Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

Well, they're in!!!!:metal: Probably wont get me a gig on the latest hot rod TV show, but I'm happy.

If I had the truck torn apart and could stand in the engine area I would change the whole panel. I have created some work by sectioning them in place, but I needed to prep for paint any way. If I was to install the whole panel, one thing I would do before cutting out the original would be measuring the original gap for the windshield(the space that it fits in from top to bottom). This panel may try to re-establish a new line and I dont know if it would cause trouble re-installing the windshield or not. The corners are the hardest to deal with and the rest of the panel is a breeze. If you drill down thru or up thru the panel you can lay the heat in pretty well as you have a double lip to weld against; it doesnt move! One problem with sectioning is the joint against the original metal; welding on to the old stuff blew some holes but I just kept at it and got it done.

I will fill in some small places with weld and then it's on to the fiberglass and seam sealer, prime it and sand, sand, sand.

The end gaps down low are no worse than the factory, BTW.

Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

Ok... I gotta ask.. Are the very ends at the seams welded inside--so to say "hidden"?? I'll be replacing the whole panel and have been curious about this part... Looks great BTW
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Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

No they aren't, that would suck taking them apart!! There are one or two spot welds on the tab inside straight up thru the panel; in the area of the hole in the new panel. I considered welding it myself for a smooth look. It's hard to see but the factory filled in the gaps with some type of body filler which will fall out as you start cleaning.

I'm glad to have this done!!!

Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

Hey there Pro,
You seemed kinda nervous doing this patching .... if you were then that is how I am every time I cut and weld something.
Looks good from here though !!

Keep us posted, want to see how you finish this up, and what you move on to next!

Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

:lol: not nervous about the patches, just the result!!! I wasn't sure if I was opening a can of worms when I got in there. Turns out it's not too bad. Using the entire piece would be easier; I had to trim the drip edge to transition evenly.

I will hit these pieces and then primer the roof and windshield area...then I havent decided:smoke:.

Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

I am with you on doing the whole part, I am surprised you didnt throw a 2x6 or two across your fenders as a scaffolding and just do it... ??

But before I start critiquing other peoples work, I better get out of my bath robe and get some work done on my own !! LOL

Still looks good man !

Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

Did'nt look all that bad. Good for another 40 years. I'll be doing mine some day. BTW its easy to mess up your glass with a welder or a grinder. It doesn't like hot stuff.

Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

Protrash... Thanks a bunch for getting those pictures up. I'll be doing the exact same repair--and I'll also do photos as I have the sincere pleasure of replacing the whole thing.. Buuuuuttttt--mine will come from the '65 Truck cab that I dissected. So, it should be fun taking the area apart twice.. One thing I was considering aside from welding the end seams--was welding the entire top rain gutter edge. I know that is how water had gotten inside of mine as that part is separating allowing water to get in. Right now--this is only a consideration--don't know if I'll do it yet..

Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

Since your all set up why not just weld the end gaps shut.:sumo::smoke:

Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

If you're taking the piece out, you mite just sawzall straight down the gap and then clean the tab off the back later(on the donor panel). Welding that rusted metal is going to be a real bear. As the seam sealer gets old in the gutter it lets in the water and gets in everywhere; it happens on all these trucks. I'm planning on adding fiberglass under the seam sealer. It's water proof and recommended for boats. There is also no good drain in there and the water must puddle up against the seam and eats its way down thru.


I'm considering this, Dave. I was almost out of gas and needed to get the pieces done. Next weekend I'll get more gas and be able to make some filler pieces so the gap is easy to bridge. I could do it with fiberglass easily!!:lol:
I've had some stuck on my garage floor for 5 years now!!

Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

Could weld it easier. Then do your hood and your bed.Then get more gas.

Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

any updates

Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

Protrash--where'd ya go?? You hibernating still?? (you're in arizonahhh--you have no excuse!!)

Re: 1964 Suburban Pics
 

^^
i second that.......