42 Pilot Model HUP Project

[RHClarke]

I finally felt good enough to visit the barn on Saturday. It was great to see Bob and Grant. Bob had not been feeling well lately, but he made the effort to join us at the barn for a chin wag and then to go to lunch. We sure hope he gets back in to "fighting form" as the glaciers are starting to recede, and spring is just around the corner (although it may be more than a little frozen).

The objects of my attention were the front fenders that fit on the body of the Pilot Model. The upper ends of the fenders were heavily rusted and had to be replaced. A quick zip with a thin bladed grinder wheel took care of the offending rust. Two replacement blanks were then cut out and fitted to the ends of the fenders.

I 'gorilla" welded the blanks from the inside of the fender, and then carefully tack welded the exterior where they joined the fender. After a morning of tacking and grinding, one fender was finished. After lunch, I tackled the other fender. Next step is to fit them to the truck body and test for fit. I am sure that there will be some adjustments made, and after that is done, I will drill the holes and pack them away until our date with the sandblaster this summer.

Pics:

1 - one of the culprits
2 - rust - the enemy!
3 - out with the old
4 - inside view
5 - awaiting fit testing and drilling