1958 Pontiac Pathfinder Wagon Build

Tempest · Veteran Member

RE: 1958 Pontiac Pathfinder Wagon Build

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Tempest wrote:

Well, here are some 'BEFORE' pics before I start on the Drivers side.

I noticed that a body brace is rotted on this side (pic) near the body mount = more work

Let the fun begin, again

We've seen your motivation and skill. You got this!

Tempest · Veteran Member

I've been working away at getting the drivers side outer rocker in place, but need to do the following first

The front of the new rocker needed a piece welded in to attach to the cowl, (new rocker should have had this piece already attached)

the B pillar needed some patches,

and the rear C pillar needed some help.

Now starting to position the rocker

Tempest · Veteran Member

Well, the inner and outer rockers are in on the drivers side. This side went in better than the other side, and I am now working on the braces.

Thankfully I have the 58 Chev floor, so I went back to it and cut off the braces that I need. I managed to cut and fit the 1 brace, then finished off with welding in the bracket to connect the brace still in the car.

Once the new braces are welded in I will start on the front floor piece that I made.

Then I will have to make it fit. (pic of it just sitting there)

Oh, also welded in a patch on the toe board

OURWAGON · Guru

Tempest wrote:
Well, the inner and outer rockers are in on the drivers side. This side went in better than the other side, and I am now working on the braces.
Thankfully I have the 58 Chev floor, so I went back to it and cut off the braces that I need. I managed to cut and fit the 1 brace, then finished off with welding in the bracket to connect the brace still in the car.
Once the new braces are welded in I will start on the front floor piece that I made.
Then I will have to make it fit. (pic of it just sitting there)

Oh, also welded in a patch on the toe board

WOW LEE , THAT LOOKS GREAT , THE UNDER SIDE IS biggrin biggrin

Tempest · Veteran Member

Thanks OURWAGON,

I put the floor piece in position, and welded it in.

Thanks again for the floor John

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Coming along great!

Glenn Musgrave · Addicted!

Great work. You have serious fabrication skills! I'm envious of how quickly you are able to move your project along. Keep it going:)

Tempest · Veteran Member

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the support.

Was able to weld in the front floor piece and started putting in the small piece under seat and ran out of welding gas.

1st pic hole in floor

2nd pic home made floor pan

3rd pic floor pan in place

4th pic from underneath

still needs some trimming, but it's getting there

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Love seeing these updates! Keep it up.

Tempest · Veteran Member

Thanks Guys,

Here is the next part of the project.............. wish me luck

Tempest · Veteran Member

Well, I made a patch for the wheel tub and started thinking about the floor. (pic 1)

It doesn't make sense to make a new floor piece if I have nothing to weld it to, so............... out came the floor brace.

I cut it at the mid point, just where the 'X' frame opens up, and am trying to save as much floor as possible (it will need to be bent back)

I'm into it now and no turning back.......... stay tuned

Tempest · Veteran Member

luckily I had the floor brace from the 58 Chev (old brace on new brace)

the new brace is in, and the old floor is bent back and is welded to it

Time to make a floor patch

Tempest · Veteran Member

on another subject, other than metal fab,

a friend of mine made me some custom plastic inserts for my Rally 2 wheels. (3D printer)

I plan to apply some kind of clear epoxy coating to them to make them smooth and glossy.

DonSSDD · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Very nice job on those, 3D printing is a great invention.

Tempest · Veteran Member

Thanks Don, yes those 3D printers are amazing

Here it is with a few (10 - 15) coats of clear (it hides the grooves left by the printer)

and another patch installed in the rear drivers side

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

That insert looks excellent. As does the whole project, I am in awe of your persistence.

Tempest · Veteran Member

installed the last piece to the floor (rear drivers side)

The inside welds are not smoothed out, as I do not want to weaken the welds and they wont be seen under the carpet, and the underside welds (along the driveshaft tunnel) will be smoothed out once the body is lifted.

There are a few edges and trim pieces that need welding and grinding, but overall I am pleased with the outcome.

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

Very nice!

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

I enjoy seeing every step of this car being rescued. SO many guys would have said no to it.

cdnpont · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

That's gotta be a good feeling looking up at that!

Tempest · Veteran Member

Thanks Guys,

Yes, when I received the car (bought it from internet pics) I thought to myself, 'What have I gotten myself into?'

I have come a long way, but still a long way to go..... but that is fun of it .... the process (that is what I am telling myself anyways)

I try not to put deadlines on myself, but I was hoping to get the floors and rockers done by Spring time, so I am pleased about that.

I have some Home Reno projects coming up so progress will slow a bit, but I will keep you posted.

Thanks again for the encouragement,

Tempest · Veteran Member

Hi Guys

Still doing some Home Renos but was able to work on the gas tank.

The 'Before' pic (sorry, best pic I could find) shows a rusty old tank and I was thinking it was as rusty inside as outside, I would probably need to replace ($500 USF) , however, once I took it out, emptied the rocks out of it (about 5 or 6) sloshed a vinegar/water solution around, it looks really good.

the next problem was the sending unit. The aftermarket gauges I purchased had the round 'slip ring' style and the tank had 5 machine screws. I decided to get a piece of metal, cut a hole in it, and then 5 screw holes, and weld the sending unit to it. the depth of the sending unit is about 1 inch off the bottom of the tank, I wish it was closer, but I did not want to bend the line any more (in case of a kink)

Here is the tank now, it has a few ounces of a transmission/varsol mix that I slosh around occasionally, (will be emptied before install) and waiting.

Glenn Musgrave · Addicted!

I haven't checked in for awhile, you've come a long, long way. Awesome work and progress!!! you're obviously not a guy who gives up easily. Looking forward to your continued progress.

Tempest · Veteran Member

Thanks Glenn, I appreciate the encouragement.

I knew this was going to be a big project, but I enjoy it, and if I was to give up, what would I do? ............ hang around Shopping Malls?