My new deuce build "FIONA"

[02smokemaker]

Hello all,
I purchased a 1970 AM GENERAL M35A2 recently. This is going to be a build thread as I go.
It is in relatively good condition. It has 13k was rebuilt in 88. The PO did a craptastic paint job the wrong color shade and installed a 20k winch half way. It has a leaking radiator and partially working gauges. All the oil seals in the axles t case and trans are leaking.

I'm going to be fully redoing this in my own taste(which might change as I go).
I have already done the fdc bypass,aux brake master reservoir, spin on oil filter conversion, replaced some gauges, fixed the alternator. I ordered all new seals and a new seat. I also started fabbing up a hard top out of 1/8" plate and 1.5" square tubing.
Here are some pics!
Thanks for looking.
Chris

 

[HanksDeuce]

Great job so far, Chris! Can't wait to see what else you do to Fiona.

 

[Karl kostman]

Chris your workmanship skills are commendable, I have a feeling this is going to be a very nice Deuce when your completed!
Karl

 

[someoldmoose]

Fiona, what a fine name. Lyrical and distinguished. Looks like a terrific start you have made there. Is the hardtop designed to be removable (albeit with a crane)? I ask because I can't decide how I want to go with mine. Won't have a place to store a hardtop if I wanna eat bugs for a few days when the sun is shining.

 

[Monty]

Great job on the hard top..

 

[02smokemaker]

Thanks guys!
It will be removable! It won't be light but it will be built like the rest of the truck!!

 

[plym49]

The craftsmanship on that top is inspiring. Well done!

 

[rustystud]

The craftsmanship on that top is inspiring. Well done!

Totally agree with this statement ! Well done !!!

 

[98G]

I also like the top. ..

 

[59apache]

Good job Chris!

 

[02smokemaker]

Thanks again!! I'll keep the pics coming.

 

[02smokemaker]

That's a wrap for fabbing! Now all the finish welding and paint!
The cab corners done

The front hold down and tie in for hat.

A good vantage point from my deck.

Next time you see it she will be painted!

 

[AZK9]

That's a wrap for fabbing! Now all the finish welding and paint!...

Beautiful work! Can't wait to see it all completed!

 

[02smokemaker]

All done and mounted!!! (Except rear window)





Thanks for looking!
Tomorrow will be the new custom made radiator.......

 

[59apache]

Very nice!!!

 

[tobyS]

Now there is a top that you can dance on....nice work. The overhang is a great addition too. I'll make a bet you don't remove it very often.

I have to ask...when you made cuts to make the long bend on the tube corners, did you come back and weld each one back together?

 

[02smokemaker]

Thanks guys!
Yes I did!
Tons of time but I'm very happy with it.

 

[02smokemaker]

So my radiator was progressively leaking worse on top of the outer frame rotting away. I refused to 8-900 bucks for a stocker. So I did some measurements and found that a 4 core aluminum radiator for a hemi dart was the closest I could find dimensionally and it's inlet and outlet are both on passenger side. It is also a downflow radiator like the duece. The inlets and outlets are too small but most places will modify off the shelf units for a fee. So I got the radiator for 200 and 100 to add 2" inlets and outlets!
Below are the pics of the build enjoy!






Took her for a hard ride today and she never went above 180°!
Thanks for looking!

 

[AZK9]

Very nice work!!

 

[rustystud]

So my radiator was progressively leaking worse on top of the outer frame rotting away. I refused to 8-900 bucks for a stocker. So I did some measurements and found that a 4 core aluminum radiator for a hemi dart was the closest I could find dimensionally and it's inlet and outlet are both on passenger side. It is also a downflow radiator like the duece. The inlets and outlets are too small but most places will modify off the shelf units for a fee. So I got the radiator for 200 and 100 to add 2" inlets and outlets!
Below are the pics of the build enjoy!
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Took her for a hard ride today and she never went above 180°!
Thanks for looking!

Good job ! That's good to know about the Hemi Dart radiator. Where did you buy the radiator from? Summit ?