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Part 8: Trunk and Body Panel Work
Everett Gross

I cut out the trunk area in two pieces so as not to let the body widen or narrow because of cutting out too much at once. This is the new piece welded into place and the next part cut out. That new metal looks nice.



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All the new trunk is welded into place. It rained once and the metal is already rusting before I can get it painted.



(Click photo to enlarge)


While working on the body sometimes I get stumped and have to think about how to tackle the situation at hand. In conjunction with that we took a vacation to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and I found some carved bears made out of tree trunks that I liked. They were too big to drag home so I figured I'd work on one at home while thinking about how to fix a certain area of my '38. Here's what it looks like so far. I know there's a bear in there. I just have to chip 'em out. Wonder which will get done first, the bear or the '38?



(Click photo to enlarge)


Next I go on to tackle rocker panels. Mine were rusted and completely gone in some places. You can see in the picture that the rocker panel is pretty well gone under the back door. The new panel is in place and temporarily painted black under the front door.



(Click photo to enlarge)


I guess you'd call this the front quarter panel. It has to be replaced too, on both sides. I've made new ones and continued welding on metal. I spent about 14 hours a week cutting, forming, and welding in late August and September. I Wanted to get the body on before the end of September. I didn't want it setting out in the snow this winter. I was hoping to get heat in the garage and continue working on the body and be ready to sand and paint in the spring. I have someone already rounded up to help with telling me how to paint and get it to look nice. Trying to do all I can myself. I come home at night and can't wait to go out back and get to work on the old '38. Hope the little woman doesn't get jealous. Tee Hee!



(Click photos to enlarge)


Click here for Part 9: Front Floor Pans


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