I picked up this 72 a few months ago.....was only 3 miles from my house.....had been sitting in a carport for 20 years....and was $350!!!!! Going to fix the body rust, build some crazy ground effects and chop the top!
Brought it home and washed off 20 years of dust/dirt.
IMG-2087 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-2094 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Started removing some rust and replacing some patch panels
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
All glass removed and ready to start the chop. Will be welding cross braces inside to keep minimal flexing. Will start laying out with tape how much to chop and what angle.
All glass out:
IMG-3872 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Hell yeah! That Dodge is awesome.
Can't wait to see the progress on this one! Perfect blank canvas. One question though... What is the deal with the "Otis" can hanging from the passenger side sunvisor?
I disconnected the fuel tank to either clean or replace and have that with a valve/line run to the carb temporarily to run. Going to replace the engine and transmission (it’s a 6 cylinder and it’s tired....it runs but not well)
I disconnected the fuel tank to either clean or replace and have that with a valve/line run to the carb temporarily to run. Going to replace the engine and transmission (it’s a 6 cylinder and it’s tired....it runs but not well)
Awesome, I've done similar cans before and didn't even think about that being what you were using it for. I robbed a plastic gas tank off of a push mower I was scrapping years ago, and that's my go-to hanging gas can now.
If this turns out anything like your other wild dodge, this one is gonna be cool! I’m very interested to see what you do with ground effects.
This is similar to what I want to do (without the windows and wing....but I probably will do some type of wing)
Invasion build 9 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Oh yeah that is gonna be awesome!
Can't wait to see it done!
OK....started bracing the inside and the door openings so I can get ready to start cutting on the chop!!
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Nice work on the bracing.
Cut the upper halves of the braces today. Measured and marked for an 8" chop (going to see how that looks but might up it to a 9" - 10" but have to see the look of the 8" chop first). Tomorrow I hope to remove the upper door jambs and then cut the roof off and then cut the sides......getting excited to start the cutting!!!
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Looking good so far. We're all anxious to see how this one turns out. Thanks for keeping us posted.
Man you braced that like a battle ship heck yes! I can't wait to see the chop it looks like a mean angle, it will look tough.
Nice use of bed frames also! Keep us updated.
subscribed, curious to see how the top comes together since it;s not a straight down match.
Even on a straight chop (vs angled chop) either the roof needs to be widened or the upper side panels pulled in (both have been done in the past). I am planning on pulling the walls in vs splitting the roof. There is so much geometry that goes on because every angle on the van changes, door jams move as the roof moves forward the roof is now thinner than the van where it matches back up, the top of the doors change, etc
Nice use of bed frames also! Keep us updated.
Hahaha.....yea I had some angle iron laying around but remembered I had a bed frame in the back of my pick up waiting to go to the dump so I put it to good use!
That was for good use lee.
Wow! Nice work Lee. Thanks for posting the Chop. A work of Art.
The Metalwork you Craftsmen perform is amazing.
Yeah when it comes to body modification of that magnitude I will bow out. Van chops have to be tedious I watched a guy do a 65 bug and that was bad enough.
Next step was removing the tops of the door jambs.....what a pain in the a##. Didn't know how many spot welds I would be dealing with and need to save the pieces to reuse after the top gets lowered. Have to now remove the back rear corners and then I can cut the roof off and make the cut on the body panels and lower down the front.
Door Jambs Out:
72 door jamb by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
72 door jamb1 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Wow! Nice work Lee. Thanks for posting the Chop. A work of Art.
The Metalwork you Craftsmen perform is amazing.
I am far from a craftsman but I watch and study others and then I am bold enough (or stupid enough) to go try and tackle the project. My other Dodge is filled with some pretty extensive body mods but I had never done anything like that before so I studied a lot, asked a lot of questions and then dove in (it has taken me almost 9 years on that project since I am a novice)!
This is skipping ahead a little bit but I was curious..are you doing those fender flares and ground effects out of steel or fiberglass? I really love the way that looks and have another van image saved on my phone that’s similar and wondered how that might be accomplished
This is skipping ahead a little bit but I was curious..are you doing those fender flares and ground effects out of steel or fiberglass? I really love the way that looks and have another van image saved on my phone that’s similar and wondered how that might be accomplished
The ones I plan on building on this van will be made of metal. My other project they (flares, air dam and running boards) are fiberglass and all molded in
No turning back.......Cut out the sides today and cut the door tops off. Next up will be to cut out the rear corners and to cut the windshield posts and to drop the front down.
IMG-4034 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
chop chop chop!
Holy crap this is insane! Great work so far! You are braver than I would be!
Oh my that looks great Lee!
Started the actual chop. Removed rear corners and cut the windshield posts to push the roof forward and down. Now starts the hours and hours of adjusting....matching up the windshield posts....reinstalling door posts in their new locations....reinstalling rear corners....pulling in the side panels and welding....and that's just the start before I even get to the doors.....but I can start to see what the final shape will be.
chop3 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
chop1 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
chop5 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Yeah Buddy!
You gonna channel this beast too?
Love this, keep it coming. Looking killer so far.
You definitely won’t need any sun visors with that size windshield
You definitely won’t need any sun visors with that size windshield
Definitely. Its deceiving because even cut down the windshield will still be over 17"
This is awesome. Looking forward to seeing more.
Got the front reattached so I could move the scaffolding. Need to start reinstalling the door jambs and pulling the walls in and welding together
My Dodges by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Can't wait to see either one of them.
That is the perfect amount of chop for that van man. Love it.
Can't wait to see either one of them.
Looks mean. Was curious how you were gonna connect the ends of a pillars together.
Can't wait to see either one of them.
Looks mean. Was curious how you were gonna connect the ends of a pillars together.
Pulled bottom in and pulled top out to meet
Do you brace those connections in any way? I love how it looks from the side already. Look forward to seeing how you do the rear sections
Which welding process do you use for this kind of work ?
A bit off topic, did you make that hood opening on the other than ? Looks great
Your workshop is cleaner than my kitchen btw!
Which welding process do you use for this kind of work ?
A bit off topic, did you make that hood opening on the other than ? Looks great
Your workshop is cleaner than my kitchen btw!
Mig welding.....spot at a time until they connect.
