Project progress

Some have said that a year of building a complete vehicle is too long. It most certainly is not for the novice, I'll grant that. I had the body and outside finished before a summer was over. Like anything one undertakes...it's the little things that kill (time).

The exterior dimensions (made of a wooden buck and framing) started back in 2010. As I pulled dimensions and ergonomics from that model, applied them in a steel spaceframe and aquired actual pieces to gather more dimensional information, the clock ticked. As early as late 2010, I had completed the spaceframe and backbone of the project, and began sourcing more parts for it's completion.

The windshield, the "B" pillar, and the hood are all real M1097/998 pieces. That left front fenders, rear quarters, bed and fender boxes to me. I drew each piece out in an autocad program, purchased the steel plate, and cut out, bent, hammered and welded/riveted each piece that was not a real M1097 piece.

I finally fitted the firewall and floorpans into the vehicle amidst a very busy election primary cycle in mid 2011... and then I had the rear storage pans under the bed to finish after that.

As of last night, I had pulled the military Kevlar full top and wrapped up the purchase in October of a sheet of steel to make my own 2 man hardtop. I finished the hammer and dolly work, the welding, the 3M NASCAR panel tape work on the inside of the top...and today, it's ready for paint....and a rear window.

2012 will begin with a bang as I search for the perfect high horsepower engine transplant and tranny. The fabrication stage is almost over. The axles are placed, and the interior is all but completed.