My Half A$$ Studebaker Rebuild

[tsenecal]

I used a set of the butt weld holders like you have in the picture. They were ok, but leave a fairly wide gap. Later I bought a set of magnets designed for holding seams, (eastwood). I liked them better, and made the panels just a little closer fit for easier welding. Good to see more progress on the Hawk.

[ChampCouple]

I think I will try working on the cab corners, be hard at this point to make them any worse.

If I could get to the point of making welds like yours, I would be pretty happy. I see you are using butt welding holders. I bought some, need to practice with them.

[Topper2011]

Your floor boards are looking good. That's alot of tack welds..... but that does take alot of time.

Thanks Mike, it really helps with the spare car already formed to the shapes I needed. I am using the "floor pan" I formed out of the 18ga. to make replacement panels, so I don't waste the effort. I hope your Champ doesn't deter you from trying. Hopefully, you can find a donor too.

[ChampCouple]

Your floor boards are looking good. That's alot of tack welds..... but that does take alot of time.

[Topper2011]

Amazing how long each task takes to do. I've been trimming and fitting the right side floor pan for two days so far and it's getting close.







The door is starting to clean up as well.



Probably another day of sanding and it will be ready to epoxy primer.

[Topper2011]

I worked on the door as well and almost done getting all the little rust spots out.





I also worked on the broken reverse switch. I found a 4 prong switch for the spare car. It must have been an automatic.





I swapped the plastic blocks and it works again. Unfortunately, one of the tangs is broken on the column shifter that flips the switch. I am afraid to wonder where it and the little plastic ball went off to.

[Topper2011]

I cleaned up the old bits of sill plate.







Ok, this is one of those times my wife is wondering what I'm doing staring at this for half an hour. The part of the floor that goes under the hinge pocket is rotted out to non existent. I'll probably cut off the new piece I already welded on and add a longer piece underneath the pocket and then re-weld to the new floor.



While I was there, I wanted to remove this old power antenna. it took two days.

[Topper2011]

The new floor needed some work as it also had some rot.









The red circle is for the mounting bolt hole, which is oval. I used the old piece to get close. Since I'm not 100% sure where it will end up, I'll wait until it's closer to fitting in place.

[Topper2011]

I wasn't anxious to work on the passenger side floor, but a little at a time will eventually get it done.



Started cutting down the replacement floor.



It's going to have to fit this giant hole I have.



I have to patch the patch still. While the weather was drizzly, I worked on the driver's door stripping the paint off



The paint had a lot of goosebumps, so I'm thinking it was poor paint prep. Hopefully I do a marginally better job.

[Topper2011]

Does it matter HOW you brace the door opening? I will hopefully be working on my floor this coming summer. I’m really jealous of all your progress on your Hawk.

I really don't know and am sure someone with more experience can answer that. I just wanted to keep the distance the same before and after. Triangulating it seem to be the stiffest option with the minimal bracing. Still, it's pretty restrictive to get in there and work.

[Daan]

Does it matter HOW you brace the door opening? I will hopefully be working on my floor this coming summer. I’m really jealous of all your progress on your Hawk.

[Topper2011]

After the work done on the drivers side, you will be a seasoned pro on the passenger repairs. The side grill looks great!

Don't look to closely, there's a pretty good run in the paint.

[tsenecal]

After the work done on the drivers side, you will be a seasoned pro on the passenger repairs. The side grill looks great!

[Topper2011]

Roland, I’ve parted out cars that were in better shape than what you’re working on. And I’m sure I’m not the only one.

Your tenacity and determination on this project is impressive.

Thanks, I've heard that a lot Matt. The red parts car I picked up was in better shape too.

[mbstude]

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