77 Maverick build (slopoke)

Wow, you make me feel lazy...

 

Wow, you're making great progress - your passenger floor is repaired exactly how I did mine using just sheet metal

 

thanks! I have been watching your build, very impressive. You and I had the exact same idea for the X-Brace!

 

Oh that's a relief. I wasn't sure if i was gonna catch hell for that. LOL I think it looks pretty good. I've been watching your build for a while and if you say its good, I'll take it!

 

Don't feel lazy.. I guess i should clarify that most of these modifications have been made over the last 2 years. I'm just catching up on the posts.

 

Just a heads up before u build the x-brace get a driveshaft in the car. I was lucky enough that my aluminum shaft cleared by a 1/4" at full droop.

 

Thanks for the heads up. i could see how that could pose a problem

 

looking great keep it up

 

Nice car and i think i lived in the same house in Leesville when i was stationed at Polk. Was there a grave yard on the left corner and on the other side of the street when you came out of your house?

 

oh that would be crazy. No cemeteries that i remember but the address was 107 E. Lee st.

 

I had a little bit of time today so I thought i would work on my body exit exhaust. Its all tacked together for fitment just need to finish weld it. The outer plate is welded to a 3" tube that goes through the dropped area in the trunk at a 35ish degree angle. The plate will be riveted to the quarter panel for an aircraft look and siliconed to prevent water from being trapped or leaking into the trunk. On the backside, I had no way of cutting an exact hole for the tube to pass through so i was forced to cut a larger hole and cover with a plate fitted to the tube. So the tube will be welded to the plate on the backside, then welded to the body. The exhaust tip shouldn't get that hot but just for safety sake, ill wrap the tube exposed in the trunk with header wrap. The exhaust tip will run through the tube with 1/4 in spacing on either side and shouldn't rattle if i anchor the pipes correctly. I would like your opinions on the finish for the outer plate. I cant decide if I want to buff the sheet metal and clear coat it, paint it black, or i could give it a brushed aluminum look. Any other ideas? oh and this will be a dual exhaust so the other side will be identical.

 

And a few days ago, I bent up my Monte Carlo bar. I just need to cut to fit and add the mounting brackets. I know there are some great products out there like this and i wish my budget was higher but i just cant afford to buy all the goodies.
I haven't had to pay for a any fabrication materials other than my welding wire. The fab shops I do welding inspections for are constantly offering me scrap materials, cutting disks, flap disks, sandblasting services and tons of other things. So this build is definitely a group effort! lol. Making the bar was much easier than I thought. It only took two tries(the first try was hideous) but once i figured out the technique it was cake. 3 bends total.

 

Did you ever marry that girl stationed at Fort Polk? If so, you had better buy her flowers for Saint V day as it would appear you are spending more time with the Maverick than with her! Ha-ha.

Great build!!!!!

 

Not married yet! Ill marry her when the Maverick is finished.lol

 

sorry I haven't been posting much, work is been really busy. but I have been able to get some stuff done.the engine bay is finally finished, and I'm getting ready to start Installing the new suspension and steering components.