My Half A$$ Studebaker Rebuild

[Topper2011]

Welding done of the JC patch panel, time to work on the damage behind the vent door. Time to set up my work area.







I don't have a stud gun and don't have access behind it for a dolly. I have thought of cutting this piece out and flattening it and welding it back in. I did this instead.







It worked well enough to put a skim coat on, but it's way too hot for filler today. It will have to wait for tomorrow early morning.

[bensherb]

Cool, looks like it worked pretty well ! Next time ask, I've got a stud gun too. Too bad you live so far away and gas is so expensive. The thing is heavy and would cost a fortune to ship. Before you ask, I also have a spot welder if the need arises.

[Topper2011]

No worries Rick. It worked out. I've got to get to your place some day and check out all your projects.

[sweetolbob]

Your skills have come a long way since the start of this project. Well done!! And keep posting.

Bob

[Topper2011]

Thanks Bob :-)

[tsenecal]

I've been thinking about buying a stud gun, but hate to spend the dollars for something that only gets used occasionally. Might try your improvised method and see how it works out. The fender looks like it will work out fine.

[Topper2011]

It looked liked it came out ok. I figured I didn't have much to lose as you re correct, it's an expensive tool for such low usage. Just remember to not use galvanized nails!

[bensherb]

If all you have are galvanized nails, just toss a few into some HCL (muratic acid) if you have it. They won't be galvanized for long.

[Topper2011]

It was still too hot to work outside, so I squeezed into my garage to slap the mud on. I held back on too much hardener since I was going to pull the car out into the sun and it was already in the 80's. I hope my theory was correct.



Before using the cheese grater.



After 80 grit and then 120. I'll need to use some glazing putty to fill in some scratches and air pockets that was revealed. That's tomorrows task since I'm waiting for my epoxy primer and need to order some hardener for the acrylic enamel from TCP. I've still got to work on the rust pits on the left front fender and prep both for paint. Hopefully, next week I'll be able to shoot some paint.

[Topper2011]

Today, we went to Santa Cruz.



We've missed the last two years. I will only post one car from today.








Guess what powers it? I'll let you know in a couple days.

[RadioRoy]

Roland,
Is that Studezilla?
p.s. where did you find a place to park? Did you motor over there on two wheels? The highway is treacherous, as you know.

[Topper2011]

Roy, I am not sure. The guy was really excited to talk about it and it was built by someone that I cannot recall the name. It was very busy there, so many people out enjoying the day and cars. I parked a few blocks away in the street. My wife and one of my kids came along with me. We leave early to get over the hill and usually back in the valley about 1pm.

[bensherb]

Roland,
Is that Studezilla?
p.s. where did you find a place to park? Did you motor over there on two wheels? The highway is treacherous, as you know.

The only pics I can find of a car called Studezilla is a "pro mod" C/K drag race car Roy. You may be thinking of Frankenstude, which is a bullet nose, but it's not a woodie, has longer lines and is purple. It also doesn't have '37-'39 Ford headlights ( which I think is a neat touch on this car). I've seen Studezilla, super nice; a LOT of time and money went into it, but it's not this car. I think I saw this car, or at least one VERY much like it, a few years ago when it wasn't finished. I remember it being black then though. I could be wrong, memory and old age you know.

[RadioRoy]

You are right. I was probably thinking Frankenstude.

I have a vague memory of this car as well from some years back. Is it a local car?