Luckily I had some proper insulation matting in stock - this stuff is hard to get these days as it is not commonly used anymore. It is held in place with a contact adhesive and its job is to help support the outer panels. Many panel beaters argue to l Date: 04/06/08 Luckily I had some proper insulation matting in stock - this stuff is hard to get these days as it is not commonly used anymore. It is held in place with a contact adhesive and its job is to help support the outer panels. Many panel beaters argue to leave this sort of material out as it can be seen as a water and rust trap - that's an ignorant point of view- its there to cushion the panel- leaving it out will cause dents. Soaked in rustproofing - it wont cause corrosion. Another safety step to corrosion prevention has been the liberal dosing of epoxy primer in all inner areas.
Finally the cab is reunited with the chassis. We will now be able to make sure the back panels are put in the correct position and we wont have problems with getting anything misaligned. Date: 04/06/08 Finally the cab is reunited with the chassis. We will now be able to make sure the back panels are put in the correct position and we wont have problems with getting anything misaligned.
For such a small truck - it doesn't look so small anymore! Date: 04/06/08 For such a small truck - it doesn't look so small anymore!
With the panels all welded back together - time to address the welds themselves. Each weld is spot sand blasted to be rid of oxides and burnt primer. Date: 26/06/08 With the panels all welded back together - time to address the welds themselves. Each weld is spot sand blasted to be rid of oxides and burnt primer.
Ive seen this sort of thing painted over too many times and you can see why it wouldn't last. Those oxides are continuously seeking out moisture and even with two pack products painted over the top & left untreated - they will break through later on Date: 26/06/08 Ive seen this sort of thing painted over too many times and you can see why it wouldn't last. Those oxides are continuously seeking out moisture and even with two pack products painted over the top & left untreated - they will break through later on.
A quick sand blast - and we can rest assured that we wont be having issues further down the track. A little more blasting was required after this photo to be entirely rid of the oxides Date: 26/06/08 A quick sand blast - and we can rest assured that we wont be having issues further down the track. A little more blasting was required after this photo to be entirely rid of the oxides
With the bed sides out of the truck - it makes access to areas like this a lot easier for cleaning. No welded area was left to chance- even if it wouldn't be seen once assembled. Date: 26/06/08 With the bed sides out of the truck - it makes access to areas like this a lot easier for cleaning. No welded area was left to chance- even if it wouldn't be seen once assembled.
Bad Better and Best. The lower rear pan was this trucks original- the middle one provided some more points for measuring from - and the top one is the new one that has been fabricated by Marty Dean. Its up to us now to finish this pan off- we have to Date: 26/06/08 Bad Better and Best. The lower rear pan was this trucks original- the middle one provided some more points for measuring from - and the top one is the new one that has been fabricated by Marty Dean. Its up to us now to finish this pan off- we have to make hinge pockets (recesses) and internal brackets to mount the tailgate.
After quite a bit of work on Michael's Monaro- time to get back into Davin's Desoto. One of Davin's contacts made a new lower skin for this drivers door. The parts were all sandblasted in and out and epoxy primed prior to the skin being fitted Date: 11/07/08 After quite a bit of work on Michael's Monaro- time to get back into Davin's Desoto. One of Davin's panel beater contacts ( you need a few of those with projects of this magnitude!) made a new lower skin for this drivers door. The parts were all sandblasted in and out and epoxy primed prior to the skin being fitted. Its a great fit - and its good to use parts expertly made.
To hold the skins together for welding are these 'Panel Mates' as made and supplied by Rod of Rods 'n Relics in Keith - S.A. These leave a perfect 1 mm gap and clamp the panel together accurately ready for welding. Date: 11/07/08 To hold the skins together for welding are these 'Panel Mates' as made and supplied by Rod of Rods 'n Relics in Keith - S.A. These leave a perfect 1 mm gap and clamp the panel together accurately ready for welding.
