1967 500 - Buster - Main Restoration Thread

Good point of clarification there. I can't keep up with all the name changes and company splits . Technically today they would be the World Products (or World Castings or BMP) Victor Jr iron head if you were to go purchase them.

I will update the specs to reflect that.

Laters,
Jeff

 

Well I took the radiator to a specialist. Hopefully it can be repaired.

Laters,
Jeff

 

Ok well the radiator is trashed and non-fixable, as are the thermostat housing, water pump, and the inlet on the manifold. Major bummer as this was just supposed to be a quick tune up/yearly fluid change. I took off the heads just as a precaution but they are all fine. Rack up some gasket changes as well...sigh. That is what happens sometimes.

Also found some body cancer yesterday as I was prepping for the new carpet. The hole started out dime size and this is how big it got after the pounding was done. Not a good thing to have a huge hole like this where the seat support is supposed to go! Time for some welding, POR 15, and body sealant. It will all get fixed up fine!





More updates to come. Hopefully Buster can be back on the road this weekend.

Laters,
Jeff

 

just gotta take it step by step. Just like triage at the Hospital.

 

Thanks to all the words of encouragement!

Found some more body rust and beginning the repairs:







Progess

Laters,
Jeff

 

starting to look solid again!

 

Ugh looks like the entire right hand side floor will have to be replaced after taking a wire brush to it. The drivers side will be ok with patches and POR15 though so that is good news. Any suggestions on the best place to get replacement floor pans? I really don't want to have to make them from scratch.

Laters,
Jeff

 

Ok some progress and some new pictures. I decided to order Classic 2 Current floor pans from Rock Auto. C2C is located in Detroit and I called and verified that all their body panels are actually made in the USA (Detroit as well). They are 18 gauge and for the price of $52 each from Rock Auto (toe board, front floor pan, rear floor pan) I decided it was worth it to get it from them rather than for me to try and collect the necessary sheet metal and time to make them myself from scratch. I will of course post back here on the fit and quality.

Now on to some pictures:

Driver's side cubby patch (will not be left unfinished like this) -



Passenger Side Issues -







It is actually worse than it appears in the picture. You can't really see how thin the metal really is in the pictures. In any case I have not yet decided if I am going to cut out the entire floor pan or just use the new ones for patches. When all the patching is completed and sanded etc then the entire cab floor will be covered with POR15 before I lay the carpet down.

Dennis -

Yes I have seen Rusty's pictures and I am sorry to say it but I am glad I don't have that much rust to deal with! I also lack your metal working skills so it is preformed floor pans for me!

Laters,
Jeff

 

C to C is generally pretty accurate on their dimensions. Not dead on perfect but mighty close. A lot closer than the Chinese junk I threw away and made here by our guys who really are car nuts. I like their stuff !

 

Glad you are providing much needed love to this one!

 

Thanks guys!

Dennis it appears that you are going for the Fred Flintstone retrofit It seems like everyone is trying to go "green" these days!

Just a quick update on Buster, the floor pans are supposed to arrive Thursday (tomorrow) so hopefully some more progress pictures over the weekend.

Laters,
Jeff

 

Jeff, when our boy Dennis set's his mind to do something it will get done. I call it "Old Skool" thinking cause he do it like the old fabricators had to before you could get store bought panels. Looks a little Rube Goldberg while he's in process but the end results is solid and pretty. I think Dennis likes the challenge of all the handwork it takes. Jeff, my hat's off to ya for taking the time to save that Ranchero. Even though you'll cover up your work with a carpet, you got the satisfaction of knowing you did all the work under there. Lookin' good, both of ya !

 

Thanks Hillbilly! The floor pans came in yesterday so hopefully some progress this weekend....

Laters,
Jeff

 

Finally some progress. It has been a busy week. Buster is officially a Fred Flintstone car now too







This is a good thing though. It needs to look bad before it looks better Chin up boys!

Laters,
Jeff

 

Just a quick update. We did a dry fit of the replacement floor pans and they fit really well. I was surprised and happy The only thing left to figure out is how to rebuild the passenger side seat supports.

Laters,
Jeff

 

This is my next major project. I am watching to see how things turn out so I can know whether or not to order from the same company. Good Luck.