Yet another new member

[Pantaz]

I really hate forced introductions... I never know quite what to say/write.


I've been working with metal for quite some time, primarily as a machinist, and a little with sheet metal. I can weld OK with MIG or O/A, but I need to practice more. I've only played with TIG a couple of times.


I have some ideas that are going to require a fair bit of shaping, which is how I landed here. I've very impressed with the quality of work, and the quality of advice I've seen in the few threads I've visited.

[123pugsy]

That wasn't so hard now, was it Mike? ha.

Welcome aboard. What are you working on?

[HEATNBEAT]

Welcome to Allmetalshaping Mike!

[David Gardiner]

Hi Mike, if you can weld with O/A you have half the battle won. Welcome to the site.

David

[Pantaz]

Originally Posted by 123pugsy

That wasn't so hard now, was it Mike? ha.

Welcome aboard. What are you working on?

I was looking for a cheap van to haul my dirtbikes, and I found this GMC Safari with a 3 foot stretch.


It's unfinished, and from the looks of it, it was the guy's first big project. Structurally, it's reasonably sound -- there's no obvious sag along the body lines, and all the doors (including the sliding side door) function properly.

So far, I've had to spend all my time and money on basic maintenance, and just getting it to the point of being a reliable vehicle. Thankfully, there are plenty of Astros and Safaris at Pick Your Part.

The two new window openings don't match the stock window size, and the builder didn't want to pay for custom glass. So, the first metal work will be filling-in those, also the two rear-most side windows, like a cargo van.

The biggest job is going to be replacing the roof. He tried to install sunroofs -- two of them -- but he made a real mess of it. I can't really describe it. I'll take a picture tomorrow and post it. I also want to raise the back half of the roof about 6 - 8 inches to make loading the bikes easier.

Of course, the wish list keeps getting longer and longer.

Now I just need a couple of extra days in the week...

[123pugsy]

You've got a ton of work planned out.

Good luck and post up any questions.

[Peter Tommasini]

Hi Mike, welcome to the site. I am sure you will get a lot of good tips and ideas.

[invision]

Welcome to All Metal Shaping Mike!

Cheers!