Thread: 1st Build - '58 Chevy Step-Side Ute

So I have obviously shelved this project over the last few weeks as I deal with some family issues. My eldest son has autism spectrum disorder and we've found it necessary to start home schooling him as of this term, so it's been all hands on deck transforming our 'toy room' as it was to a school room. Now that that's well on it's way and the new school term has started, I've been able to turn some of my attention back to this little project.

My father in law for whom this project is for, announced a few weeks ago that he has finally sold the ute (the car that this project will be somewhat of a replica). This means that I now have a hard deadline of his next birthday in March next year. It feels a long way off now, but I'm sure it will creep up on me.

So this update is to announce that I have resumed work on the car. Since the last update I have:

• Shaped the bonnet (or hood) including making a space underneath to accommodate the large engine.
• Sanded the entire project down
• Cut and glued the tailgate and the tray insert
• Started applying some wipe on poly satin finish on the inside of the cab and on the seats and inside pieces so I can finally glue all those pieces into place
• Started on the wheels. Having a little trouble here actually as I don't have the seemingly necessary tools like a lathe, table saw, band saw or drill press to get the precision I need. I'm sure I'll figure it out though.

I'll try and keep the updates more regular from now on In the meantime, enjoy the attached photos.

Glad to see you back on track, but family comes first.

The last lot of photo's look great. Looks like alot of the fiddly parts made. Keep up the good work

Good to see you back! But as Digger said, you have your priorities straight!

Jim

looking good, makes it hard when you don't have the right gear to make it with ,but the finished product will be all that much more appreciated
when the father inlaw unwraps it next march. can't wait till it is finished. CD

It's looking pretty good, Geoff.
Winter tends to slow us all down a bit, but you're still making progress. You've achieved more than me over the last few weeks. I've been taking it easy, making a few router table jigs etc. and some small carvings. Back onto the VW when the weather improves.

Another update to share. Since the last update, I have applied 2 coats of a wipe on poly satin finish on all internal parts and a gloss on all external parts (thanks Hermit). I've also finished the steering wheel and glued everything together so I don't have a bunch of parts lying around. I added a small piece on the back of the engine to create the illusion of the gearbox... makes it look more 'attached'. I've also been playing around a bit with the wheels which is pretty much the last major piece left.

Still to do:

• WHEELS!
• Rear lights on tailgate
• magnets and hinges for the bonnet (hood) and the roof
• thinking about adding some tailpipe detail on the undercarriage
• then I have to start thinking about what to mount it to for presentation

Not sure if I should add any more detail to the engine bay. It does looks nice as it is, but I had thought I might add the battery, cabling and a couple of other details to fill the engine bay more but at the same time I don't want to hide any of the detail of the engine... any thoughts?

Thanks.

G'day Geoff. She's really shaping up now - looks great. Keep up the good work.

Regarding the under-bonnet detail, I reckon do as much as you can, especially battery, radiator and any other bigger bits. The more detail the better.

A small suggestion - looking at it now, what appears to be missing is inner front guards to separate the wheels from the engine bay. Adding them will fill some space and give you a place to mount the battery.

I'm planning on getting back into my VW in a few days. I've been busy making a router table fence, a coping sled and box joint jig for the router table and a few other things around the workshop. Almost done, then I can get back to the fun.

Originally Posted by Hermit

G'day Geoff. She's really shaping up now - looks great. Keep up the good work.

Regarding the under-bonnet detail, I reckon do as much as you can, especially battery, radiator and any other bigger bits. The more detail the better.

A small suggestion - looking at it now, what appears to be missing is inner front guards to separate the wheels from the engine bay. Adding them will fill some space and give you a place to mount the battery.

I'm planning on getting back into my VW in a few days. I've been busy making a router table fence, a coping sled and box joint jig for the router table and a few other things around the workshop. Almost done, then I can get back to the fun.

Eureka! Thanks Hermit! Obviously I know nothing about cars, and I've made this entire project based on a handful of photos of the original, tips from this forum and a LOT of googling for photos . I have been scratching my head thinking how I'm going mount the front wheels to the car and how to fill the engine bay a bit. You've hit the nail on the head. I did a quick google and I think the inner front guards will solve both my problem of mounting the wheels and add a nice engine bay filler.

I've probably made myself look like a complete idiot for not knowing about that part, but I'm sure glad you posted Hermit. I'm off to draw up some plans for the inner front guards.

Great job so far.

The engine bay does need filling a little, and agree with Hermit and as you say will give you a mounting point for the wheels. I must admit I looked at the photo's and for the life of me could not put my finger on what was missing