These are the braces to go back inside the tailgate- yet the door has similar braces - and new felt glued on to support the outer skin. I wasn't quick enough with the camera to show what they looked like... Date: 11/07/08 These are the braces to go back inside the tailgate- yet the door has similar braces - and new felt glued on to support the outer skin. I wasn't quick enough with the camera to show what they looked like...
As you can see - plenty of clamps hold the panel in place the edge closest to the camera is spot weld along the flange- and the other edges are folded under as a normal skin would be. Date: 11/07/08 As you can see - plenty of clamps hold the panel in place. The edge closest to the camera is spot weld along the flange- and the other edges are folded under as a normal skin would be.
Well finally the back can go back on the truck. This as can be appreciated is no easy accomplishment. The inners and outers have all but been finished - welded back together and now can be lifted into their final home- after many tweaks and adjustme Date: 21/07/08 Well finally the back can go back on the truck. This as can be appreciated is no easy accomplishment. The inners and outers have all but been finished - welded back together and now can be lifted into their final home- after many tweaks and adjustments.
With the drivers door now finsished - its back where it belongs - on Davin's truck - not against the wall of my shed. The doors need to be hung to determine where the quarter panels need to meet up to. Date: 21/07/08 With the drivers door now finsished - its back where it belongs - on Davin's truck - not against the wall of my shed. The doors need to be hung to determine where the quarter panels need to meet up to.
To assist with levelling the quarter panels up and supporting them at the same time- what better than a screw jack! Date: 21/07/08 To assist with levelling the quarter panels up and supporting them at the same time- what better than a screw jack!
The screw jack is the perfect tool as you can see- it fits neatly into the flange and is infinitely adjustable. Date: 21/07/08 The screw jack is the perfect tool as you can see- it fits neatly into the flange and is infinitely adjustable.
The panel is clamped into position... Date: 21/07/08 The panel is clamped into position...
...then a tack of braze holds it in place for now. Date: 21/07/08 ...then a tack of braze holds it in place for now.
Right.. now... err. The Third lower inner fender Bracket connects to the ...ah .. Oh sod it - we just gave it back to Davin to assemble...
Best idea we've had so far really.... Date: 21/07/08 Right.. now... err. The Third lower inner fender Bracket connects to the ...ah .. Oh sod it - we just gave it back to Davin to assemble...
Best idea we've had so far really....
When I made the rear most floor brace again - I elected to make it longer- thus overcoming the need for some rather ordinary looking extension tabs to get the sides to marry up with the back. The method the factory used to attach the sides to the t Date: 21/07/08 When I made the rear most floor brace again - I elected to make it longer- thus overcoming the need for some rather ordinary looking extension tabs to get the sides to marry up with the back. The method the factory used to attach the sides to the truck cab was best described as extreme afterthought.
The long bits are now turned into tabs and can be attached to the tray sides a lot easier than the dogs breakfast the factory originally had in mind. while this Desoto truck is a pretty accurate restoration - we see no sense in replicating bad wor Date: 21/07/08 The long bits are now turned into tabs and can be attached to the tray sides a lot easier than the dogs breakfast the factory originally had in mind. While this Desoto truck is a pretty accurate restoration - we see no sense in replicating bad workmanship or afterthought engineering.
Note the welds have yet to be made where the quarter panle joins to the tailgate jamb. This will allow for adjustment when the re built tailgate is offered up. Date: 21/07/08 Note the welds have yet to be made where the quarter panel joins to the tailgate jamb. This will allow for adjustment when the re built tailgate is offered up. Only then will it be final welded.
The right hand rear quarter awaits its return to to the truck. It will be great to finally see all this come together. Date: 21/07/08 The right hand rear quarter awaits its return to to the truck. It will be great to finally see all this come together.
Boy this truck sits high!. Our good mate Bill dropped by to lend a hand with getting the truck back parts altogether again. Date: 21/07/08 Boy this truck sits high!. Our good mate Bill dropped by to lend a hand with getting the truck back parts altogether again.
