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68 half cab retro build

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ratbilt

ratbilt

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Thanks guys love the comments. not much pics to post been wet sanding (actually sanded through my little finger- had to tape it) can't finger print me right now - no prints left Picked up the dash today & rear lower panel (I'll get pics next post).
Painted the bumpers but have to repaint (using a low shine clear - I ran the shit out of it)
going to paint it in the garage can't see shit in the tent. Should get the top & window frame back next week. Rich
 

71 CA Bronco

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Hey Rich wait a minute here. I looked at your build start date. At least the first post 5/20. You know you can't get a build done that quickly. Especially one like this. Makes the rest of us 5-10 yr builders look bad. %) Think about the brotherhood for gods sake we still have to answer to our wives and girlfriends. ;D

Funny. I've sanded through a few fingers myself. Can't wait to here the first start up video.
 
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ratbilt

ratbilt

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Ha ha ha - hi Rob, I started 10/99 was working full time until 1/20 then working 6 months 3 days a week then retired full time. I suspect it's going to take me close to 2 years. I'm usually building 6-10 hours a day 7 days a week. Everybody ask me what are doing my reply is BRONCO. After the bronco is done I have a shit ton of around the house stuff to do then off to the next project. Rich
 
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ratbilt

ratbilt

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Ok sanded the bumpers again & repainted, wet sanded the hood. Installed the lights, lic plate and installed the bumpers (have to get bolts tuesdey for the lic plate). Tried to install the ss tail gate handle (those F---ng nut inserts are bullshit (the thing twisted before collapsing) got a nut insert kit coming, plus the ss housing has a 1" mark in it I'll exchange it. Put the dash together. By the way my fingers are killing me. Rich
 

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ratbilt

ratbilt

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Tailgate handle installed, made my own carpet templates (see pic) had Jim (the upholsterer) seam & sew where needed. Installed carpet (except drivers kick panel - cut it out in reverse). Made a template out of wood to bend hood scope screens, put in the press, tig welded ends to hold together (like welding wrigley gum wrappers together). Made a u shape piece to hold in screen. Hopefully start on the grill monday. Rich
 

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JeffG

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Great idea on the screens. Where are you located and do you have A/C in your shop!

You must be in a nicer climate than me as I can barely stand to work in garage until about Noon in July and August. Damn humidity in South Texas.
 
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ratbilt

ratbilt

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Thanks 904 and JeffG
I'm in el dorado hills ca It's been 113 last week 106 yesterday and 100 today, no ac a lot of gatorade and water. My shop is my garage only 25% humidity.
Got the carpets done e brake done working on the fuel filler & started on the grill. Have to rebuild the wing windows (out of stock everywhere until sept).
Opened the garage doors sunday morning & my portable garage (paint booth) was missing, found it 50 ft down the mountain (the wind must have gusted and it took off like mary poppins) actually still ok, brought it back up the hill and tied it down this time. Rich
 
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ratbilt

ratbilt

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Thanks Rob
Almost done with the fuel filler, got the windshield installed (flush mounted), removed the turn signal mounts & tried to make look factory (turn signals are in the head lights - yellow halo's). Added stainless screen behind the grill, going to add 3 marker lights next then finish & paint. Rich
 

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ratbilt

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Been working on my grill almost ready for paint. Picked up my top and wing window, made new emblems for the dash mounted the dash and trans modules Rich
 

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ratbilt

ratbilt

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Thanks Jeff, hopefully I can install the dash in the next couple of days, I velcro-ed the trans & dash modules to the back side of the dash so I can pull them out and wire. I have to repaint the hood & rear fenders (dam amateur painter - I looked in the mirror and cursed him out) 1 step forward 2 steps back. Grill is finally in primer ( hard to paint it's 104 in my garage today) been wet sanding my doors. Have to service write next week (to cover for vacationing service writer). Rich
 
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ratbilt

ratbilt

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Thanks Jeffg & sprdv1
Finished wet sanding the doors, hoods ready for repaint, grill is primed. wet sanded & polished the 1/2 cab. added trunk liner to the inside of the 1/2 cab.
Finished the emblem design now to the cnc shop.
 

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ratbilt

ratbilt

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Finished the grill - (the black is semi gloss), installed the ss screen & raptor lights, installed front bumper need to do some touch up. Have to bring the 1/2 cab back to repair the wrap (glass shop damaged it). Going back on the hood (already repainted). Rich
 

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ratbilt

ratbilt

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After spending the the last 3 weeks taking care of other things, back on the bronco. Repainted front & rear fenders, doors, wet sanding again ( I'm not very good at body work - taking me 2 to 3 times). This time looks good. Started to make 1/2 cab inside panels from aluminum covering them with trunk carpet the lower 1 is finished , side panels almost done top of the window yet to make. Should have all the panels done monday, going to use velcro to attach. made the front emblem from stainless. Should be installing the top monday, hopefully next week install the windows, make the door panels, maybe paint the rims. Rich
 

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JeffG

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I like what you are doing with the half cab and the panels. Similar to the full tops, they are just so unfinished inside. What are your plans on painting the rims?

You won't have any trouble with seeing at night! I can't wait to see a pics with all the front lights on.
 
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ratbilt

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Thanks Jeff, The wheels are going to be black (semi gloss like the rest of the black) methed will be in red. Finished the window install (what a bitch was ok as soon as I figured out the right glass doesn't fit on the left side - same with the rod from the outside handle), need to install the power door locks. Modified the the part that holds the wires from door to A pillar. I'm trying to make tail lights not sure if it's going to work (lexan and leds) Got the seats back (had the heaters installed) Trying to button up small things all around before wiring. Made another list of things to do. Rich
 

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