I used an air body saw for the cuts. It does the same thing as a Sawzall, but it's a lot lighter and more manageable. Took about 30 seconds to cut the whole fender.

 

Just barely broke an angle when I started in the middle, and the farther I worked out, the more it bent over on its own.

 

Here's how it looked done. The rough edges are actually paint chips and Sharpie marks. It came out remarkably smooth.

 

Here's how I cut the metal at the corners. I Re-bent the curve as it went around so that I had a continuous lip. This part didn't come out perfect, but I'm happy with it.

 

I forgot to buy a body dolly off of the SnapOn <nobr>truck</nobr>, so I used this weldment that was laying around to tidy up a couple sloppy spots.

 

Done choppin'. I cleaned up the edge of the diamondplate and remounted it with self-tapping screws after this pic. On the other side, I screwed it down before I started and got a cleaner cut. The shadow on the back lower corner is from the dark gray primer I used. Kinda looks like it's bent in the picture, but it's not.

 

DD was the last car in a 10 car pileup. I got off on the shoulder to keep from getting hit from behind, but the lady in front of me swerved off on the shoulder at the last second when I thought I was home free. Just had liability, so I'm gonna be getting more practice at body work

.

 

Here's my tranny all cleaned up and ready to go back in. I never could get the shifter out- there's a pin on the side of the tower that's been ground down flush. I couldn't get on here to ask how it was supposed to come out, but then I noticed it fits the contour of the bell pretty good when it's turned around. Tight fit, but I figured I could take the cover off it didn't work.

 

Here's the new tires and wheels. I bought some white wagon wheels out of a hubcap yard. They were too rusty to not paint, so I wire wheeled them to death and painted them. I intended it as a temporary fix 'til I could afford some chrome wheels, but I really like the way they look. I'll probably keep them at least as long as these tires.

 

And HERE'S part of the reason I need new wires.

 

Lookin' good, nice job on the fenders. keep up the good work.

 

Lots of progress! Thanks for sharing.
About that Tranny/TC .... so that's what they look like before

all the dirt/grease/oil/mud?

 

I tried to search for your auction but was unable to find it. Do you have an item # or description of how they are listed?

Thanks,
Misty

 

Here's a link to the auction. Wheels and tires on Ebay

Steve.

 

So... does anybody have an answer to how the shifter comes out??? Or does everybody leave it in or pull the cover like I did?

Thanks,
Steve.

 

>I found a demo version of a program called TINA on >the 'net that I'm using to draw a wiring schematic.

I found one called "PCB123" that's pretty good, and very basic

 

Looks really good!!

 

Hey Steve,
Good to see that you are back on the board.
Jeepster is looking good.

The Rodeo looks like it hit pretty hard. Hope all the inner sheetmetal can be straightened out.
Hope its OK behind the front suspension?

Ken

 

Ken-
Got your check for the springs this weekend. I spent yesterday and today dealing with the guy that bought my tires and wheels on Ebay. Some people just don't get "local pickup". Tomorrow I have to go to a Fedex depot on lunch (my apologies to Budd if I put him through all of this).
The wreck didn't seem to affect the suspension or frame any. I had to drive it home about 15 miles. Handled fine, but drug the fender on the tire when I hit a bump or turned right. I actually stopped and did a 3-point turn twice on 90 degree corners to avoid turning hard right

. I'm going to cut the spot welds and replace the left inner fender and outer fender, and try to straighten the rest. Having a heck of a time finding parts though. If I could find a front clip the right color, I'd just do the whole thing, but no luck there either. I may have a line on a Blazer for $800, though, which would make the whole thing a lot easier.
Oh, well. I'm slowly chipping away at the never-ending mound of broken stuff around me. Keeps me busy.

Steve.

 

bobcat: i like the diamond plated rockers. could you point me towards a good source for buying a couple of 64" x 12" x 1/4" (or 3/16") sheets of the stuff?

thanks,

tom