As for the hood on my other van.....Ken Schwarz (Superbeast on this Forum) built it. I then welded it to the fenders when I made the tilt front end and I then molded in the wiper cowl.
Hood1 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Hood by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
As for the garage....it gets kind of messy but then drives me nuts so I have to clean it up. I try to clean up and put everything away every time I am finished working for the day.....my OCD I guess!
Hi Lee, all looks great, you must have done this before,a great garage to work in too,is that reznor heater electric ? if so ,is it expensive to use ?
Hi Lee, all looks great, you must have done this before,a great garage to work in too,is that reznor heater electric ? if so ,is it expensive to use ?
I have not done this before so it’s going to go real slow. I bought this house three and a half years ago and the garage was built by a previous owner. He was a builder so he used half of the garage for his business and the other half of the garage he played with race cars. There are two Reznor heaters in there and they do a good job and will heat the garage really well. I only use them some evenings and some on the weekends but they don’t seem too expensive to run. It’s a 40x60 garage with 16 foot ceilings
I cut a wedge in the drivers door pillar to pull it in. I then cut the side wall to match the cut under the drip rail and then pulled the walls in. I have some butt weld clamps holding it. I now need to remove the tape, grind the paint and tack the drivers side panel back to the roof piece. Slowly.....side by side, piece by piece, corner by corner and then put the front door back on....wedge cut it to lean in and then fit the top of the door.
This is going to be a loooooong project!!!!
IMG-4147 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Quality work takes time. Very excited to see this unfold.
I always like seeing the progress on this chop. I can't wait to see the next update.
Tacked up the one side today. Hope to install the drivers door post and driver side rear corner tomorrow.
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Another step done......only 6,487 more steps to go!!! Fitted the rear corner and started tacking it in place. Reinstalled drivers door so I can slice it and pull inwards so I can line up the top of the door posts and start reattaching the top of the door.
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Great job your doing there Lee!
You are a mad man! Great work so far!
I should have paid more attention in Geometry class. When you chop the top EVERYTHING changes. The door tops get longer, the door jambs have to be widened to align back up and the list goes on. A full day on the drivers door and I got the door jamb reinstalled and started fitting the door. Almost done with the drivers door......this is going to be a LONG project!!!!
Door1 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Door by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Door2 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Gonna be a thing of beauty man..😀
Your doing very nice work on it Lee. Can't wait to see it.
The window angles are so neat on a chopped Dodge you are the man.
SLOWLY.......tweaking the door. Added the top door corner back in and you can see how I had to split the piece to widen it to fit (now to fill it back in with new metal but wanted to keep the door angle the same). Also had to work around the window track inside the door. So many angle and pieces change when doing a chop. The finish work to line it all back up is driving me crazy!!!
IMG-4273 (1) by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Looking good, you definitely have to have a lot of patience to be working on the 2 chops you have. Are you keeping track of how many hours it takes to build these vans. Keep up the great work.
Looking good, you definitely have to have a lot of patience to be working on the 2 chops you have. Are you keeping track of how many hours it takes to build these vans. Keep up the great work.
The other isn't a chop but has tons of body mods (tilt front end, gullwing doors, etc). I have no idea the hours in it but it is well over 1,000 and I am just starting the chop and already realizing it is going to be a LONG process as there is so much tweaking and fitting.
Looking good, you definitely have to have a lot of patience to be working on the 2 chops you have. Are you keeping track of how many hours it takes to build these vans. Keep up the great work.
My projects:
IMG-4275 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Bitchin'! It looks like a huge pain, but you're killing it.
Finally got the last piece on driver door tacked in place (have to go back and finish welding and filling in gaps). Hopefully the passenger door will go quicker. Everything both horizontally and vertically has to be widened, shortened, etc. I now can get a sense of how the window opening will look (getting glass will be a whole another adventure....lol).
IMG-4287 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
I've always wondered how someone would go about getting glass for a project like this?
I've always wondered how someone would go about getting glass for a project like this?
Front windshield will be cut. From what I have heard from others who have chopped a van there are three choices for side windows...1) Lexan - seems to be the most popular choice 2) find a window from another vehicle that will fit 3) have a window made to fit - most expensive route but can be done
Very nice work and the time and patience to do it. Does Maryland have a yearly vehicle inspection? My daughter lives in Waldorf, but I never paid attention if her car is inspected. I know here in PA, a lot of van mods wouldn't pass inspection. There has to be so much line of view on a windshield, and the guy that inspects mine says some garage's would fail mine for inspection with the old plexiglass portholes, glass has to be DOT approved and heat treated.
Very nice work and the time and patience to do it. Does Maryland have a yearly vehicle inspection? My daughter lives in Waldorf, but I never paid attention if her car is inspected. I know here in PA, a lot of van mods wouldn't pass inspection. There has to be so much line of view on a windshield, and the guy that inspects mine says some garage's would fail mine for inspection with the old plexiglass portholes, glass has to be DOT approved and heat treated.
In Maryland if you register with historic tags (vehicle over 25 years....which mine are) there is no inspections needed and no emissions testing. I am not sure what mods would pass otherwise (windshield height, etc)
Haven't had a chance to do much for a week...but back at it. Was able to fit and weld rear passenger side and to fit and weld in the rear passenger side corner (rear corners are a pain to fit). Also able to put some bondo hair on the drivers side to start covering and finishing the welded areas.
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Hi Lee, thanks for the reznor info. You are a master craftsman for sure.
Wow that is alot of sectioning, awesome skills my man.
Slicing and refitting the door corners......so many cuts, slices and refitting with a chop. EVERYTHING moves!!!!
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Man you are truckin' right along on this thing. Looking KILLER!
Nice, already killer going to be totally sweet.
More updates: Got the passenger door frame reinstalled (had to remove more of side panel to get to it and split it to make it line up. Hope to start reinstalling passenger front door and fitting it this weekend.
IMG-4618 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Also finishing up the bodywork on driver side chopped area and started on passenger side.
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
One thing is for certain you are not scared to do major surgery. That van is wicked.
