Thread: Rebuilding a 109 1958 Ute

Hey there Ian,

I don't know a lot about these new fangled paints.

From what I see around the place, there are quite a few (particularly jap imports) cars that have that blistered paint effect on bonnets and roofs. From what I have heard this is because they were not polished with UV resistant polishes and the result is that the paint has broken down.

Most are reasonably old, but an increasing number are newer.

I assume that newer vehicles use these acrylic enamels.

I wonder if the comment "use a good quality polish" relates to that?

Alan

Hi all
been spending a lot of time standing still
been working most days
on the tub
it was in good nick from 100 yards
up close not wonderful
I set out to do the best I could with my limited skill
the sides were bent in some 200 mm
the bottoms were bent nearly flat
quiet a few bits were broken
the supports under the side panels were bent nearly to right angles
the floor had a bow from one side to the other of some 75 mm.
The rear support had been ripped off years ago.







The seat boxes were broken, so were the internal braces.















The bracing under the side panels were bent to the point they needed to be replaced.

















The floor was rerolled straight as possible , there were scars from one end to the other and more dents than I though could be in one place.
Much bog etc etc and several days later things were as straight as i could get it.






Then there was the the Ally section at the rear of the tub.
when I remove the floor I found it was bent up and down, looked like a cooked Spiral Spaghetti.
I used a length of 20 by 12 mm steel behind it and glued and clamped it for several days, using all the G-clamps, locking pliers etc I own.
I now have a straight bit.







Then it only left to straighten the tub itself.
I tried heating, srinking, dolling, swearing, and have decided if I go any further
I will be committed.
















The last photo is the final prime coat.
only two ends, the other sde and the inside to go.
wish me luck
cheers
Ian

Coming on nicely.Thanks for the pics!

What you are doing looks absolutely brilliant. Good luck with the other two sides

Alan

Top work Ian!

I can't say I am looking forward to doing mine

I guess a form-ply lining inside it when you have finished, should stop this damage occuring again,

Cheers Charlie

Looks great Ian!

Hi there Ian

Looking great - will be down to see your handy work in a few weeks.

All the best

Wayne

PS Back home in SA by Saturday (Staying in Broken Hill Friday night)

Hi all
thanks for the kind thoughts
if you have nothing to do for the next year
I will offer free board and bed for any willing helpers
cheers
Ian