The tailgate has seen extensive repairs- the inner has all been massaged back to its original form - undoing years of abuse... Date: 21/07/08 The tailgate has seen extensive repairs- the inner has all been massaged back to its original form - undoing years of abuse...
...and a new skin has been made for the outer. All the inner tailgate braces (as seen in a previous picture) have been repaired, re-felted and re-instated. A tremendous amount of effort has been expended on the tailgate- now you wouldn't know how bad i Date: 21/07/08 ...and a new skin has been made for the outer. All the inner tailgate braces (as seen in a previous picture) have been repaired, re-felted and re-instated. A tremendous amount of effort has been expended on the tailgate- now you wouldn't know how bad it once was. Luckily Davin was able to source a far better unit to repair than what would have been on the truck - many many years ago. Basically it was missing when he bought the truck.
The new beaver panel has been trail fitted- hinge pockets have been made and now its time for a trial fitting of the tailgate. Date: 21/07/08 The new beaver panel has been trail fitted- hinge pockets have been made and now its time for a trial fitting of the tailgate.
Its a pretty simple hinge system in appearance- but a lot of work has had to go into it to get this far! There are a lot of hidden plates and brackets that have had to be restored or recreated. The hinges themselves had to be belted back into service Date: 21/07/08 Its a pretty simple hinge system in appearance- but a lot of work has had to go into it to get this far! There are a lot of hidden plates and brackets that have had to be restored or recreated. The hinges themselves had to be belted back into service -they were twisted and bent nearly beyond recognition!
A closer view of the recess hinge pocket- this was an extremely difficult area to recreate perfectly - but thanks to Marty Dean Fabrication - this now looks like a bought one! Date: 21/07/08 A closer view of the recess hinge pocket- this was an extremely difficult area to recreate perfectly - but thanks to Marty Dean Fabrication - this now looks like a bought one!
The end... well not quite - all that's left is everything else. The next stage is to perfect the gaps on these end panels and start fabricating/fitting all the bed support braces..
Its certainly now a far cry from its former battered state! Date: 21/07/08 The end... well not quite - all that's left is everything else. The next stage is to perfect the gaps on these end panels and start fabricating/fitting all the bed support braces..
Its certainly now a far cry from its former battered state!
Davin took much of the front panels away including the plethora of associated bracketry and assembled this in his spare time. Good thing too- we never pulled any of it apart- so we had no idea where it all went. Date: 23/07/08 Davin took much of the front panels away including the plethora of associated bracketry and assembled this in his spare time. Good thing too- we never pulled any of it apart- so we had no idea where it all went.
The yanks call this a dog house - add the bonnet halves and that wouldn't be a bad kennel! Seriously though - this rubik's equivalent of brackets and supports is made from several donor trucks and has to be the oddest way I have ever encountered to Date: 23/07/08 The yanks call this a dog house - add the bonnet halves and that wouldn't be a bad kennel! Seriously though - this Rubik's equivalent of brackets and supports is made from several donor trucks and has to be the oddest way I have ever encountered to hold a few panels together. Its rather like a meccano set! Obviously once together it all makes sense.
In the meantime the construction of the pick up bed braces continues. It is important the rear most member goes in first - thus allowing for alignment of the tailgate and beaver panels. It is tied in with the beaver panel to give added support to th Date: 23/07/08 In the meantime the construction of the pick up bed braces continues. It is important the rear most member goes in first - thus allowing for alignment of the tailgate and beaver panels. It is tied in with the beaver panel to give added support to the tailgate hinges.
To be sure these braces are held in firmly - some angle brackets have been made to help spread the load. The braces have also been welded internally Date: 23/07/08 To be sure these braces are held in firmly - some angle brackets have been made to help spread the load. The braces have also been welded internally
After a lot of fine tuning of cab mount insulators- the truck is starting to find its foundations again and as an added bonus is now not sitting so high as it was before. Date: 23/07/08 After a lot of fine tuning of cab mount insulators- the truck is starting to find its foundations again and as an added bonus is now not sitting so high as it was before.