Finished up the roof line bodywork on drivers side
IMG-4727 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Removed the dash for easier access to front pillars. Going to narrow the front dash area a bit to rework the front pillars. Have the passenger pillar out to straighten the pillar and to move it in about 3/4". Going to move both front pillars in about 3/4" on each side at the bottom. CONSTANT TWEAKING!!!!
IMG-4684 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
all you need now is a 426 hemi, a master craftsman for sure
We have a glass shop in Harrisonburg VA that has done cut down door glass a while back for reasonable price. The place is called Windshield City. Might be worth checking into if you can't find someone local to do it. Plexiglass would hold you over, but it's a pain to buff the scratches out every so often. Dealt with that when one of the guys in my former hot rod club did a chopped top VW beetle rat rod thing.
You can really see the angle chop in this photo! So freaking cool
Wow. I thought Tuner4Life's work was awesome but this major surgery makes his look like Botox! Both of you are amazing craftsmen!
Wow. I thought Tuner4Life's work was awesome but this major surgery makes his look like Botox! Both of you are amazing craftsmen!
Tuner4Lifes work is awesome and he is quite the craftsman. Both of my vans have gone through (or going through) some major transformations. I had never done any welding/fabrication/fiberglassing/bodywork before I bought my van (about 7 years ago). I just asked a lot of questions from people that do, practice and then attempt it. That's why it took me 7 years on my last van and I am just now ready for paint. Guess I am just brave enough (or stupid enough) to start cutting and then hope I can put it back together. The tilt front end on my other van was the modification that kicked my butt.....took almost a year to do that modification!
Well this one looks great. Thanks for taking us along.
I think I am going to name this van “Vandemic†since I am getting a lot done on it while I am home during the pandemic!!!
That's great lee
Heck yeah, great name, especially for a wild chop
Great name, it fits such a radical van. Great work done in a short time
More tweaking......had to move the windshield pillars in about 5/8" where they meet the body.
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Man. You are going like a rocket. I've been working and redesigning a door hinge on my van which took me several evenings to finish...
Wow..what else can be said.
We have a glass shop in Harrisonburg VA that has done cut down door glass a while back for reasonable price. The place is called Windshield City. Might be worth checking into if you can't find someone local to do it. Plexiglass would hold you over, but it's a pain to buff the scratches out every so often. Dealt with that when one of the guys in my former hot rod club did a chopped top VW beetle rat rod thing.
I will check them out. My daughter goes to school in Harrisonburg (JMU) so we get down there a fair amount (about 2.5 hours from where I am).
Tweaking very good there Lee!
surgical work
im Always amazed buy those who can do this
Excellent work and fantastic build!
Since I have never done this before...its a learning process. One thing I learned is I should have had the windshield posts finalized before doing the door. After I had the door fitted I had to change the windshield post which means I had to go back and refit the front door. Another 6 hours in fitting the door......at least I haven't done the passenger door yet!!!!
Driver door refitted with the windshield posts now in the correct space.
IMG-4891 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
My rear doors were pretty rusty at the bottom so I knew I wanted to replace. Picked up this single rear door that I am going to fit (bend inward at the top) and then gull wing it. I plan on filling the window but have something unique (in my head) that I want to do in the window space.
New door just propped in there to make sure it fits. Hope to bolt it in place to have the proper fit while I cut and then will hinge it into a gullwing.
IMG-4898 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Looks great Lee! Are you eliminating the wing windows? I have to wonder if 98-03 door glass will work in the 72 doors.
Looks great Lee! Are you eliminating the wing windows? I have to wonder if 98-03 door glass will work in the 72 doors.
Not sure yet. I like the looks of the wing window removed (like the Invasion van) but only if I can get a factory glass piece from another vehicle to fit. I know I can have windows custom made but I am too cheap for that option!
I imagine custom made windows would be quite expensive. I spent many years working for PPG Industries in their glass manufacturing plants. We made specialty glass for many applications, military tanks and planes, bulletproof glass for high ranking officials, all shapes and designs, plus we did our own "specialty work" on the midnight shift for guys building street rods back then. We called it "Government Work" because everything we did was free and getting paid on company time. There were very few supervisors on the midnight shift and the factory was over a mile long, so lots of places to hide our projects. A few times a supervisor would question a piece of glass that was coming out of the oven after heat treatment, a promise of a case of beer or a bottle of whiskey usually had him look the other way. I often think when I see all these van projects being built now, how helpful and cheap it could of been to supply the windows.
No wing window would look great Lee!
+1 that door profile is super rad!
Amazing build and skills!
How lucky are you. Does your neighbor have a friend with a 1971-1975 Shorty in his carport ?
How lucky are you. Does your neighbor have a friend with a 1971-1975 Shorty in his carport ?
I was really looking for a shorty but this one came up a few miles from my house and the price was right.
This was the same situation for me too. I honestly think your project benefits from being a long body. You’ve got a radical short van but I think the style and body work you’re planning, the lwb suits the proportions.
Got the new single door (rust free junk yard find off a 99) hung today to replace my barn doors that were pretty rusty. I then sliced the sides to lean it in and then tacked it in the correct position. Next step is to gull wing it and remove the other hinges. I also plan on filling in the window but I have something planned for where the original window is (planned in my head anyhow)!
IMG-4918 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
I'm loving this build more and more each time I check in. This thing is so wild. Anxious to see how the door comes out, and what you have planned for the window.
Yeah, this is awesome. You’re making a lot of progress on it.
I always did like the Corners door … I wish Chevy made them
Way to go Lee …. it will look awesome ! !
To Lee7673. You won the Van Find Lotto ! Killer Price !
That's a lot of work, I would never dare to put the cutting blade in the VAN to scared of messing it up
Keep up the work, and updates
Great job you did on that door Lee!
Before I started cutting/fitting/fabricating the passenger front door I started playing with laying out wheel flares. Going to add some ground effects as well and tie the flares in so I have excess framing rod at the bottom right now that will be cut off or tied into the ground effect. Just trying to see how it might look.
IMG-5086 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Man, I love everything you're doing to this sweet ride, Lee. Excellent build!
Lee7673 you have skills bro !
Lee - will you need to space your wheels out at all to get them to sit that wide? It looks like that would stick out further than a stock flare? Excited to see this continue.
I love watching this take shape
Lee - will you need to space your wheels out at all to get them to sit that wide? It looks like that would stick out further than a stock flare? Excited to see this continue.
