LIMO PROJECT

[reelknead1]

amazing work i wish i had the opertunity to learn how to do some of that kind of work. Keep it updated i'll be checking in once in a while

[vanaman]

figures with the kind of work you have done.

steve

[eunos94]

Quote, originally posted by barry2952 »

I never do. I figure it's cheaper than a shrink.

Ha.. I just tell people it's cheaper than playing golf. Plus at the end I have something tangible to show for all those hours away from the family other than a wicked farmers tan and a shot liver.

[crazy mother dubber]

well, gotta spend your time some where. why not on this cool one-off project. bump for you...

[Numbersix]

Looks great, Barry. It's like archeology for cars. Carcheology?

[eunos94]

Please update.

[irsa76]

Quick question, what's your background?
I wish I had the skills to do this sort of build.

[barry2952]

I'm an electrician by trade. I've just always loved getting dirt under my fingernails.

3-12-2008 Back to work after much needed vacation.

I removed the grill that covers the air intake in front of the windshield. I found bags of pine needles and other debris. It had apparently been turned into a rodent condo at one time.

I observed that there were three cuts in the sheet metal on the cowling. Apparently someone felt it necessary to cut this metal and bend it out of the way to access the hydraulic motor for the wipers. I don't understand this as I was able to get it out easily.

After removing all the paint in the area I had Shawn do some more welding for me. Sorry about the lousy picture.

I'll treat the inside of this area to a coating of black POR-15.

After drilling a drainage hole for the area behind this patch Shawn tack welded the patch and proceeded to complete the welding on the dogleg and the rear quarter.

Let the leading begin! It's much simpler than I thought. I've used lead in art glass projects and the processes are the same.

Lead will only stick properly to clean metal. After using a flux on the area to be "tinned" the sheet metal and lead stick is heated to a point where lead will adhere to the surface of the steel. A quick wipe with a rag will reveal any spots that didn't tin. These areas must be redone.

Shawn brought a number of wood leading tools with him. I was surprised when he asked if I had any used motor oil. We wanted to use it to bathe the tool surface in to keep it from burning.

Using the tool and the torch I was able to melt enough lead to cover the repaired area. It looked pretty ugly when I was done and I was concerned that the dirty oil had embedded itself in the softened lead I had pushed in place.

I went at it with a body file and took it down to the proper height. It was a lot of work but very satisfying to see the repair take shape.

Before:

After:

I believe that this will be the final design. It solves a number of problems by getting rid of the center door. There is a lot of stress at the attachment point of the front "B" pillar and the roof. This is due to the lack of a rigid structure below. By welding the center door frame in place and covering it with a continuous piece of sheet metal the center of the car will be much stronger.

It will also allow me to use the space for entertainment and luxury items befitting a proper limousine.

[ojnrice]

i think getting rid of the centers doors is a great idea, looks much cleaner

[al@absolute]

Quote, originally posted by ojnrice »

i think getting rid of the centers doors is a great idea, looks much cleaner

i 100% agree. its going to make it much cleaner looking. the fact that its going to make the car stronger is a big bonus too.

[Rukh]

Quote, originally posted by barry2952 »

[Deleting the center doors] will also allow me to use the space for entertainment and luxury items befitting a proper limousine.

Barry, I love this project, and I think that you do amazing work, but I think I should point out that if it is going to a proper limousine, then the stretch should be behind the rear doors.

Not that I'm saying you should re-engineer the whole project...

[Braga_Dub]

Incredible work!

[Isgro]

Great work Barry. I agree with your decision to ditch the center door.

[barry2952]

Quote, originally posted by Rukh »

Barry, I love this project, and I think that you do amazing work, but I think I should point out that if it is going to a proper limousine, then the stretch should be behind the rear doors. Not that I'm saying you should re-engineer the whole project...

Behind the rear doors? Please post a picture of that!

[tmack]

thanks for the update barry - looks great!

[Rukh]

Quote, originally posted by barry2952 »

Behind the rear doors? Please post a picture of that!

As requested:

(My favorite modern example of a proper limousine.)


Modified by Rukh at 1:20 PM 3-11-2008

[barry2952]

Looks nice but the stretch is more in period with the car. IMO.

[90Carat]

Great idea to ditch that door. IMHO, keep the "b" pillar panel. 1) You can then stuff as much reinforcing as you want to there. 2)To me, it provides a nice visual break.

Something like this:

Though, without the flags.

Modified by 90Carat at 2:03 PM 3-11-2008


Modified by 90Carat at 2:08 PM 3-11-2008

[Ross08TouaregV8]

Barry,
Amazing job. I especially love the trailer! Really hits home for me!

Keep up the good work!

[barry2952]

Took this to see what the limo might look like in blue. Not convinced one way or the other yet.

[ojnrice]

any updates?

[watson]

come onnn barry, we need updates !

[irsa76]

I've just located this cars younger distance cousin. A local car yard has a 1990 Ford LTD mini stretch. I'm seriously looking at buying it for grins, plus as it happens a the orginal owner's son happens to be a mate of mine so I know it's, interesting, history.
Now to convince SWMBO

[Green Panzer]

Updates?

-GP

[Gary C]

I'd love to see some further updates Barry.

Can't wait to see the thing finished.

[G0to60]

anything new on this great project?

[warrenW]

none of the pics work for me?

[eunos94]

I hope Barry has been able to get some work done on this beast but with the show season in full swing I can see how that might capitalize his time. Still... I crave nigh NEED updates!!!

[eunos94]

Quote, originally posted by warrenW »

none of the pics work for me?

I don't know... do they?

[Capt. Obvious]

Whatever happened with this?

Inquiring minds want to know, Barry!

[00_B5]

awesome thread, i like all them detailed pix

[TurboJewUrS4]

Any updates?

[20V'er]

Updates?

[barry2952]

Had my crew drag it home today. I'm amazed at how clean it is. It has every panel I'll need to complete the limo.

Only surface rust on the inside of the fenders and doors.

Adam, from Mob Steel, gave me every trim and spare part they could find for the car.

Seems almost a shame to cut this baby apart. Let the fun begin.

[G0to60]

good to see that you're back at it. by far one of the best projects i've seen in a while.