Safari Pacific MX2 Build

[schanusa]

So, I've been a little side tracked the past few weeks. First I deep cleaned the shop to make the build easier. And made some extra space to work around.

Then played with the new toy....just a little....

 

[schanusa]

Now its time to get back to work. Sometimes my boss can get a bit rough


Today I started to tackle the wheel wells. Since I want to keep the little curve, where the body line rolls into the back of the cab, I cut those pieces from the cab.

The small portion to the bottom is the little curve I mentioned above. Roughly cutting the two pieces to fit I then clamp them into place.

No backing material was used to weld this up. As you can see, things got a bit ugly.

I repeat on the driver side pieces.

After welding the driver side, I realize the angle was way off. I replace the part cut off from the wheel well edge.

 

[schanusa]

Grinding off the welds I smooth the edges.

Next I cut a extra piece of 18 gauge steel to reinforce the curve. Unfortunately I didn't snap a photo until I was finished. You can see the slight bulge where the reinforcing strip was welded on though.

 

[schanusa]

Wanting a better picture of the body line curves, I went outside into the sunlight. With better lighting they don't look half bad.

Next I dry fit the passenger side onto the body panel. I have to push the panel inward to align with the door.

I make my trimming marks

Then I trim and clean up the sharp edges.

 

[maitee1]

You should change your name to the Mad Scientist. You are a great fabricator. This build is awesome. I can't wait to see it done.

 

[schanusa]

Going in the same fashion I use a strip of 16 gauge steel behind the seams. Tack welded wheel well curve into place.

After tack welding, I tie a piece of string to hold the panel in place.

I finish up welding the passenger side and repeat on the driver side.

 

[84projectFORD]

absolutly amazing man! you have come a loooong way

 

[Dishtowel]

I would almost be afraid to drive this, much less wheel it because of the risk of damaging this one of a kind vehicle that has XXX hours sunk into it. Props to you for knowing what you want and going for it!

 

[motohead771]

I enjoy looking at your build. Its so unique. Great job so far, can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[schanusa]

I would almost be afraid to drive this, much less wheel it because of the risk of damaging this one of a kind vehicle that has XXX hours sunk into it. Props to you for knowing what you want and going for it!

I'm not to worried since crap happens no matter what. But I will say I won't be running this to the store....

 

[schanusa]

Onto the roof... I start by creating a pattern for the curve. The old groove where the roof and side meets will be rounded as well.

With the pattern in hand and some sheet steel I head over to another shop. There I get the metal for the roof rolled as well as the wheel well pieces.

Back at the shop I start to dry fit the rolled piece. Roof is very rusty!

With the swamp coolers rusting out all the exposed metal I decide to prep everything for primer.

 

[schanusa]

Along with prepping for paint I remove all stickers and clean off the glue.

Primer shows all the small tweeks in the metal.

Painted the roof and leaving a small gap to weld onto.

I sanded and painted all the inside pieces as well.

 

[odie1969]

It is amazing what you are doing with your truck. I would like to stop by and check it out in person sometime.

 

[koda6966]

Now that's what I call progress!

 

[stegomon]

holy cow dude.....when you are done....get this over to ford...bet they could use this dezine or somethin...that is just awsome