Sticks out 3" which is the same amount as the fiberglass flares on my other van. They look bigger because they also drop down 2" while the fiberglass flares come straight out. They will be a lot bigger.....going for the look of the flares on Metalstorn or Invasion vans.
Beefed up the framing today with 1/2" bar. I then test fitted a piece of the flare. Need to fabricate the ground effect and start them as the flares will tie into them.
IMG-5124 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5132 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
The look I am going for as for the flares and ground effects
Invasion build 9 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
I freaking LOVE this style of flares. You are rocking this build man. Phenomenal job.
OK...cut, fit and welded in two panels on the flare.....I can start to get a sense of how it will look. I have to frame the ground effect in next before I finish the flare as the flare will mold into the ground effect. Slowing coming together.....at this rate I should have it done by 2027!!!!
IMG-5146 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Great progress on the Van, you make it look as if the chop is a Saturday morning job, I am allready curious how fast the fenders will be done.
Hey Lee, what size rod are you using for the flares?
Hey Lee, what size rod are you using for the flares?
1/4 rod for the rounded part and then 1/8†x 1/2†flat bar to connect the two rods together and to connect the outer rod to the van
You're work is amazing.
Started framing out the ground effects. I have to cover those before I can finish flares because flares tie into them. Hope to start covering them and finishing the rear flare in the next few days.
IMG-5228 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
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Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
You're work is amazing.
Thanks.....a little at a time
Have you thought about a color scheme ? Are you going one solid color or a blend ?
Have you thought about a color scheme ? Are you going one solid color or a blend ?
That's too far out for me to even start thinking about...lol! Will be laying paint on my other Dodge within 30 days and that will be a solid color (a Brandywine).
Can't wait to see the other one in color.
Right on !
( I seriously need to think about moving next door to you.)
How wide will your tires be to fill that big hole? Or will you use spacers to bring the wheels out?
Nice to see that your other van will get a new coat of paint :-)
this van is going to be sexy as hell
How wide will your tires be to fill that big hole? Or will you use spacers to bring the wheels out?
Nice to see that your other van will get a new coat of paint :-)
I will be running something similar to what I have on my other van. I have 10†rims on back with 295/50 tires and 8†rims on the front with 265/50 tires
Nice Mr Lee
Nice project. I love it.
i started one 20 years ago. Chop was done but sits for ever in the barn.
Have to find some time to start again, but your tread will help for sure to get in the mood.
We do the same on the wheelwells but the sides are different. I chopped straight.
Rear is completely closed, no more doors.
Good luck with your project.
Cool.
Nice project. I love it.
i started one 20 years ago. Chop was done but sits for ever in the barn.
Have to find some time to start again, but your tread will help for sure to get in the mood.
We do the same on the wheelwells but the sides are different. I chopped straight.
Rear is completely closed, no more doors.
Good luck with your project.
Cool.
Lets see some pics! Always love to look at chops!
Hey Lee; you can fab a custom sign over your workshop: "Dodge Dreams".
Hey Lee; you can fab a custom sign over your workshop: "Dodge Dreams".
Mopar or No Car!!!
Very nice.....will be a nice one to finish. What year??
I have to admit; I like "Mopar or No Car" better than "Dodge Dreams" !!
[/quote]
Very nice.....will be a nice one to finish. What year?? [/quote]
1983. B250. Was 318/727 but have a nice 360 with some upgrades and an other rear axle for the 2 stripes job (lol).
We would ad a flip front but that's out of my mind right now.
[/quote]
Very nice.....will be a nice one to finish. What year??
1983. B250. Was 318/727 but have a nice 360 with some upgrades and an other rear axle for the 2 stripes job (lol).
We would ad a flip front but that's out of my mind right now.
[/quote]
Add the flip front end when you are finishing it off.....they look great. I did it on my other Dodge.
IMG-5252 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Lee. You have Great Skills. You should seriously consider opening up a shop !
My other Dodge......getting paint at the end of this month. There is a build thread on this forum of all I have done to it.
IMG-4620 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Lee. You have Great Skills. You should seriously consider opening up a shop !
Just a back yard hobbyist that decided to learn welding and body work 8 years ago when I bought my van.....takes me a lot longer than others because I am "learning on the job"!!! LOL
Lee - did you learn it on your own or did you take classes?
Lee - did you learn it on your own or did you take classes?
I had never done any welding/fabrication/body work before I bought my Dodge van in 2011. Welding and body work I learned by asking a lot of questions to people who did that and watched a lot of videos and then practiced. That's why it takes me so long on my projects. 9 years on my van and I am just now ready for paint (of course every time I was ready for paint I thought of one more body mod I wanted to do first....but now I really am ready for paint....then I can finish the interior).
That's the best way Lee. I learned starting back on the Nautilus.
You guys are my heroes..no joke.
You guys are my heroes..no joke.
Thanks.....Just love playing with metal and experimenting. Others before me gave me a lot of inspiration and ideas and just trying to recreate what others have done.
Test fitting the ground effects to see how they will look. Also, have to mount ground effect to be able to finish the flares as the flares tie into the ground effect.
Ran out of welding gas so have to get more before I can fully mount these, Ughhhh
IMG-5260 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5261 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
That's the best way Lee. I learned starting back on the Nautilus.
And that restoration turned out beautiful!
I followed the thread of you're other Van that allready has radical modifications, great to see you are building not one but 2 radical vans, I love it.
how will you finish of the in- and underside of the flares and ground effects. I am doing the same thing on my van, I wanted to weld sheet metal on the underside because I worry that the inside of the flares and ground effects will start rusting, but that way I will never pass vehicle control to get it road legal.(same reason why I can't chop the roof) So I might end up with bolt on closing plates, I want the Van to also look great from underneath...
I have used the same method you are working, as I don't have an English wheel or other high tech stuff. It does mean the need for a little bit more Bondo to get it straight.
Keep up the great work.
I followed the thread of you're other Van that allready has radical modifications, great to see you are building not one but 2 radical vans, I love it.
how will you finish of the in- and underside of the flares and ground effects. I am doing the same thing on my van, I wanted to weld sheet metal on the underside because I worry that the inside of the flares and ground effects will start rusting, but that way I will never pass vehicle control to get it road legal.(same reason why I can't chop the roof) So I might end up with bolt on closing plates, I want the Van to also look great from underneath...
