PT Cruiser p/up

will · WALKERTON, ONT

RE: PT Cruiser p/up

sasquatch · NORTH BAY, ONT

Agreed, cool build, a great diversion from the usual.

Sacotu · COBOURG, ONT

i asked my wife if i could do that to her hhr. you don't want to know the answer.

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Car shows? probably not but cruise nights, yes. Never meant for this thing to be a show car. Hell, I might dirve it every day, price of diesel is killing me. Besides, I want it like me, real rough around the edges... Funny thing is that none of my girls would learn to drive stick when this thing was just a PT, now thy're fighting over who gets to drive it when its done.

-- Edited by BAMBAM on Thursday 16th of January 2014 12:15:31 PM

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Making Progress, SLOWLY but surely... Still having a blast figuring it all out.

IMAG0363[1].jpg IMAG0367[1].jpg IMAG0338[1].jpg IMAG0366[1].jpg

Also, I found the perfect mascot for my little rig... Anyone laughs at my creation, BENDER say's "BITE MY SHINY METAL ASS!!!"

Think I'll hammer him into the tailgate skin.

Lightspeed Mike · BELLEVILLE, ONT

Looking good so far.
Bender..... too funny!!

hemi43 · ONTARIO

Wow !! lots of progress in 12 months !!

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Im starting to believe that I might actually finish this thing. Metal fab work is getting close to being done. Even my wife is impressed, biggrin

I think I can, I think I can...

flatblack55delivery · PORT HOPE, ONT

I think you can as well .Great job. I think you should mass produce that cab back panel. Could be a good market there with the numbers that are out there. Ed

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Unforunatly for me, I had a guy do that for me. It was a little out of my skill set. Im still scratching my head how he does it?

Bradshaw · NORWOOD, ONT

Nice..

sasquatch · NORTH BAY, ONT

Great update. looking great!

fatchuk · ST MARYS, ONTARIO

Looking cool..can't wait to see some paint or flat blat or ..Some cheap trailer fenders from princess auto and a little massaging might make them work for the box..I like it ..

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

flat red truck.jpg

Nothing against Flat Black, But there is alot of it out there. What do you think of flat red?

Maybe some faux patina?

Gazoo · BADEN, ONT

I still think those '38 Dodge rear fenders would work good, with a small touch of fab.
I like'em both, Satin Black and Red Primer, maybe a mix of both. Just like the front fender in that pic, kinda "Faux Patina".

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Ever so slowly but surely, fingers crossed, hoping to complete for this summer biggrin , two more pieces to shape and a few holes to fill.

speed_is_addictive · New Member

I love my 300 hp gt cruiser.

Nice truck. What engine ya plan on running ?

RacerRick · TORONTO, ONT

What about getting a pair of front fenders from the wreckers, filling in the headlight hole in the fender and trimming tit to work as a rear fender? Might make your fab work much easier, and would really make the box flow with the front of the truck.

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

300 Horse PT, I 'd like to see that one. Keeping it all original running gear/ exhaust/ fuel system, only the body has been modified. I just wanted to build something to see if I could...

IMAG0500 (1).jpg

Tailgate nearly completed, Thanks to everyone at the Hogtown Metal Meet that helped. It was a very good time, So glad I went.....

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

RacerRick wrote:
What about getting a pair of front fenders from the wreckers, filling in the headlight hole in the fender and trimming tit to work as a rear fender? Might make your fab work much easier, and would really make the box flow with the front of the truck.

Good idea, any body got any VW beetle fenders, seems to me they might fit the bill

123pugsy · MARKHAM, ONT

I've been following along and didn't even realize you were at the meet until I saw the tailgate. DOH!

This build is coming along real nice.

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Thanks pugsy, I wanted to say Hi / Thanks but you were so busy with every one I figured I'd catch up with you soon enough. Thanks a ton for opening up and sharing with all of us metal newbies, So glad I made it this year!!! I could have spent the weekend there but SWMBO didn't see it that way.

123pugsy · MARKHAM, ONT

BAMBAM wrote:
Thanks pugsy, I wanted to say Hi / Thanks but you were so busy with every one I figured I'd catch up with you soon enough. Thanks a ton for opening up and sharing with all of us metal newbies, So glad I made it this year!!! I could have spent the weekend there but SWMBO didn't see it that way.

Next time tell her how much it's going to cost to pay someone to make panels instead of making them yourself because you didn't spend both days learning.

They've been known to change their minds right quick with the proper motivation.

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Update, sort of

not breaking any records with this project. Damn thing is, original project keeps spawning other projects. I'm hell bent and whiskey bound that I'm going to make my own fenders. This led to needing/wanting an english wheel, which led to building an english wheel, which led to needing/wanting a metal lathe to build parts for the english wheel to build parts for the PT. So... no work gets done on the original project.

But here it is, a squandered winters worth of tinkering. Something that will actually go on to the car. My first attempt at a fender

Only took me 6 months, the next should be more in the neighbourhood of six hours. There's your silver lining

Ohh CRAP!!!

I think I want/need a TIG welder. Something tells me I wont be building one of those

123pugsy · MARKHAM, ONT

Nice wheel and great job of your first fender panels.

