cart. Knowing where we’re going,
however, we’re already thinking
that the truck’s chassis would make
a better, more-accurate fitment
fixture—especially considering all
the heavy hammering ahead. Even
positioned upon jackstands, the
cab cart, as we’ve discovered, has a
tendency to scoot around on smooth
concrete. That could be a problem
later on when we’re fitting frontend
sheetmetal.
In this particular instance there’s
a drawback to using the truck’s
chassis as a jig. The chassis is finished
06 Plan B
will still involve
a porto-
power set,
but this time
let’s try this
little jaw-like
attachment.
This way we
might be able
to spread the
cowl panels
from the inside.
08 We may have gained but we won’t
know ’til we straighten this spot up—again.
There’s a dolly held firmly inside. After
these few hammer smacks we can check
our work.09 Do you see it, too? It’s a little better
but as we snug the upper bolt, the hinge
is beginning to bend. Without a Plan C,
this might be a good time to walk away.
10 Since we’re planning to mount the
cab anyway, let’s prepare for that. After
a quick trip to Harbor Freight, we have
a new moving blanket, a blue tarp, and
some rather powerful magnets.
07 This is
making the
right kind of
noise. We
might be
pushing out
some damage,
but we’re also
distorting the
previously
straightened
doorjamb area
of the hinge
cage.