Ben's 73 Build Thread

[Bferrari]

Got the top cleaned up and primed, the outside of it, the inside still needs some attention but will get done at a later time.



Got a new console, have many plans on enhancing it however it will serve as a good base to get started. Fits well and is very comfortable for the arm rest. For reference, Steve (pictured) is 6'4" and sits very comfortable in it. It also clears the seat when it 'folds and tumbles' and has cup holders for the rear occupants.



The anticipation was killing me so I threw the top on to see how the passenger seat bracket would function. I am very happy with the results. I am 6'3" and with the seat forward find it very easy to get in and out of the back with the top on .... it works!!

 

[JefeAZ]

What console is that?

 

[Bferrari]

Got the headliner installed tonight. I want to ensure I have everything in that could potentially effect my cage placement. Now that it's in I can start bending tubing and get this cage knocked out!

 

[ajonesny]

Any updates?

 

[Bferrari]

Back at it again! Found some old 33's that I could use for mock-up. Couldn't wait for the lift as I was anxious to see the clearance I was going to have with the rear grafts so I decided to throw them on and am very happy with the results.



Now I figure it is time to get this darn cage built so I first got prepped by installing a winch from the rafters of my shop to make pulling the top on and off easier while fitting the pipe. Due to the full fiberglass headliner, the cage is going to need to be pretty precise in order to allow me to remove the top with the headliner in. Had my son Vinnie by my side helping with the install. As you can see he was all tooled up!!



This now leads to tonight. Pipe has finally started to bend! Got the rear and middle hoops bend up and fit. I'm using 1 3/4" .120 wall DOM tubing. Coming together good so far, hopefully be done in the next night or two!

 

[golfobx]

It sure is looking great man

 

[sprdv1]

almost there brother. Looks great

 

[Bferrari]

Finished bending up the cage and getting it tacked together. It's now ready to finish weld then install a few braces. I ended up doing something very similar to the cages that NicksTrix builds for his custom builds. Using the Halo in front versus straight bar'ing it has allowed getting the bars tucked up and out more. I am really liking the finished result as it feels roomy and I do not feel claustrophobic. One step closer to getting on the bodywork so I can get this thing in paint!

 

[englewoodcowboy]

Looks great amigo!

 

[mattyq17]

Keep at it Ben, looking good!

 

[Mattco]

What are you doing for windshield wipers? Looks like you tacked over your holes for them on top of the frame.

 

[Bferrari]

What are you doing for windshield wipers? Looks like you tacked over your holes for them on top of the frame.

I lowered them to the bottom of the windsheild.

 

[broncoitis]

Nice job on the cage Ben! Definitely looks to be tucked in nice and tight! ;D

 

[mattyq17]

How is the bronco coming along Ben?

 

[broncoitis]

Come on Ben! Stop holding out on us! ;D

 

[Bferrari]

Not holding out on you . Just haven't done anything report worthy as of yet. I'm still working on the cage, cutting and fitting braces, welding, and all the other fun stuff. I need to finish burning everything in and will be ready to throw it back on to fit the seatbelts and weld some seatbelt bungs in. I would like to be on to the bodywork this weekend. Would be nice to see some color on her within the next month!

 

[TTTGOWYO]

Love your build! SUCH great work and you are doing a much better job than me in planning ahead. I would love to do my rear fenders like you did. I wish I had the tools and more imprtantly the skills you have! Keep posting, love to see what is next!

 

[Bferrari]

Got the seatbelts fit and the bungs welded into the cage. I am using the Humvee seatbelts. They turned out great, nice and comfortable and easy to access and operate.



I got to looking at the door straps and really don't care for how they operate. Seemed like there had to be a better option. I ended up sourcing some spring loaded door checks that have three detent positions for holding the door open. Mocked them up and installed them in about 20 minutes and am very happy with the results. They operate smooth but have a positive force holding the door open. They also open just a touch wider than the factory straps. I will not be removing the doors on my rig, partially because I don't see a need for it, but also because I will be running speakers in my door panels so the wiring will prevent it. However, if I was to remove the doors the new door check would only require one additional bolt to be taken off and the entire door can be removed.

 

[Bferrari]

Thought long and hard and decided to do a dome light that attaches to the cage. Sourced a LED light that works awesome. Hooked it up to a jumper pack one night and it really lights everything up.



Next, in typical Ben fashion, I started rethinking the dash. I am now pondering a new layout. Going to see if I can swing it however will need to come up with something creative for the defrost ducts to get it to work.



Now I have finally started to begin the body work. I am currently in process of stripping everything that wasn't epoxy primed so I can start with a clean surface and go from there.



Got a wonderful surprise from the UPS driver today. Had a long conversation with Steve from Hansen a couple weeks ago and ended up picking up a set of their bumpers. Great guy and great product! The rear arrived today and I couldn't wait to throw the thing on. All I can say is Bad Ass! Highly recommend to anyone thinking of going plate bumpers.

 

[NicksTrix]

it never stops evolving! gotta love it
yes steve's group makes some great parts.