I have used the same method you are working, as I don't have an English wheel or other high tech stuff. It does mean the need for a little bit more Bondo to get it straight.
Keep up the great work.
I definitely plan on finishing off the inside of the flares. I haven't decided if I will be finishing off the bottom of the ground effects yet. If I do I will be welding on metal from the outside of the ground effect back to the body.
Did a little more on the ground effect and finished tieing the rear flare into the ground effect.
IMG-5311 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Awesome work and progress.
I have a Hotrod book from mid seventies shows that method for flares..that is totally gnarly Lee you are a real craftsman. And you have vision my man.. alot of progress, that van will be badass.
Watch how this metalshaper makes the flares, he has got very learnfull videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od9QeWsor6E This is awesome and he does some beautiful work. I wish I had his metal working tools.
No doubt. What a talent and amazing shop.
I want to build a rear roll pan similar to this:
attitudeadjustment by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Then I remembered that I had a louvered hood on my old van but the inside had rusted out and I cut the louvers off the top of the hood before I scrapped the hood......so.....guess what the next project is? Build a roll pan with louvers!!!!
Here are the panels I cut out of my old hood....I forgot I had these!!!
IMG-5358 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Perfect! I also really love the Centerline Champs on your shorty. A very under rated wheel choice for heavy body mod style vans.
Perfect! I also really love the Centerline Champs on your shorty. A very under rated wheel choice for heavy body mod style vans.
I am looking for a set for the chop. I found a set for sale near me but they painted the centers. I am going to go look at them to see if I can remove the paint.
I finally had to let a set go I had. They were mis matched centerlines and ultra wheels and were for small GM which doesn’t fit anything I own but they were so cool. Fronts were 8.5’s, rears were deep 10s. Sold them to a guy with a g body so I’m hoping they get used well. They are bad ass.
That's going to look killer Lee. My buddy Paul that runs Old Anvil Speed Shop in CA is really good with Louvers of all shapes and sizes. I've been trying to think of somewhere I could incorporate a few from him, but haven't made up my mind as to where yet. I wish I could get my van to CA easier, because there are a few ideas I've had for him to do to the van, but it's a logistical nightmare trying to make it happen. The guy is a metal magician, been fabricating since he was a young teenager. He moved from VA to CA a few years back to work with Jimmy Shine then opened his own shop and has been knocking out some seriously killer work since then.
https://www.oldanvilspeedshop.com/I can't get enough of looking at the pics of this van man. Thank you for sharing all the progress. Your work is amazing and very inspiring to step outside of the norm and think of new ideas for customizing.
kursed : just checked out your Buddy Paul's shop; looks like he does nice work. I'm stoked to know I have a connection with a quality shop within driving distance from San Diego. Check out the Kentucky Louisville Craigslist ad for the 1974 G10 Shorty at $5500.00 with the welded side door. it was a garage paint job and I'm sure the metal work has challenges as well.
I can forward some videos the owner Steve sent me to get your valued opinion; and if a miracle happened ; could your buddy Paul restore the slider to stock in your opinion. Your help is greatly appreciated. SDMickey
kursed : just checked out your Buddy Paul's shop; looks like he does nice work. I'm stoked to know I have a connection with a quality shop within driving distance from San Diego. Check out the Kentucky Louisville Craigslist ad for the 1974 G10 Shorty at $5500.00 with the welded side door. it was a garage paint job and I'm sure the metal work has challenges as well.
I can forward some videos the owner Steve sent me to get your valued opinion; and if a miracle happened ; could your buddy Paul restore the slider to stock in your opinion. Your help is greatly appreciated. SDMickey
PM sent so we don't hijack Lee's thread too bad.
Wasn't thinking. Lee is a True Vanner with great skills. I get blown away at his self taught workmanshiop with his posts.
That's going to look killer Lee. My buddy Paul that runs Old Anvil Speed Shop in CA is really good with Louvers of all shapes and sizes. I've been trying to think of somewhere I could incorporate a few from him, but haven't made up my mind as to where yet. I wish I could get my van to CA easier, because there are a few ideas I've had for him to do to the van, but it's a logistical nightmare trying to make it happen. The guy is a metal magician, been fabricating since he was a young teenager. He moved from VA to CA a few years back to work with Jimmy Shine then opened his own shop and has been knocking out some seriously killer work since then.
https://www.oldanvilspeedshop.com/I can't get enough of looking at the pics of this van man. Thank you for sharing all the progress. Your work is amazing and very inspiring to step outside of the norm and think of new ideas for customizing.
Very cool and California seems to be the place for custom shops like his
Very cool and California seems to be the place for custom shops like his
Yeah, that was his dream, to start his own rod shop in CA. I'm happy he went for it. Seeing your louvers made me remember the day he got his old school louver press. Like a kid on Christmas.
Did you press your louvers that came off the old van, or were they already on it? I've been thinking of shipping him a spare hood I have to get him to work some metal magic on a hood scoop idea I've had rolling around in the back of my head.
Man I really can't get enough of opening this thread and drooling over the darn chop and flares. Outstanding work so far. Can't wait to log in and see more progress each time your thread pops to the top.
I can't wait till the Grand Opening one day of: " Mopar or No Car"
Just seen it and thought I’d pass it on.
All road warrior looking.
https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/998428743893446
Started building the roll pan with the louvers I had. Got it shaped and louvers cut into one side....hope to get the louvers in the other side tomorrow. Going to do the body work on it off the van (so I don't have to lay down and sand)!!!
IMG-5390 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5400 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5403 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5407 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Some of the coolest custom van stuff is happening in your garage Lee. So fun to watch and thanks for sharing.
Lee; you have to do it: The Mopar Road Warrior; that's rad looking!
Dude; your work is off the hook.
OK....a few updates:
Almost finished the rear roll pan. Should be able to put it in primer by tomorrow and weld it on the rear of the van.
