Back from sandblasting.

The couch is back from sandblasting where it was also sprayed with epoxy primer. 

 

There are some places that will require additional attention.

Preparing the couch for sandblasting

Its time to take the couch for a sand blasting to get rid of the old paint and remaining rust. But before doing so I will finish some details and strengthen the construction so that it will hopefully withstand the blasting. Also tried to remove some paint and rust protection mass to make it easier on the blaster.

I started by adding welds here and there and "boxing" the point where the backrest is welded to the car.

  There was a dent on the left side of the car. This was pulled out with a slide hammer.

I tried sanding the sides but the paint is really hard to remove.

Scraped off as much of the rust protection mass as possible using hot air gun and knife.

Made a plate to weld to the open end of the car to strengthen the sides. Didn't exactly let my imagination  run wild on the design...

First tacks in place. I try to weld as much as possible from inside also as most of the welds from outside will eventually be grinded away.

Cutting and grinding excessive material away. There are still holes in the seam so more tacks will be added until no visible holes are left.

 

As the wheels have bearings in them they where removed to avoid sand in the bearings and replaced by peace's wood. The chromed feet where protected with plastic and duct tape and the adjustable part was replaced by a bolt and a piece of wood. 

Ready to go!

Quarter panel repair.

The ambition level does not allow procurement of new quarter panels so I try to make the best of the situation by patching the current ones. 

This way of working requires a lot of welding! 

The corner is tricky!

It's not pretty but after some more welding and grinding and cutting I should be able to make it resemble stock.

I need to make a patch on the inner corner so I have something to weld in.

Winter!

It's winter and the garage is unheated so progress has bin slow. We have had temperatures below minus 20 Celsius degrees. But I'm glad we finally have a "real" winter for a change.

Compared to February 2020 when the project was hauled home and the scenery looked completely different. Picture above is from almost same spot but from different angle.

When temperatures have been more durable some minor tasks have been attended to. Welded wheels and feet to a piece of profile that will be welded under the couch. The idea is to be able to lift from the rear bumper and move the couch on the wheels. The feet have an insert with treads that allow length adjustment of feet (inserts not shown on picture).

Temporary wheels removed and preparing for welding.

Mocked up. I was lazy when building this piece and welded everything. Future replacement of components not taken in consideration! 

The cut!

It's time! The couch will be cut to its final length. 

Started by making sure the "car" is in level with a spirit level. Then a construction laser level was set up to mark where the cut is to be made. 

Drew with a "thin" permanent marker a line where to make the cut. Same procedure was done on both sides of the car.

Before making the cut some additional supports are added.

Making the cut.

On the inside of the car the laser does not work so thread is used for marking where to make the cut. 

Separated!