The installation of the pick up bed braces continues. Three are in and the last one is to go. These look simple but are pretty involved. Date: 31/07/08 The installation of the pick up bed braces continues. Three are in and the last one is to go. These look simple but are pretty involved.
The folded hat section is as per original. What is being changed is the deletion of the wood inside this channel as its a haven for moisture and eventually rust. The originals were virtually non existent so to avoid corrosion yet maintain some integrit Date: 31/07/08 The folded hat section is as per original. What is being changed is the deletion of the wood inside this channel as its a haven for moisture and eventually rust. The originals were virtually non existent so to avoid corrosion yet maintain some integrity - the hat section is capped. Material used is 1.5mmm zinc-anneal.
To prevent these new members from crushing when tightened down to the truck chassis - a substantial crush tube is added inside the hat section before the top plate is spot welded on. Date: 31/07/08 To prevent these new members from crushing when tightened down to the truck chassis - a substantial crush tube is added inside the hat section before the top plate is spot welded on.
The mounting points are meticulously checked and the member cut down to size to fit inside the tray. Once all this is good - the mounting hole is drilled into the hat section and the crushtube is welded to this also. Drain holes are also incorporated to Date: 31/07/08 The mounting points are meticulously checked and the member cut down to size to fit inside the tray. Once all this is good - the mounting hole is drilled into the hat section and the crushtube is welded to this also. Drain holes are also incorporated to allow further rustproofing and if any moisture does get in - it can get out again.
To make sure the spacings are right and the truck bed square with the chassis- packers are used- and handily enough cut offs from the bed braces are exactly the right width for the spacings! Yes we are aware the chassis is being marked slightly - its u Date: 31/07/08 To make sure the spacings are right and the truck bed square with the chassis- packers are used- and handily enough cut offs from the bed braces are exactly the right width for the spacings! Yes we are aware the chassis is being marked slightly - its unavoidable- but easy enough to touch up later on.
The next step is to weld the crush tube from the inside of the channel. Angled sections are also welded to the ends of the brace and will marry up to the wheel tubs just nicely. Date: 31/07/08 The next step is to weld the crush tube from the inside of the channel. Angled sections are also welded to the ends of the brace and will marry up to the wheel tubs just nicely.
When finally welded in place this is the result. The top plate is spot welded in place - but not before the insides are given a liberal dose of rustproofing. Date: 31/07/08 When finally welded in place this is the result. The top plate is spot welded in place - but not before the insides are given a liberal dose of rustproofing.
With the last bed brace welded in place , attention can now be paid to the outer floor sections that will support the timber floor. Date: 31/07/08 With the last bed brace welded in place , attention can now be paid to the outer floor sections that will support the timber floor.
The old floor sections have been kept to use as a reference. The new folded sections are equal in gauge and require a fair amount of additional modification and trimming before they are ready to fit. Date: 31/07/08 The old floor sections have been kept to use as a reference. The new folded sections are equal in gauge and require a fair amount of additional modification and trimming before they are ready to fit.
With that rust showing on the old piece- it becomes apparent why it was necessary to start again from scratch. A bit more work is required on the new piece before it matches the old - its not a simple case of just grab, bend ,bash and fit - a lot o Date: 31/07/08 With that rust showing on the old piece- it becomes apparent why it was necessary to start again from scratch. A bit more work is required on the new piece before it matches the old - its not a simple case of just grab, bend ,bash and fit - a lot of manipulation of the bed/ tray area is still required before these parts can be put to bed (pardon the pun!) Measure several times and cut once.
The bed is taking shape at last - quite a lot of effort goes into getting the small pieces of bed floor to marry up happily with the bed sides. Remember the truck has been through a lot of repair work to rectify the damage from years of abuse. Its not j Date: 08/08/08 The bed is taking shape at last - quite a lot of effort goes into getting the small pieces of bed floor to marry up happily with the bed sides. Remember the truck has been through a lot of repair work to rectify the damage from years of abuse. Its not just a matter of all the new pieces just falling into place. Getting the bed as square as possible and the new sections in exactly the right position take time. Keeping the bed sides from moving out of alignment during welding of the bed floor parts has been a continuing challenge. Constant tailgate closing checks and adjustments are required.
