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Post by commercialair on Feb 7, 2007 13:23:14 GMT -5
I need some support here fellas. This project has just about gotten the best of me. Thankfully, it's almost done. This is what I'm fighting with: The whole bed is riddled with dents and dings. I had to cut out a few sections that were unrepairable and weld in patches. It's looking good but I've about had it with dent repair. This is the kind of stuff that gives bodymen night terrors. Of course, replacement beds are available for split buses and none for fat chicks. The welding and dent pulling is just about complete. Now I have to start the filling and sanding and I'm really not going to enjoy it. Chris
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Post by dpeters81westy on Feb 7, 2007 22:40:17 GMT -5
;D - DP
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Post by Milkman on Feb 8, 2007 0:07:03 GMT -5
Hahahahahaha! ;D
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Post by riffraff on Feb 8, 2007 14:07:00 GMT -5
There comes a time when you must say "Good enough" There will always be Persian flaws, besides - it's truck, it's supposed to haul stuff around and get little dings and thumps.
The outside looks fabulous, cut yourself some slack on the bed.
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Post by commercialair on Feb 8, 2007 14:23:35 GMT -5
Sage advise. I just keep thinking that with the rest of the bus "over restored" that the bed will stick out like a sore thumb.
To top it off, I'm in the bed slat business. I want this to look like it should.
I'll get over myself and get it done. Thanks Keith!
Karma for you.
Chris
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Post by commercialair on Feb 14, 2007 13:11:41 GMT -5
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Post by dpeters81westy on Feb 14, 2007 19:45:52 GMT -5
Chris,
Did you make the spacer-plate for the latch? I can't see it in the photos ( I have a TON of the build-up phase).
I think it looks good...once it's painted and the rubber "outer" seal is in place it will look terrific.
I'll just put the photos on a USB drive and bring them over to you..and then you can update the commercial-air page.
- Doug Staff Photographer.
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Post by Mowser on Feb 15, 2007 2:13:57 GMT -5
This could come off sounding stupid but here ya go. Umm... you mounted your popout window backwards?
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Post by dpeters81westy on Feb 15, 2007 7:58:54 GMT -5
Actually, Chris had a very good reason to install the window frames with the glass opening "forward".
On Split-Bus applications the glass opens toward the rear as you illustrated...BUT on a Bay Window, these pop-outs are not a stock or factory equipped item. These are custom made parts that were never actually "engineered" to fit these vehicles completely.
One of Chris's complaints about these items was that when the frame and latch are installed "rear-ward opening" there is interference that causes the glass to "pop-out"..or at least "open" EVERY TIME the Rear Cab door is opened.
It was a lengthy debate, but the decision had to be made to make the windows open the same direction...and the easiest way was to make them open forward.
Chris will explain more I'm sure. I helped him for over 3 and a half hours on the driver's side alone.
- Doug
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Post by commercialair on Feb 15, 2007 9:03:02 GMT -5
Doug has explained it very well. Wolfgang's kits are built to have the driver's side opening to the back and the passenger's side to the front due to space restrictions. I opted to mount them both in the same direction. It may seem wierd compaired to a split bus, but it's a custom application on a bay. Also, I've used small spoon latches instead of the large spoon intended for the kit. I wanted something that fit better with this style of truck. The larger spoons look "too vintage"...if that makes any sense?? Using these latches requires either a recess in the B pillar or a spacer welded to the pop-out frame. It's alot of work to modify them, but the finished product looks like it came that way from the factory.
And, before I forget again, thanks for all the help with these Doug!
Chris
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Post by bullyboy on Feb 15, 2007 12:13:01 GMT -5
That should be sucking in a lot of air to keep ya cool I can just see Doug lounging in the back seat with his long hair blowing in the wind.
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Post by Shan Simpson on Feb 15, 2007 16:43:37 GMT -5
I think it looks awesome and it makes it stand out... being different than everyone else
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Post by Mowser on Feb 15, 2007 19:32:50 GMT -5
I figured it was intentional but got scared. I was more wondering about them leaking because of the forward opening. After re reading what I posted I may have come off sounding condemning. Was not the intent as I see a huge advantage in air circulation with them installed that way. It also explains why I couldn't find any bay DC's with them. I learned something today... I ready for tomorrow now!!! ;D
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Post by Milkman on Feb 15, 2007 21:33:14 GMT -5
The windows look really good! I just hope one never "wiggles" it's way open at highway speeds!
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Post by commercialair on Feb 15, 2007 22:07:55 GMT -5
The windows look really good! I just hope one never "wiggles" it's way open at highway speeds! LMAO! Me too! Just for reference...and an interesting fact, these aren't the only forward opening windows on a bus. I believe deluxe 15, 21, and 23's have atleast one (but someone correct me if I'm wrong). I'm looking at these as safaris for the back seat. Hopefully without leaks. Also, I'm changing the latch mount of the driver's side. I'm recessing the base into the B pillar. Doug knows what I mean and I'll post pics this weekend. Chris
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