Cat in the Hat · BRANTFORD, ONT

Great work

I see the light!!!!!!

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Ok, so it's been forever since I've updated on the PT project but after dumping my bike last Friday I seem to have a lot of time on my hands. Time that unfortunately can't be spent working in the shop, Doc said something about a cracked Scapula whatever the hell that is, I just know it hurts when I move. Wahhh wah wah, I know...

Any ways here is where Im at with my project.

Fenders fabbed

Fenders welded to box

Box, welds all finished welded

BRING ON THE BONDO BABY, LOTS N LOTS OF IT....

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Ground Pounder · Senior Member

BAMBAM wrote:
Update, sort of
not breaking any records with this project. Damn thing is, original project keeps spawning other projects. I'm hell bent and whiskey bound that I'm going to make my own fenders. This led to needing/wanting an english wheel, which led to building an english wheel, which led to needing/wanting a metal lathe to build parts for the english wheel to build parts for the PT. So... no work gets done on the original project.
But here it is, a squandered winters worth of tinkering. Something that will actually go on to the car. My first attempt at a fender

Only took me 6 months, the next should be more in the neighbourhood of six hours. There's your silver lining
Ohh CRAP!!!
I think I want/need a TIG welder. Something tells me I wont be building one of those

Call Nigel At 1705 426 2993 He has an almost new tig welder up for sale.

54vicky · OAKVILLE, ONT

he stated the fenders are welded on now.you are at least a year late

Iwannagofast · ONTARIO

This is a really cool project BamBam. I particularly like the way you continued the lines from the front of the hood peak through the cab and out the rolled box sides. Nice flow. Nice work, keep us posted.

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Iwannagofast wrote:
This is a really cool project BamBam. I particularly like the way you continued the lines from the front of the hood peak through the cab and out the rolled box sides. Nice flow. Nice work, keep us posted.

Thanks for noticing, I tried to make it look like it belonged to the truck rather than something just bolted on...

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

This is more than a little out of my comfort zone but Ill throw it out there anyways. I recently laid my bike down and left shoulder is out of commission for a couple of weeks. I was really hoping meet my goal of having this project on the road for August. I was never planning on getting carried away with body work, looking for a rat rod type finish, (no show car shine required here). If there would be anyone willing to give me a hand with the remaining body work and sanding shoot me a PM.

I'm not expecting a handout, maybe just somebody to help out. One way or another I know I can make it up when Im back to normal,(if there is such a thing).

Thanks

Ground Pounder · Senior Member

B interested However You're way too far away!!

Iwannagofast · ONTARIO

BAMBAM wrote:
Iwannagofast wrote:
This is a really cool project BamBam. I particularly like the way you continued the lines from the front of the hood peak through the cab and out the rolled box sides. Nice flow. Nice work, keep us posted.

Thanks for noticing, I tried to make it look like it belonged to the truck rather than something just bolted on...

You succeeded. It looks great. I'd offer to help but distance and a head/neck injury prevent me from doing some things I used to enjoy. Keep at it when you're healed, I'd like to see it sometime.

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Thanks for the offers PM's. Shoulder getting better. Looks like i might make it after all.

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Getting closer' stay tuned.

Mad dash is on and its going to Moparfest no matter what!!!

Petebil · ONTARIO

The lines look good, but I have a couple questions. How were you able to make the body structurally solid considering this was originally a unibodied car? Did you build a frame for it? Removing the rear half would get rid of any structural support, so I'm curious.
Also, how are you registering this? You've taken a car and turned it into a truck which now falls into a whole different catagory meaning it will need black plates and a weight rating on the ownership.

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Petebil, I added a 1 X 2 heavy wall steel box tube to the under side of the unibody and welded it in solid to the front and back subframes which were a little heavier steel than the rest of the unibody. I had the body braced pretty well before cutting off the roof and took some critical measurements. I was concerned that after cutting out the bracing the body might sag in the middle after removing so much of the cars original structure but it actually moved ever so slightly the opposite direction, much to my surprise. I can now jack the car up from the rear corner of the new frame and the front will lift evenly with almost no twist in the body, I am very impressed with the new strength and rigidity of the new frame.

As far as registering it, Not anticipating any problems, The way I see it, it is a pick up replica, not a true pick up truck. Do guys that put Peterbuilt cabs on one ton chassis have to register them as highway tractors?

I've made the unibody stronger than the original PT was, how is that any different than a hot rod with a newer chassis and drive train, or putting a mustang II front end or camero clip in an older car.

I have had a mechanic involved with this car at certain points of the build and he has assured me that I am good to go. I don't anticipate any problems getting it certified. By all means, If I am overlooking some legalities that I should be aware of please feel free to post as I would rather meet those concerns than plead ignorance after the fact.

Any highly modified Rat Rods out there care to weigh in here? I'm sure that those guys have definitely had this discussions.

20160805_172337_HDR (1).jpg

-- Edited by BAMBAM on Monday 8th of August 2016 12:17:07 PM

-- Edited by BAMBAM on Monday 8th of August 2016 12:18:17 PM

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

On another note... That black paint was supposed to be flat black, 10-20 % gloss as the blue is. After spraying the black it came with a beautiful high gloss finish (that I didn't want!!!).