The floor areas around the beds wheel tubs are made from several pieces of both new and old sections carefully blended together and metal finished. Where this is improved from the old design is the deletion of much of the overlap. It takes a lot longe Date: 08/08/08 The floor areas around the beds wheel tubs are made from several pieces of both new and old sections carefully blended together and metal finished. Where this is improved from the old design is the deletion of much of the overlap. It takes a lot longer to weld the parts in - but the end result is a smooth transition from one part to the next. This means it wont have areas to trap rust and the new floor boards shall go in with minimum fuss.
The join from the quarter panels to the cab have a combination of braze and oxyweld. I'm not a huge fan of brazing as it can weaken the join if it is too excessive. However if the panel was brazed before- then it MUST be brazed again. As this is Date: 08/08/08 The join from the quarter panels to the cab have a combination of braze and oxyweld. I'm not a huge fan of brazing as it can weaken the join if it is too excessive. However if the panel was brazed before- then it MUST be brazed again. As this is what the factory had done- it left us with little choice.
Finally after many months we are on the home straight - the panel beating is finished and the final Epoxy priming has begun. Date: 09/09/08 Finally after many months we are on the home straight - the panel beating is finished and the final Epoxy priming has begun.
Of course it was far from smooth sailing to get this far - Desoto and Dodge share quite similar panels. However items like the hood centre and lower grill support proved to be different enough to mean the first items we had restored were simply j Date: 09/09/08 Of course it was far from smooth sailing to get this far - Desoto and Dodge share quite similar panels. However items like the hood centre and lower grill support proved to be different enough to mean the first items we had restored were simply just not going to fit in some cases. The original Desoto items had to be repaired and once this was done everything bolted up as it should.
Some masking tape holds the tailgate closed for now but the smooth panels are now looking like they all belong. Date: 09/09/08 Some masking tape holds the tailgate closed for now but the smooth panels are now looking like they all belong.
From the side the profile of this truck is huge! While it appears the door doesn't line up with the guard - this is an optical illusion- the return on the door is deeper than the guard - so from this angle it appears incorrect - but it isn't. Date: 09/09/08 From the side the profile of this truck is huge! While it appears the door doesn't line up with the guard - this is an optical illusion- the return on the door is deeper than the guard - so from this angle it appears incorrect - but it isn't.
If you look closely -the depth difference between the two panels becomes more apparent. Remember these are trucks- not cars - so panel fit and finish from the factory was not very generous. We have improved many areas far better than what the fac Date: 09/09/08 If you look closely -the depth difference between the two panels becomes more apparent. Remember these are trucks- not cars - so panel fit and finish from the factory was not very generous. We have improved many areas far better than what the factory has done - yet we had to quite careful to retain the character of the original design and not over restore the Desoto.
The running boards are left off for now but fill that lower gap in quite nicely. Date: 09/09/08 The running boards are left off for now but fill that lower gap in quite nicely.
This is the first time in decades the truck has worn most of its grille- the grill bars will be chromed not painted - epoxy primer is protecting them for now. Date: 09/09/08 This is the first time in decades the truck has worn most of its grille- the grill bars will be chromed not painted - epoxy primer is protecting them for now.
There are the the running boards! The tray ahas also seen a full Monty smooth up as well - this was quite time consuming but necessary. Date: 09/09/08 There are the the running boards! The tray ahas also seen a full Monty smooth up as well - this was quite time consuming but necessary.
Now its all done you would never have known how battered this truck once was. The next stage is for Graham to disassemble and paint the truck in its original colours.

Stay tuned! Date: 09/09/08 Now its all done you would never have known how battered this truck once was. The next stage is for Graham to disassemble and paint the truck in its original colours.

Stay tuned!
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