Nomad liftgate straightening - Page 2 - Welcome to TriFive.com 1955 - 1956 - 1957 Chevy's Bel Air Tri5 210 150 Nomad Forum, Photo Gallery and Classifieds. Here you can Buy, Sell, or Trade. Get or Give Advice, or Just Talk Classic Cars.

56 2x4 · 10-30-2009, 11:03 PM

I bought one from Mike. The easiest transaction ever. Wish I could do that with everything else as easily as that ended up being.

56madmook · 11-03-2009, 01:00 PM

thanks for the kind words guys, i really appreciate it. when i had my project 56 nomad, i was very picky with the bodywork, gap fitment, etc. i think it just kind of carried over to these liftgates. the liftgate fit isnt as perfect as i would want it, there are still very minor details i still have problems with, but its nearly impossible to work them out unless you want to get into cutting/welding potmetal. each nomad has a different fit for a liftgate. meaning, if i were to install one on my car , doesnt mean it would look the same on yours. every nomad body has its own tweaks and dimensions. the trick is to get it close to a point where you can adjust here or there and get it looking good. if anyone wants more information about liftgates in general feel free to email me

Chevynut · 11-03-2009, 02:04 PM

Mike, as we have discussed via e-mail I will eventually be getting my liftgate straightened and re-plated. Mine has been off the car since about 1974, so it's probably not as bad as some of them. I did notice that one of the threaded hinge holes is stripped, or close to stripped. Do you fix those threads and all the other threads when you restore a liftgate? I think it would need a heli-coil.

Also, it looks as though there are some drill bit marks below the liftgate hinge holes, as if someone ran a drill through the holes for some reason. Does the plater fix things like this by filling and smoothing them? Otherwise my liftgate is in very good condition and I'd prefer to get it back than to exchange it. Does your service include straightening and plating of all the attaching internal pieces too? In other words, do you restore the whole liftgate or just the glass frame?

56madmook · 11-03-2009, 05:18 PM

Chevynut, the plater i use, plates the outer frame, and the upper rail on the inside as well as the two side glass holder pieces. he does offer an option to plate the jamb of the liftgate, but it doesnt come out as good as the finish on the outside of the gate. as far as imperfections, little stuff like that i would have to bring to his attention before hand to get it done. i know that you are really picky about things, as well am i, i recommend u sending me ur liftgate, having me straighten it, then u fit it to ur car and make any adjustments urself. even after being straightened, it will drive u nuts and you will want to make it better, as do i. there is only so far you can take it without getting into cutting/welding. as far as the finish, well the finish comes out really nice, but i know you want a "perfect" piece for your nomad, and thats just not going to happen. i have yet to see a perfect finish liftgate, being potmetal, its just not in the cards. i dont know if there is a special potmetal restoration plating shop, but the guy i use is the best ive seen and i have tried 3-4 platers. most beat up the edges pretty good and the finish isnt mirror-like. if you are looking for a perfect piece, and price is of no concern, then you might want to ask around. i would really like to see someone get one of these things perfect. i dont want to degrade the quality that i sell, because it really is awesome, but not perfect. cant stress that enough.

everyone has been pleased with the ones i have straightened, i had one return but only because the guy was relentless in letting me try to assess the problem. some people dont know that there are a lot of adjustment in the hinges, etc. they mount the liftgate and if it doesnt fit, then they think it will never fit and thats not the case. i always offer a money back guarantee if im unable to troubleshoot it, then when i get the gate back i will check it out and either resend it, or a new one. if anyone needs anymore info please feel free to email me.

56madmook · 11-03-2009, 05:19 PM

forgot to mention, i do replace the threads at an additional fee, but thats something you are more than capable of doing urself. its not hard at all.

56madmook · 11-05-2009, 01:35 PM

here are a couple of pictures of liftgates i have done. pictures dont really show the right angles, but you can get an idea of how they fit. i try to get the gap at the top of the liftgate rail with respect to the roof equidistant across the length of the roof.

and here are a couple before the chroming process on one of our cars....