IMG-5505 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Scored a very nice pair of rust free side doors so I can finish off the passenger side. The hinge on the front is a little different so I will have to modify (mine is a 72 and these are off a 74 and I thought they would have been identical)
IMG-5512 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Removed the grill and started framing front end. Will frame out the bottom of the grill opening in next few days so I can frame out the front air dam so I can build the front wheel flares and tie it all together.
IMG-5514 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Those doors are awesome Lee. Great find!
Hung the new doors today. Totally rust free. Almost too nice to cut up......but won't close or work without cutting them up!
IMG-5522 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5520 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Your skills; progress and effort is amazing.
Finished the roll pan
IMG-5529 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Tacked it on the rear of the van. Now to tie it into the rear flares and make the rear corners.
IMG-5548 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
As usual; nice work !
Finished two more pieces on the ground effects tying into the roll pan. Hopefully tomorrow I can add the last piece of the flare and tie it all together so I can start on the front flare and tie it into the new front end.....then I can do it all over again on the other side!!!!
IMG-5593 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5594 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Damn ! Clean as we all knew it would be. What size wheels are you going with ?
Great work Lee and my favourite thread, I could ask a thousand questions about the chop, one day I will start that also but for now just one question , it looks like you are using sharp edges on the back and end of the sides. Why is that? The van has smooth shapes all around, I would follow that trend to make it look as if she came out of the factory like that.
Damn ! Clean as we all knew it would be. What size wheels are you going with ?
Same as my other Dodge 15x10 on the rear and 15x8 on the front
Great work Lee and my favourite thread, I could ask a thousand questions about the chop, one day I will start that also but for now just one question , it looks like you are using sharp edges on the back and end of the sides. Why is that? The van has smooth shapes all around, I would follow that trend to make it look as if she came out of the factory like that.
I understand what you are saying about the smooth edges. I guess its just a personal choice. Here are three of my favorite vans (all chops...2 Chevys and 1 Dodge) all with the sharp edge boxed ground effects at the bottom. These are vans that inspired me to do those type of ground effects on my chop.
Omen van Then and now)
Omen van by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Upopia Van
Utopia Van by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Invasion Van
Invasion Van by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Wow the first version of that Chevy is wild!
I can’t wait to see this come together. Great part about any of this process is if you don’t end up liking something, you learn and make it better. I bet none of those vans got every detail right the first crack at it. It’s called a process for a reason. I love following along.
OK....got the last piece of the fender cut and fitted (lots of cutting) and then put a quick coat of bondo glass on the seams. I am really liking the way this is looking but I can tell this is going to be a LONG process!
IMG-5614 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5625 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Wicked Cool MR MOPAR OR NO CAR !
Wooooooooo..dang nice work..you got vision for sure.
Been busy and haven't had a lot of time to work on it but I started the front flare......going to build the front air dam next to tie the flare into it
IMG-5719 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5722 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Also started cutting the passenger front door and fitting it together
IMG-5641 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5639 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
As usual. Nice work
Looks great Lee! Now..important question. What drivetrain are you planning on?
Looks great Lee! Now..important question. What drivetrain are you planning on?
I am not sure yet. It has a tired 225 in it now and I am not even sure what transmission (originally was a 3 speed - clutch is still in the van but not hooked up). I will probably go with a 360 (although I saw a 1957 392 Hemi advertised locally). Not sure about transmission....a 727 perhaps? Mechanics are not my strong suit.
Lee, I would save all that 3-speed linkage and what else may go with it, always see guys wanting to changeover to manual transmission. Keep up the nice work and progress on your projects.
Nice work. Of Art!!! Radical chop, but aesthetically pleasing. Your lower body mods complement the chop well. Carry On. Maestro!
OK.....front end starting to come together. I framed out the bottom of the "new" grill opening and added the framework for the front of the air dam. Now I can finish the driver side front flare and add the air dam and then start on the other side of the van.......slowly but surely!!!!
IMG-5765 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5756 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
This van is going to be waaaaaayyyyyy cool..darned nice metal work and man what vision.
Lee it is overwhelming dude!
" Mr. Lee " . Astrocreep66 's post is an " under statement " . You SERIOUSLY could open a shop.
I'm telling you "Mr. Lee".....even though I'm a Chevy man at Heart. I would be Happy to be the Shop Manager at " Mopar or No Car"
Of course my Shop Van could be a Powder Blue 60's A100 Shorty Cargo !
Man this stuff is slow going.......framed up a little more on the front end and hope to have the front air dam metal all installed in the next day or so (driver side and then I can finish the front driver wheel flare and tie it all together). Long...slow....process!!!!
IMG-5847 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5848 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
That's a really cool looking van. Keep on Truckin´
I'm so stoked to see more!
" Mr. Lee " as they say: "Slow and Steady Wins the Race"
Finished putting the "framework" on the front drivers side and then started tacking in the front metal.
IMG-5853 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5894 by
Lee Hatfield, on
Flickr
IMG-5890 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Mr. Lee , it looks phenominal Sir as expected. Sorry for my memory lapse; what color do you believe you will go with ?
OK....finally finished the front corner....so much cutting and fitting. Now to finish the rest of the front air dam and then repeat the flares and ground effects on the passenger side.
IMG-5972 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5979 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-5968 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
This is off the hook "MR. Lee". I'm imaging a MAD MAX Tribute Van,
Any updates please been waiting ?
Haven't had much time to work on it the past two weeks as I have had kids and grandkids visiting.
I did pick up this van and will be pulling the motor and tranny out of it for the swap. Wife said I need to do it quick as she doesn't want 3 vans out at the garage!!!
Van that I will take motor and tranny from:
van 1 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Then started the framing for the other side of the front grill/air dam area and then started fitting new metal. Hope to trim up new metal and weld in place today.
van 2 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
van 3 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Sounds like you better get busyer.
Ok.....got the top and center of the other front panel fitted and tacked on. Now have to trim the left side and along the front frame at the bottom of the spoiler and tack in place (hope to do that tomorrow) but I am starting to get a sense of what the front will look like.
Van front by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
van front 2 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
"Dualing Vans". You are a Lucky Man Mr. Lee.
Finished trimming and welding the other half of the front spoiler on.
IMG-6474 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
IMG-6478 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Looking good, thanks for the updates.
