Projects 1946 GMC Bonneville build

Can't go wrong with fireman help !

 

Putting the bed pockets on with cold rivets.

 

Didn’t know you had Workmates over there. They were designed/invented by Ron Hickman, the same guy who did the Lotus Elan and Europa.

 

They've been in North America since 1974. They're a staple item in many American and Canadian garages.

 

Being as they were a British thing I just assumed they were only here. He actually tried to sell the idea to Black and Decker at the start but they weren’t interested, eventually they bought the license after he’d made them a success selling them by mail order.

 

They certainly come in handy!

 

Nice project. Needs a GMC I-6 though. Hehe.

 

Something like this one?

 

Me likey.

 

Thanks for the update Marcia. It was good to visit with you and Frank
Last weekend. Dave

 

It's always great talking with you! Stop in when you're in the area.

 

Nice bed

 

Love the old GMC logo. The bed looks sturdy.

 

It is! BearingBurner had the bed sides and the tailgate. I got the stake pockets, the chains, and the headboard from Jim Carter truck parts. They fit perfectly.

 

Cool that you are doing rivots on the bed pockets. Who gets the dumb end, the backer, you or gas pumper?

 

HaHa, I have the flat side but gas pumper says that takes more skill, to hold it steady. After you get all the holes drilled it goes pretty quick.

 

Putting the floor down.

 

Budda, boom, budda, bing...I did both ends equally well...bucker or shooter...and truthfully both have to be on the ball with the technique...if the shooters not on angle it can prove hell for the bucker...if the buckers off angle shooting can be problematic...truly a chemistry between one another...

Great progress y'all...

 

You are going to link like a waffle if you sleep in there.

 

Marcia,
This looks very nice, I am excited to see it completed.

 

Just a little tech on riveting...and not saying there's any issues with what's happening here...just sharing experience...

This is a thing I have found helps when bucking...tell the shooter to let you push the rivet out, they reduce pressure but keep the gun on the rivet to let you using the bar press the rivet out till the bar rests flat to the surface...you then hold the bar to that flat and tell the shooter to push in maintaining that orientation and shoot...

On longer rivets you can push the rivet out and orient then the shooter knows where you are...that works too and achieves the same goal...

It takes a second to do and helps you know you're 90° to the rivet...helping ensure a better chance at a proper upset...

Just a tip for anyone buck riveting, you may already know of...or not...

 

Even with the fuel cell and battery in there, there's plenty of room to sleep!

 

Mocking up the fender.
I know it's not the correct logo and these wheels are smaller than what we'll run.

 

The last NOS , never been used, GMC lens, door and gasket in existence!
Thanks to my nephew Phil Warman!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

 

The wheel discs look fab, wouldn’t have noticed the logo.

 

I believe he's joking, referencing the diamond plate bed leaving sleep marks on your side from sleeping on it...looking like an eggo waffle......dang now I'm hungry...

 

Snow and sleigh with family, presents and Turkey time...all the best to you and your's Marcia...