Frodo

Well, last weekend was spent putting the repair panels in the two front doors, and tonight a trial fitting went ahead, and they fitted like a glove.

YAY!!!!!!

I have some pics which I will post at some point, the rear corners need a little hammering to get them flush with the van, but the rest is fine.

On Saturday JB(Admin) is going to help me take the fuel tank off, and then welding will start on the rear of the body. Then, the fuel tank will need to be put back on to allow me to turn the van around to weld the front of the body! I think that within a couple of weeks the welding will be done and it will be time to fill and smooth before the painting. We are still on target for being on the road for the "End of the Road" festival in mid september, and then have already planned a winter of interior design, before Frodo will finally be complete early next year!
 
Thats a fantastic job your doing there. Looks like this is going to be another stunner of a van:)
Is this really your first lot of welding? It sure looks good. Took me loads o practice to get that good! And im at it twenty years.

Keep up the good work.

A commer down under - or down under a commer?
 
I've done a bit of welding in my time, but this is my first attempt on a vehicle. I am finding it hard to draw the line between getting the job done, and being over "precious" about what I am doing, hopefully I will have got it right.....
 
I think John is coming up for one of the days, and we might join him. Trouble is, I have a deadline for finishing the van, and a day of commering is a day not used getting nearer completion!

We are going to the "End of the Road" festival in mid september, and I booked a camper van ticket to give me the kick up the bum that I needed to get the work done! At the moment, it is touch and go as to whether or not I will have to get the tent out of the loft!
 
come for one of the days is better than not at all,but if you want to come for the w/e & it put's you behind & you don't make the deadline I will let you borrow Sybhil for the end of the road [}:)]

Sybhil & no1
 
OK, Lots of Photos - its been a busy week!

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New inner skin for the nearside rear wheel arch


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Then a new outer skin - You may have noticed by now, that the fluting is going to go.


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Same on the offside


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Lights? Pah, who needs them?
 
Then, whats under all that filler on the offside rear corner? Oh more filler, a piece of metal badly spot welded and "wrapped" around the corner, even more filler, and then the lacy remains of the original corner.

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All has to go!


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weld on a slightly curved piece of metal


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Cut it up!


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Bend a bit, grind a bit and weld again.


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build a cage for the bottomost part of the corner


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And voila! The framework is complete


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Still got those lovely curvy lines!

I've got the weekend off, as we are going to a friends, but more updates next week I promise!
 
Charlie - that is a work of art. I love your unique approach to things[^] That will work well - try tissue and dope:I

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There's a bit more metal on the corner now, I am going to add a little more on Friday (Day Off, Woohoo!) and then fill it. It is pretty tough but may need a bit more bracing and welding to finish.

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It's developing into a suit of armour [8D]
Or an up side down - opened up Dalek :D

Harvey the RV
 
Haha! It's going to be the toughest part of the van! I can hit anything, as long as I am "right hand down" in reverse!
 
we havent heard much about this little beast lately, hows it going with frodo and did you fit the front valance yet.;)
 
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