If you recall, I had little mishap with a water pump that led to a total discomboblation of the fan and radiator. Well, all that is put back together with a rebuilt radiator, new single groove pulleys, new water pump, and 7-blade fan. I even took a fan shroud that was in two pieces and put it back together with JB Weld and fiberglass. I wish I had taken pictures. The shroud looks great. You can't tell it was broken. Meanwhile, I bought a new battery tray and put the brackert from my old one on there and got it painted. I then took a close look at the battery side apron; too much rust and a hole or two. I got out the 4" grinder and put a cup brush on it and went to town on that apron. I killed the rust and removed a lot of loose steel. I sprayed it with some Permatex Rust Treatment and got it ready to paint. The more I looked at it, the more I realized painting it would be like trying to put make up on baboon; it was still going to be ugly. I fiberglassed it. My first stab at such an endeavor. I screwed long bolts into the threaded parts and put down two layers of glass and three layers of resin. I even had to fiberglass a "slot" that rusted into the radiator support where the battery box touches it. It has set now for about two months. I got out this afternnon and started sanding and shaping. Boy! Talk about making dust! The goal was to get a smooth, flat, level surface with no holes or rust. I think I got it. I used a 4" grinder with sanding discs, a die grinder with 1.5" sanding discs, and used drum sanding wheels on my roto tool. Here are some pictures, after sanding, but before painting and after painting. WARNING! This job was completely finished by a rank amateur.
lookin good! Fiberglass does make alot of dust. I repaired the rear hatch on my Cherokee (fiberglasss). Man did everything get dusty
Except me and that was the problem. My grandfather was and my dad still is a craftsman. I was brought up to do it right. When I don't do it right, I am my own worst critic.
Not now. When I pull the engine out and make the modifications for a 351W, then I will fix it right...with sheetmetal.
i know what you mean about being your own worst critic, heck, i think i would have been done with my car by now, if i didn't keep changing my mind about what i was doing at the time. but i know you will fix it better when the time comes
I too, am my own worst critic. Nothing I do for myself is ever good enough. I did learn to just accept the fact I am not perfect and some jobs just need to be acceptable not perfect.. Good Luck and keep having fun and learning while you go. Hands on is the best kind of training. Looks good IMO and as mentioned not to important that it is PERFECT as the battery will cover it up. I salute you for having the desire to craft yourself. Take pride in it
Yep. The '73 is going to be my street rod. I'll have it put back together and fire it up either later tonight or tomorrow.:bananaman Look for a new post about the new toy I picked up today.
After getting back with my new toy today, I finished up the battery tray area of '73 Mav. I sprayed a good coat of flat black over the over I repaired and put the new battery in place. I had an old piece of a big truck mud-flap - about 1/8 inch thick - and cut it down to fit the tray. I put the battery in place and held it down with a new battery hold down from Auto Krafters. It has a shiney finish and stands out on the battery and against the flat black apron. I put the battery terminlas toward the inside for a little easier access.
Looks great Terry, you just might be surprised how good your repair is. Fiberglass is great stuff and is very very strong. Nice work. Dan
