‘52 Willys Pick Up

Rat Rods Rule

Help Support Rat Rods Rule:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
They built those old tail gates out of some pretty heavy material, straightening them out is almost impossible. You did a mighty fine job knocking that one back to shape. [cl[cl[P[P
 
Still at it.......

Thanks guys.
Never thought it would take me this long to fix a tailgate. and I'm still not finished with it. Lots of spot welding and cooling to keep it straight. Maybe tomorrow we can move on.. maybe not. We don't have any where to go and no dead line to meet.
 
I bet that's a good feelin for you guys

Life in a stress free home is really peaceful. Don't think we have ever been happier. Neither one of us would even consider going back to work every day for a living. I do miss her pay check tho. [ddd[ddd I was perfectly happy being a kept man!:cool:
 
Finally......

The tailgate is finished!!!
One more patch on the bed side to relocate the fuel filler neck then it will be ready to take off and she can get it ready to prime and paint.
 

Attachments

  • IMG-1393-2.jpg
    IMG-1393-2.jpg
    136.4 KB · Views: 23
  • IMG-1309.jpg
    IMG-1309.jpg
    78.5 KB · Views: 20
  • IMG-1387-2.jpg
    IMG-1387-2.jpg
    127.1 KB · Views: 25
In this part of the world, you're lucky to have a tailgate at all... much less a Willys PU with a gate you can resurrect. Great job!

.
 
Todays progress.....

Got the fuel filler neck relocated so we can reuse the Dakota fuel tank. Just need to put a inlet neck in the other side of the tank.

When we pull the bed off we will need to change the in tank fuel pump for the carb on the engine instead of fuel injected.

Patched the hole where the old neck was.

Plugged the holes in the new tailgate pivot hinges. It's the little things that drive me crazy and those holes did.

Put the front end on and get everything located and mounted solid next. Then more body work!!!
 

Attachments

  • IMG-1396.jpg
    IMG-1396.jpg
    74.5 KB · Views: 21
  • IMG-1397.jpg
    IMG-1397.jpg
    102.5 KB · Views: 21
  • IMG-1400.jpg
    IMG-1400.jpg
    46.8 KB · Views: 22
  • IMG-1399.jpg
    IMG-1399.jpg
    75.8 KB · Views: 22
  • IMG-1401.jpg
    IMG-1401.jpg
    54.2 KB · Views: 22
Front fenders....

Right side fender not really too bad. Worst part was bottom inner fender mount that was underneath the battery box. Plugged a few unnecessary holes and one split in the outer edge. A little bit of repair on the front edge tomorrow and on to the left side.
 

Attachments

  • IMG-1415.jpg
    IMG-1415.jpg
    73.4 KB · Views: 17
  • IMG-1410.jpg
    IMG-1410.jpg
    109.1 KB · Views: 17
  • IMG-1411.jpg
    IMG-1411.jpg
    56.1 KB · Views: 16
  • IMG-1414.jpg
    IMG-1414.jpg
    97.8 KB · Views: 17
  • IMG-1408.jpg
    IMG-1408.jpg
    103.3 KB · Views: 18
Front fenders....

Finished the right side and got it mounted today. Man I'm slow!!!
The left side has a brazed repair that I'll have to cut out and repair. It also has various dents and rips to deal with. Really don't know how to handle the peak down the center that is flattened out. It might be an interesting situation for me.

I'm glad there's only 4 fenders!
 

Attachments

  • IMG-1424.-2jpg.jpg
    IMG-1424.-2jpg.jpg
    90.4 KB · Views: 14
  • IMG-1426.-2jpg.jpg
    IMG-1426.-2jpg.jpg
    77.3 KB · Views: 14
  • IMG-1429.jpg
    IMG-1429.jpg
    125.6 KB · Views: 15
  • IMG-1431.jpg
    IMG-1431.jpg
    82.5 KB · Views: 15
  • IMG-1432.jpg
    IMG-1432.jpg
    74.3 KB · Views: 16
  • IMG-1433.jpg
    IMG-1433.jpg
    75.8 KB · Views: 18
  • IMG-1434.jpg
    IMG-1434.jpg
    88.8 KB · Views: 15
I would lay the fender up side down in the dirt and take a walk inside til it`s flat again. Then chase the flattened bodyline with a wide chisle or nylon wedge or something. Just tell it where you want it to go. Get a bigger hammer if it wont.
 
I think I would figure out the angle on either side of the peak from the good fender. Cut two pieces of plywood the width and length on each side of the fender top, either side of the peak. Lay these on top of another piece of plywood with the center line (Peak) about 3/16-1/4" apart, shim the outer edges of the ply up with some door shims to your peak angle then put some screws in to hold the whole thing together. Then use your hammers to put the shape back, maybe use a piece of round rod the right size down the center. [S
 

Latest posts

Back
Top