my 62 uni build

twistedfreak · Post by **twistedfreak** » August 21, 2008, 10:20 pm

its 16 ga .059 and its very ridged in the cab door and the bed is the same but i used 1 in square for support running from front to back for extra strength an also so it doesnt sag any..

got the other pieces made today will post some picks of it tomorrow.

The Big M · Post by **The Big M** » August 22, 2008, 1:04 pm

I don't know, even at 16 gauge those are some fairly large flat panels. I think you need some beads rolled in there, at least in the cab panel. I see you've got it all tacked in though, so maybe some other reinforcement may be in order. I'm concerned about the cab panel flexing as the body twists and bends.

The bed might be okay since it's reinforced, but just think of how a factory bed floor gets dinged up even when it has ridges (though I assume you won't be hauling much). The cab steps are probably okay, but I can't see them being as ridgid as the factory pieces. if I'm not mistaken repros from Carolina Classics are 14 gauge and have ridges formed in.

Garbz · Post by **Garbz** » August 22, 2008, 2:57 pm

If you did not weld in the floor yet there is a critical component missing from the truck that has implications for structural rigidity.

The torque box needs to be replaced or you will quickly find your self with non opening doors and all kinds of wrinkled quarter panels the first ime out the driveway. It is the approximate 2" deep box about 18 inches long that runs the width of the bed just aft of the cab support. The rear bulkehead panel is actually a part of this fabrication. It provides all the rigiditiy to the body. The box had the front section of the bed floor spot welded to it and it was spot welded to the sidewalls of the quarter panels.

Also the insteps have a second layer that is the actual step. A heavy stamping travels from the front cowl fender mount to the rear of the cab section it is double ridged this is under the step and the step is spotted to it.. this also provides required structural rigidity to keep the door jambs from moving.

This bracing is really critical with the use of non reinforced flat panels. It will move all over the place as the frame flexes.

If you have a 61 shop manual they show the 66 body type in detail as to how the panels are fabricated in the body and sealant section of the manual.

Garbz

Garbz · Post by **Garbz** » August 22, 2008, 3:12 pm

http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/ ... /676f?b=16

Here is a link to a picture of the torque box in place on a 63 Short bed uni.

It will give you an idea of what is needed

Garbz

twistedfreak · Post by **twistedfreak** » August 22, 2008, 5:00 pm

not letting me open the file would really like to see it before i weld the front section in. its not the front piece thats about 2in deep and 6in wide is it?

Garbz · Post by **Garbz** » August 22, 2008, 10:00 pm

Yes it is the box about 8 inches long 2 inches deep and the width of the bed on a short bed. The long beds are about 10 inches longer.

it ties the entire cab together.

The pic is on Yahoo Groups original slick site in my album Garbz Fords. It is a shot of my Pro Street as i was removing the bed to do the suspension.

I have no other pics then those up I will see if i can copy and paste.

Garbz

twistedfreak · Post by **twistedfreak** » August 22, 2008, 10:14 pm

cool thanks

twistedfreak · Post by **twistedfreak** » August 24, 2008, 8:31 am

hey garbz can you post a pickof that for me id like to get it made so i can get the bed finished up and i really thank u for the heads up that would have sucked if i forgot that.

twistedfreak · Post by **twistedfreak** » August 28, 2008, 10:47 pm

some body work starting its not fun but ill get her. finally have the rear cab corner done and starting the bed side so i can add the inside bed piece and finish the floor.

twistedfreak · Post by **twistedfreak** » August 29, 2008, 1:20 pm

some more picks

twistedfreak · Post by **twistedfreak** » October 10, 2008, 5:49 pm

its been awhile since ive been around but i got out and played some more with the slick and heres what i have so far. i got the motor set in and the rear section of structure for the bed and cab all made and tacked it and ready to be fully welded all i need now is a rear door section from some parts truck and ill be finished with the metal work.

which before anyone asks the fuel junk is getting axed for a carb set up

Slick Fan · Post by **Slick Fan** » October 11, 2008, 11:15 am

Looks like you're making good progress!

I see you redesigned that original rust trap design in the cab corner, that looks much better!

The only problem is...is it going to be a big open air vent into the cab? I know the rusted holes in my '66 acted as an open air vent, which was no biggie in warm weather, but it was sure noticeable in the cold.

Just spitballing, as I sit here watching snow fly outside my window.

twistedfreak · Post by **twistedfreak** » October 11, 2008, 2:46 pm

once i get to the inside its going to be all capped off and smooth so it can get painted to match the rest of the interior so no open air will be getting not that it will see much snow anyways.

twistedfreak · Post by **twistedfreak** » October 15, 2008, 3:41 pm

and the driver side of the door instep did it a little different put the smooth finish over the ridges so it much stronger and will do the same on the passenger as soon as the new pieces get here from Carolina classics

61 Merc · Post by **61 Merc** » October 15, 2008, 4:10 pm

You will find that the supports from Dennis Carpenter do not extend the full length that the originals do, they will cover the step area but not into the front or rear post area. I would suggest extending them into this area as this will provide the most support.

I have the originals and new ones, I would attach pictures of them if I had them, may be able to get some tonight.

Dean

twistedfreak · Post by **twistedfreak** » October 15, 2008, 9:16 pm

i bought the new panels from carolina classics and they extend all the way under the cab front and back

Slick Fan · Post by **Slick Fan** » October 16, 2008, 10:52 am

Sounds like Carolina Classics fixed the problem.

twistedfreak · Post by **twistedfreak** » October 19, 2008, 4:22 pm

driver side bedside fix

twistedfreak · Post by **twistedfreak** » January 29, 2009, 10:11 pm

been a while but ill post some progress picks tomorrow for the uni and get some of your feed back on what hapened since everyone last saw it

Robert · Post by **Robert** » January 30, 2009, 7:15 pm

sounds good