Chevynut · 11-05-2009, 02:05 PM

Nice stuff Mike.

Do you know what ever happened to your 56 Nomad? I was wondering if the new owner ever finished it.

56madmook · 11-05-2009, 02:38 PM

never heard from the guy, interesting. at the time ( 2007 ) i thought i gave the car away with the amount i had invested in it ( morrison chassis, 502 ramjet, heidts independent rear ) and maybe the guy flipped it. but as of right now, i consider myself lucky for selling it when i did. i probably couldnt get half what i got in this economy. i just hope he kept the car and finished it the right way.

56madmook · 11-05-2009, 03:43 PM

another thing just to mention on the liftgate straightening with regards to the roof rail gutter that wraps around and meets the liftgate. i know the ends of the rails on our cars as well as other cars are flared open a little, most likely by a previous owner. my best guess is back in the day when the liftgates didnt fit and no one could straighten them, the gutters didnt line up, so guys would flare the gutters open on the body to line up with a bulged/bent liftgate. i always tell people if their car isnt painted yet, or not restored, to go ahead and tap the rail in a little if it looks like its flared open. this way the gutters will line up better. anyway, just thought i would pass this along to you guys, there are a ton of variables with the liftgate fitment.

shnomad · 04-09-2010, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhendryx

Jerry Cabunoc did my liftgage and did a very fine job. I was very pleased with his work and workmanship. He also got my liftgate chromed and it looks great. Jerry Cabunoc 714-457-1955 714 558 8890 after 6pm pacific time ...

I found this listing online from another guy that does them:

michaelbakotich@ca.rr.com

If you don't mind can you tell me what he charged for his service? I realize every job is different but I would like to have an idea of the cost involved.
thanks

10-30-2009, 11:03 PM	#11
56 2x4 Senior Member 1 Gold Star Join Date: May 2007 56 2x4's Garage Location: USA Posts: 1,098 Member #2648	I bought one from Mike. The easiest transaction ever. Wish I could do that with everything else as easily as that ended up being. __________________ . . You get much more in a smart new Chevrolet Station Wagon!

11-03-2009, 02:04 PM	#13
Chevynut Trifive Leaders Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Chevynut's Garage Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 8,027 Member #1769	Mike, as we have discussed via e-mail I will eventually be getting my liftgate straightened and re-plated. Mine has been off the car since about 1974, so it's probably not as bad as some of them. I did notice that one of the threaded hinge holes is stripped, or close to stripped. Do you fix those threads and all the other threads when you restore a liftgate? I think it would need a heli-coil. Also, it looks as though there are some drill bit marks below the liftgate hinge holes, as if someone ran a drill through the holes for some reason. Does the plater fix things like this by filling and smoothing them? Otherwise my liftgate is in very good condition and I'd prefer to get it back than to exchange it. Does your service include straightening and plating of all the attaching internal pieces too? In other words, do you restore the whole liftgate or just the glass frame? __________________ '56 Chevy Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper T56, C4 Corvette F&R suspension w/coilovers. See My Nomad Build HERE

11-05-2009, 01:35 PM	#16
56madmook Member Join Date: Dec 2007 56madmook's Garage Posts: 58 Member #4331	here are a couple of pictures of liftgates i have done. pictures dont really show the right angles, but you can get an idea of how they fit. i try to get the gap at the top of the liftgate rail with respect to the roof equidistant across the length of the roof. and here are a couple before the chroming process on one of our cars.... Last edited by 56madmook; 11-16-2009 at 05:23 PM..

