I finally got to the part of the cage build I've been dreading.  The *** X brace in the rear.

If you've never built one, then you may think I'm exaggerating, but it can be pretty frustrating trying to get an X to come out even, centered, and square.  Especially when working with a 60-year old chassis.  To compound the issue, the upper notch was a compount angle, so I couldn't just stick the tubing in my notcher.  Out came the Sharpie pen and the angle grinder for a good old fashioned hand notch job.

I messed up on the final tube (upper passenger-side) and had to redo it, but I'll be able to use the 30-inch long piece for bracing elsewhere in the cage, so really it's only wasted time.  It's starting to come together now.  I've still got some more to build in the rear, plus the fuel cell mount and probably a new rear bumper with or without a receiver hitch.  I'll jump off that bridge when I get to it.  Once the fuel cell is in I'll build the spare tire mount and then figure out where I can use the expanded steel I bought to build carrying space for coolers and other gear.  The last part will be finishing up skinning the bedsides and hanging them with quick release fasteners.