MR MR LEE. That front end "look" is off the hook. You are one talented Hombre ! ( when does Mopar or No Car open up ? )
Yanked the six cylinder out yesterday to make way for the 8 cylinder motor.
Chop engine by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Chop engine 2 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
chop engine 3 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Here's a guy who knows what he's doing.
Looking at the passenger side of the K-frame. Looks like Dodge used an adapter plate to mount the /6. I've never seen that before so I wonder if a V8 van will have an adapter plate as well.
Looking amazing man as always. Love following your builds. Super inspiring.
Looking at the passenger side of the K-frame. Looks like Dodge used an adapter plate to mount the /6. I've never seen that before so I wonder if a V8 van will have an adapter plate as well.
I don't think so compared to my 77 and the 78 that the engine came out of. Was a long adapter that went from the motor mount over to the slant six
The chop is getting a new heart. Have to install a carburetor and a few more things and then hope to install it this weekend.
Engine by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Man that thing looks so good. Can't wait to hear it thumpin'.
Nice Lee. Like kursed said: it would be cool to get a video of it when its running.
I definitely will....as soon as I install and put the headers on I'll fire it up and record,,,,going to be loud!!!
What type of carburetor are you installing on the motor.
What type of carburetor are you installing on the motor.
I have a Carter 4 barrel going on
Love me some Carter Carb man. I'm a Holley guy usually, but pop had one on his 70 C10 and we played with it on the Chevelle and loved it on both. It was so smooth.
Nice get it an fire it up
Had a Carter on my only Mopar and I sure wish I had it now: after seeing the movie Vanishing Point; I bought a 1970 RT Challenger ' Gold with a 340 ; 4 barrel Carter and the slap stick auto trans. Second Owner.
Bone stock and she could move.
Put the engine into the chopped van. Now have to install the carburetor, linkage, transmission, radiator.....and the list goes on. Kept the carburetor off (and almost left the intake off) due to the reduced room to work with going in through the passenger door due to the chop.
Chopped van new motor 2 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Chopped van new motor by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Awesome looking work you are doing to that van.
Awesome work you have done to it.Can't wait to see it done Lee!
Wow, amazing work. That back door just seemed to fall into place. Cant wait to see it complete!
Nice work I am waiting for more ...
It's looking so good Lee. Nice work as always.
While the engine and transmission are out I decided to put new seals, switch and fittings on transmission. The last seal goes in today so I can get it back onto the engine and start hooking everything back up.
Transmission by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Don't forget the shift shaft seals! ;)
Don't forget the shift shaft seals! ;)
That's the last seal I have to replace. Have never done one of those so want to make sure I don't mess something up on the inside when I remove the linkage.
Don't forget the shift shaft seals! ;)
That's the last seal I have to replace. Have never done one of those so want to make sure I don't mess something up on the inside when I remove the linkage.
There's actually 2 seals, one for the shift shaft and one for the kick-down shaft.
Don't forget the shift shaft seals! ;)
That's the last seal I have to replace. Have never done one of those so want to make sure I don't mess something up on the inside when I remove the linkage.
There's actually 2 seals, one for the shift shaft and one for the kick-down shaft.
I have never changed those before so I need to do some research. I was afraid if I just pulled those out I would mess up something inside.
Thats the way to do it Lee!
Don't forget the shift shaft seals! ;)
That's the last seal I have to replace. Have never done one of those so want to make sure I don't mess something up on the inside when I remove the linkage.
There's actually 2 seals, one for the shift shaft and one for the kick-down shaft.
I have never changed those before so I need to do some research. I was afraid if I just pulled those out I would mess up something inside.
It's been an age since I've replaced those seals. All the A-100's I've had needed them replaced since it's a common leak point.
Put the last seal in tonight (the shift shaft seal) and installed a new neutral safety switch in the transmission so I will get the transmission installed tomorrow
Engine and tranny back in. Now to install the headers, hook up the linkage and wiring and fire it up!
Chop engine by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Are you going to have that at the Nationals?
Are you going to have that at the Nationals?
Not this year.
Was going to go with the other van this year but we are moving around the same time. I will be at Vanarama at Carlisle in August with the other van
Nice install as Always Mr. Lee
Finally got the side doors cut down to fit and I have finished all the flares and ground effects all the way around the van. Have to finish the top of the passenger door and then want to cut two recessed scoops in the hood and then the real fun begins....cutting the windshield and finding side glass that will work.
Chopped van side doors by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
chop effects by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
CE1 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
CE3 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
DAAAAANG! Man this thing looks so killer. I love going back through this thread and re-reading as well. Awesome job as always.
Probably one of the best build threads ever on the forum, beautiful work and fabrication. Lee, how do you plan to cut the windshield. I spent a career in the glass industry with PPG Industries. Windshield glass is heat treated and bent and laminated with a piece of plastic between the 2 sections of glass.
Probably one of the best build threads ever on the forum, beautiful work and fabrication. Lee, how do you plan to cut the windshield. I spent a career in the glass industry with PPG Industries. Windshield glass is heat treated and bent and laminated with a piece of plastic between the 2 sections of glass.
If I just had to cut across the top I would attempt it (I know a few people who have done it). But….I pulled the sides in so I have to cut across the top and down both sides. I think I am going to have it cut with a water jet.
So nice Lee. And isn't this the van you got for Free? Awesome work.
So nice Lee. And isn't this the van you got for Free? Awesome work.
Almost free. I paid $350 for it. Had to fix some rust and swap the motor. I always wanted to chop one but didn't want to invest too much money in case I screwed it up and had nothing but a scrap van left!
Probably one of the best build threads ever on the forum, beautiful work and fabrication. Lee, how do you plan to cut the windshield. I spent a career in the glass industry with PPG Industries. Windshield glass is heat treated and bent and laminated with a piece of plastic between the 2 sections of glass.
If I just had to cut across the top I would attempt it (I know a few people who have done it). But….I pulled the sides in so I have to cut across the top and down both sides. I think I am going to have it cut with a water jet.
Discretion, is the better part of valor! Water jet is some trippy action. Looking good Lee!
If I just had to cut across the top I would attempt it (I know a few people who have done it). But….I pulled the sides in so I have to cut across the top and down both sides. I think I am going to have it cut with a water jet.
