Dodge WC64 (KD) Body Panel Reproductions
Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 3:14 pm
Update: This project has started. I have made a few of the wood pieces for the roof in preparation for having new sheet metal roof pieces made. As I learned more about the body, I realized that the roof would need the supports made in order to be properly specified and then constructed. Just to give you an idea, the two side supports alone for the KD roof cost $250.00 for the blanks to be made, still needing some relief cuts made and fitting to other pieces. But the project is moving forward. If you or anybody you know is interested in having this work done, let me know. It doesn't make it any cheaper but the makers can knock out multiple pieces at one time instead of prototyping them one at a time.
FYI,
After looking hard at my KD patient compartment body panels, and looking at how they are constructed, I have decided I need to have made new patient compartment front bulkheads, sides, and roofs. My questions are if anybody out there has already done this, and if the people who did it are still around? If you know of people who have done this, I'd like to be in touch with them in case I don't need to re-invent the process.
The sides are composite construction with metal cladding, wood support framework and attach angles, cardboard insulation, and masonite inner paneling. The roof is built the same way but has complicated machine-carved supports. The front bulkhead is steel with insulation and masonite inner paneling. I have had a few sheet metal people look at what I need and can do it, but it won't be a cheap effort. The wood framework for the sides is a straight forward job that I can do. The roof needs a good furniture manufacturer, which I am still locating and vetting. But based on what I have found, I am pretty sure I can do this. FYI, in case you are wondering, these components WILL NOT fit onto a WC51/52 body and I am not interested in making them to fit (although it could be done and I think it would be neat to do so).
If anybody is seriously interested in having these made for themselves to the extent you are willing to write a check for deposit on the work with my sheet metal fabricator (and possibly a contract between you and him), let me know. My time line for doing this is early next summer, but making arrangements will take up until May 2014.
FYI,
After looking hard at my KD patient compartment body panels, and looking at how they are constructed, I have decided I need to have made new patient compartment front bulkheads, sides, and roofs. My questions are if anybody out there has already done this, and if the people who did it are still around? If you know of people who have done this, I'd like to be in touch with them in case I don't need to re-invent the process.
The sides are composite construction with metal cladding, wood support framework and attach angles, cardboard insulation, and masonite inner paneling. The roof is built the same way but has complicated machine-carved supports. The front bulkhead is steel with insulation and masonite inner paneling. I have had a few sheet metal people look at what I need and can do it, but it won't be a cheap effort. The wood framework for the sides is a straight forward job that I can do. The roof needs a good furniture manufacturer, which I am still locating and vetting. But based on what I have found, I am pretty sure I can do this. FYI, in case you are wondering, these components WILL NOT fit onto a WC51/52 body and I am not interested in making them to fit (although it could be done and I think it would be neat to do so).
If anybody is seriously interested in having these made for themselves to the extent you are willing to write a check for deposit on the work with my sheet metal fabricator (and possibly a contract between you and him), let me know. My time line for doing this is early next summer, but making arrangements will take up until May 2014.