Any ideas on how to dull this shiny new paint down?

If I wet sand it will it get even more shine or just smooth?

Any other ideas on how to make it less shiny and new without getting too extreme?

Iwannagofast · ONTARIO

I have a hell-uv-a-time even getting gloss to look that shiney...........lol

Petebil · ONTARIO

BAMBAM wrote:
Petebil, I added a 1 X 2 heavy wall steel box tube to the under side of the unibody and welded it in solid to the front and back subframes which were a little heavier steel than the rest of the unibody. I had the body braced pretty well before cutting off the roof and took some critical measurements. I was concerned that after cutting out the bracing the body might sag in the middle after removing so much of the cars original structure but it actually moved ever so slightly the opposite direction, much to my surprise. I can now jack the car up from the rear corner of the new frame and the front will lift evenly with almost no twist in the body, I am very impressed with the new strength and rigidity of the new frame.

Thanks for that ! I'm sure it will be strong enough, it's not like you will be putting 2000LBS of steel in the back. LOL

As far as asking the rat rod Guys, I'm sure everyone running out there with one has had a bogus safety done, and/or are insuring the car as an original. As has been said here before, no good mechanic would put his license on the line. As far as dulling that black, you only have 2 options and both involve the same amount of work and expense. You can re-paint it with a satin black, or shoot a coat of flat clear over it. If you try and wet sand it (no mater how fine), it will look like a sanded panel and not look good.

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Petebil wrote:
Thanks for that ! I'm sure it will be strong enough, it's not like you will be putting 2000LBS of steel in the back. LOL

A COOLER is about all that this truck will ever haul. (for my samiches of coarse)

I got a cummins for the steel.

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Got glass

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

Sorry boys, never posted a completed pic on this forum, was daily driver last summer. Hit a ton of cruise nights and had a blast.

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parklane · St THOMAS, ONT

Why did you end up putting commercial plates on it, or did MTO strongly suggest it?? Sure looks good, and I'm sure it draws a lot of attention.

BAMBAM · WELLESLEY, ONT

parklane wrote:
Why did you end up putting commercial plates on it, or did MTO strongly suggest it?? Sure looks good, and I'm sure it draws a lot of attention.

You would be correct..

I had a temp sticker on it to put some miles on it, clear all codes for etest. Rolled in the MTO and the lady at the desk say "it looks like a truck to me... I'd better check with head office", turned me right around, sent me down the street to a scale. Got her the empty weight, she sells me some shiny new black commercial plates and away I go. It just dont make any sense to argue with them. I had a Dodge Rampage back in the 80's, same deal as I recall.

Apparently I'm good for about 1300 kg's, LOL

Petebil · ONTARIO

I wonder what determines a vehicle to be a truck ? I was always under the assumption that if you had a rear seat and could carry passengers (Tahoe, Suburban, etc..) you could use blue passenger plates. Probably why MTO made you get black truck plates. My assumption is obviously wrong, because Corvettes would then need black plates.

Pete Moss · GTA

Probably around 1980 I remember someone converting an Austin Mini into a pickup and I remember hearing they couldn't get it safetyed since no one (obv talking a valid/legal cert here) wanted to risk their licence on whether or not what was left of the mini was strong enough for road use. Someone (don't know who ... gov't or mechanic) was demanding extra bracing/frame strengthening etc in order to possibly cert it but I never heard how that story ended.

Slightly earlier than that I remember a kid in my high school class took a Biscayne (hand-me-down family car, 67-69 I think it was) and converted it into the "Biscamino" and just continued driving it. That would have most likely been the old "what they don't know can't hurt you" scenario as far as reporting the mods to the gov't/MTO or insurance co.

Speaking of which ... (not that it's any of my business) but your insurance might not be too keen on your mods if brought to (or NOT brought to) their attention? I remember (this is years ago) I had to fill out a form for insurance on a motorcycle (1984 1100R Kawasaki) and they specifically asked if there were any mods to the bike. Insurance is pretty much insane now ... the wife (she is in her late forties) just got a form asking her to list any and all mods or changes made to her ... 2000 Cavalier, 4-door AND when did she buy her snow tires (if she has them). She promptly changed insurance co's (not due to any mods as it doesn't have any but just for the "why the hell would they ask me crap like that?"). Before she ended up cancelling, I wanted to respond with something like "as far as modifications/changes, since we bought the car used I believe the oil filter is not OEM. Same goes for the air filter too, then just continue on, endlessly listing every tiny little "there is a sticker on the rear bumper", the seats now have slip on seat covers, we installed a Kleenex holder on the console, the floor mats have been changed, etc etc etc. Yup, I guess I really do have too much time on my hands.

Oh yeah ... she wouldn't let me answer them ...

I should also add, your PT looks great and most definitely will have more than a few people scratching their heads and asking if it came that way from the factory I'd bet. Good job and enjoy it.

-- Edited by Pete Moss on Friday 9th of March 2018 05:22:06 PM

427CARL · CLINTON, ONT

Love it . you did a great job