1942 dodge ambulance resto

[jack neville]

Thanks Bob. I will minimise the amount of welding of the patches to simple tacks. The raised impressions should help stiffen the repairs and the repaired roof will be a snugger fit by two millimetres when refitted and rewelded to the body. It will need a thin layer of filler to finish off which has to be kept to a minimum as large panels like this have a problem with vibration which inevitably leads to cracking of excess filler. Being on a curved and reinforced surface should help. The original construction of these bodies has thin strips of bitumen like deadening between the outer panels and inner ribs. It was largely dried and cracked or missing by now and we intend to add a substantial layer of silicone in between those areas to assist gluing the panels to the ribs and reducing drumming and vibration. That as well as a decent layer of body deadener and insulation should further reduce heat build up as well. I imagine these tin boxes would get pretty hot in summer as originally constructed. And freezing cold in winter although they do come equipped with a heater. Jake will use this vehicle to camp in so now is the time to add what comfort we can. It will all be hidden once the masonite wall lining and ceiling go back in anyway.