11-05-2009, 02:05 PM	#17
Chevynut Trifive Leaders Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Chevynut's Garage Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 8,027 Member #1769	Nice stuff Mike. Do you know what ever happened to your 56 Nomad? I was wondering if the new owner ever finished it. __________________ '56 Chevy Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper T56, C4 Corvette F&R suspension w/coilovers. See My Nomad Build HERE

11-05-2009, 03:43 PM	#19
56madmook Member Join Date: Dec 2007 56madmook's Garage Posts: 58 Member #4331	another thing just to mention on the liftgate straightening with regards to the roof rail gutter that wraps around and meets the liftgate. i know the ends of the rails on our cars as well as other cars are flared open a little, most likely by a previous owner. my best guess is back in the day when the liftgates didnt fit and no one could straighten them, the gutters didnt line up, so guys would flare the gutters open on the body to line up with a bulged/bent liftgate. i always tell people if their car isnt painted yet, or not restored, to go ahead and tap the rail in a little if it looks like its flared open. this way the gutters will line up better. anyway, just thought i would pass this along to you guys, there are a ton of variables with the liftgate fitment. Last edited by 56madmook; 11-05-2009 at 03:51 PM..

11-03-2009, 01:00 PM	#12
56madmook Member Join Date: Dec 2007 56madmook's Garage Posts: 58 Member #4331	thanks for the kind words guys, i really appreciate it. when i had my project 56 nomad, i was very picky with the bodywork, gap fitment, etc. i think it just kind of carried over to these liftgates. the liftgate fit isnt as perfect as i would want it, there are still very minor details i still have problems with, but its nearly impossible to work them out unless you want to get into cutting/welding potmetal. each nomad has a different fit for a liftgate. meaning, if i were to install one on my car , doesnt mean it would look the same on yours. every nomad body has its own tweaks and dimensions. the trick is to get it close to a point where you can adjust here or there and get it looking good. if anyone wants more information about liftgates in general feel free to email me

11-03-2009, 05:18 PM	#14
56madmook Member Join Date: Dec 2007 56madmook's Garage Posts: 58 Member #4331	Chevynut, the plater i use, plates the outer frame, and the upper rail on the inside as well as the two side glass holder pieces. he does offer an option to plate the jamb of the liftgate, but it doesnt come out as good as the finish on the outside of the gate. as far as imperfections, little stuff like that i would have to bring to his attention before hand to get it done. i know that you are really picky about things, as well am i, i recommend u sending me ur liftgate, having me straighten it, then u fit it to ur car and make any adjustments urself. even after being straightened, it will drive u nuts and you will want to make it better, as do i. there is only so far you can take it without getting into cutting/welding. as far as the finish, well the finish comes out really nice, but i know you want a "perfect" piece for your nomad, and thats just not going to happen. i have yet to see a perfect finish liftgate, being potmetal, its just not in the cards. i dont know if there is a special potmetal restoration plating shop, but the guy i use is the best ive seen and i have tried 3-4 platers. most beat up the edges pretty good and the finish isnt mirror-like. if you are looking for a perfect piece, and price is of no concern, then you might want to ask around. i would really like to see someone get one of these things perfect. i dont want to degrade the quality that i sell, because it really is awesome, but not perfect. cant stress that enough. everyone has been pleased with the ones i have straightened, i had one return but only because the guy was relentless in letting me try to assess the problem. some people dont know that there are a lot of adjustment in the hinges, etc. they mount the liftgate and if it doesnt fit, then they think it will never fit and thats not the case. i always offer a money back guarantee if im unable to troubleshoot it, then when i get the gate back i will check it out and either resend it, or a new one. if anyone needs anymore info please feel free to email me.

11-03-2009, 05:19 PM	#15
56madmook Member Join Date: Dec 2007 56madmook's Garage Posts: 58 Member #4331	forgot to mention, i do replace the threads at an additional fee, but thats something you are more than capable of doing urself. its not hard at all.

11-05-2009, 02:38 PM	#18
56madmook Member Join Date: Dec 2007 56madmook's Garage Posts: 58 Member #4331	never heard from the guy, interesting. at the time ( 2007 ) i thought i gave the car away with the amount i had invested in it ( morrison chassis, 502 ramjet, heidts independent rear ) and maybe the guy flipped it. but as of right now, i consider myself lucky for selling it when i did. i probably couldnt get half what i got in this economy. i just hope he kept the car and finished it the right way.

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