I hope you can catch some action shots f that being done, along with the results.
Started laying out and cutting the hood for the hood scoops.
This is the design I am trying to achieve:
Hood scoops by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Laid out the cut lines and then cut. The wood blocks are just there to hold it open and let the metal flex until I weld a 1/4" rod opening....then will have to fill in the sides. I plan on making the openings a little taller. I like where it is heading.
HS1 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
HS2 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
HS3 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Unreal MR Mopar. So nice.
Looking good, thanks for the update.
I love those freaking scoops man. Very clean. I wish I could figure out what those darn rims were in the reference picture. I posted about that either here or on some of the vanner groups in Facebook trying to figure it out. They look like true knock-off three spokes, very cool. Can't wait to see the scoops all done.
Newkirk might have some info on the rims, as he owned the van at one time. I also have several articles about Nautilus that may mention the type of wheels. Just finding the magazines would be another project.
I love those freaking scoops man. Very clean. I wish I could figure out what those darn rims were in the reference picture. I posted about that either here or on some of the vanner groups in Facebook trying to figure it out. They look like true knock-off three spokes, very cool. Can't wait to see the scoops all done.
The magazine article that the picture came from just said that they were gold anodized wheels by Eccense. I don’t know if Eccense was the brand of wheel or the company that anodized the wheels.
Looking aewesome Lee. I had those wheels at one time but he would not sell them to me.They were the original ones and last i heard they were still sitting in his front yard.
Looks great and I'm liking the scoop design!
Finishing up the metal work on the van so I can start the bodywork. Finishing the passenger front door (what a PIA....everything changes....the top of the doors get longer, the widths don't match up etc) and started filling in the sides of the front scoops. Fitted the windows and realize I am going to have to make side glass (ughhh). When I chopped the top I decided to pull the sides in vs widening the roof so the curvature of the door glass changed (I was given a tip of someone else who had to make side glass of what car class to start with). Always something new on this project!
chopped van raw metal1 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
front window raw metal chopped van by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
front window chopped van by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Hood scoop chopped van by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
You are an Amazing talent Sir Mopar.
wow. Incredible craftsmanship! Very nice.
Looks kinda pretty massive and sinister with the quality craftsmanlike sheetmetal work. Nicely done! With paint it's gonna look Custom!
Have you picked out a color yet ?
Awesome work lee and can't wait to see it. Nats this year?
Hood scoops are done (just need a little touch up and need to find some screen/grate for the back of the scoops). I wanted to "break up" the spoiler as it was a lot of straight sheet metal so I cut and welded two closed scoops in the spoiler just to give it a little different appearance.
Spoiler vent by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Spoiler vent 2 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
Spoiler vent 3 by
Lee Hatfield, on Flickr
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2n66dwf]
On the end open it N put screen . on the inside route the air to your ft brake rotor & pads like they do in Nascar
Nice work as Always Mr Mopar. SHAKE & BAKE
Its been 10 months since I touched this van.....used all that time finishing up the 77 and getting it ready to take to shows and drive. Will be starting back on this one within the next week and my goal is to have all the mechanical stuff done and all the body work done and ready for paint by Spring!
Can't wait for the pics !
gonna be nice!
Looking forward to following along on your build and hoping to learn a few tips!
That is so much skill..unreal...
Hello Lee,
Awesome project! I just read the whole build thread and very impressed with your work! This van is looking awesome (like your other one does...)
I am in the same "learning as you go" mode. Bought a welder and gradually improving as I work on my van and some other projects too. Not at your level yet but enjoying it a lot regardless.
Question - where do you get your steel for your projects? I'm in MD too (Annapolis) and I've ordered online, bought small pieces at home depot, and stopped once at BMG Metals off of Rt. 100 but they only wanted to sell full sheets and that is too big of a piece for me to handle and store without it getting rusty. Curious if you have a go-to supplier that I should check out.
Also wanted you to know that I'm *almost* road-ready so maybe I'll bump into you at cars & coffee or a cruise night relatively soon!
Every time big red surgery photos pop up I'm happy. Reminds you what's possible. I guess I joined the van surgery club lately with new windshield metal.
Lee, when I talk about custom vans or this forum with people, sometimes they don't get it.
Then I pull up your build threads and they understand. Absolutely epic dodge vans man.
No doubt. These guys have extraordinary talents.
frscke1 : Was your metal work done at the same paint shop in Santee ?
Yes but now he's not in business anymore ... Covid
That was a metric ton and a half of work, time, frustration, and money. Turned out nice! Cool to see it up close and give you a ride from the driveline shop. That alone was a long grind just to straighten out the entire driveline.
Good job Scott!
Off to WrenchaPart! Gday!
Hello Lee,
Awesome project! I just read the whole build thread and very impressed with your work! This van is looking awesome (like your other one does...)
I am in the same "learning as you go" mode. Bought a welder and gradually improving as I work on my van and some other projects too. Not at your level yet but enjoying it a lot regardless.
Question - where do you get your steel for your projects? I'm in MD too (Annapolis) and I've ordered online, bought small pieces at home depot, and stopped once at BMG Metals off of Rt. 100 but they only wanted to sell full sheets and that is too big of a piece for me to handle and store without it getting rusty. Curious if you have a go-to supplier that I should check out.
Also wanted you to know that I'm *almost* road-ready so maybe I'll bump into you at cars & coffee or a cruise night relatively soon!
There was a large metal shop in Glen Burnie that I got the metal for my grill and some other pieces (they had all styles, shapes and sizes) but they closed a few years ago. All of my metal has come from Lowes or Home depot - but I can only get 4 foot lengths. That's why on places like my side ground effects they are done in several pieces instead of one continuous piece.
Love to catch up with you at a cruise night, cars and coffee or local show.
frscke1 : Lloyd's Collision & Paint in Santee closed ?
They didnt do the body work ...
My apologies for the hijack I thought MD VAN MAN was lookin for body metal ...
Again sry.
They didnt do the body work ...
My apologies for the hijack I thought MD VAN MAN was lookin for body metal ...
Again sry.
No problem at all
Lee just said this a
few minutes ago on another thread ...
.but you will start seeing a lot more progress pictures on the chop now!
Ready ..... lol