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Converting a Thiokol Imp 1404 from a half cab to a full cab

GRIZ 2.0

GRIZ 2.0

New member
Ola my friends. I have a 1404, I am a decent fabricator and have access to some pretty nifty tools (fiber laser, machine centers, etc.) but was wondering what some of the pitfalls would be to converting a half cab to a full besides the loss of vintage value. I am looking to make it as close to the original as I can, though I will likely weld the body panels to the frame rather than rivet them. Excited to see what advice y'all can provide. Just treat me like I don't know anything, theres a good chance I don't! Pictures are always a plus.

Thanks in advance.
 
I vote for rivets.

The frame is simple. Riveting is super easy.

Im an electrician and ive done it. I bought the spryte the bad guy died in in the movie *the thing* when i was done taking the fire proofing and camera gaffing out i patched the roof. Ive since built 2 mans into 5 mans. 2 man into 10 man is next.

Do it.
 
Frame does appear simple. Few questions.

1. Did you use angle or square tube. (square tube is stronger, but how the heck do you buck a rivet through tubing? Hence my desire to weld.)
2. That is of course unless you're using pop rivets... I know that's sacrelige for some, but even my buddy who builds STOL planes has been using pop rivets for a while now.
3. Are you saying I shouldn't weld? Many parts on Bombi's are welded so I assume it's fine, just not really removable.
4. Powder coat or paint?
5. I would think RV windows would be a decent fit? Do you happen to know if the two rear windows are the same size as the two side windows on a full cab? Feasible to resuse them for vintage sake? Or not worth the effort?

Thanks Red.
 
At the very least I would seamlessly weld the corners to avoid having to bend trim. It just seems like it would be more water tight and besides, one of the tools I don't have is a brake bend.
 
3/4 angle. I feel welding is wavy. I live in a really humid area. Square tubing rots from the inside out. (Look at any tucker)
Pop rivets are fine *lil dab of epoxy seals them right up*
Bombardier products are steel and loaded with bondo to try to hide the waves.
Ive never measured. The thing cat was a newer lmc and the doors and side windows did not match at all
 
The thiokols run a drive-center style rivet. The frames are super simple 3/4 x 1/8th angle. I have a full cab. I say go for it! Danny Gates may have the shop drawings for a full cab. That would help a ton to maintain originality. I think the original designers did a great job with the roof line and rear radius.
 
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