whats first!!!!!
 

I have to replace the rocker panels on my 62 c10. I am also getting the cab sandblasted. What should i do first???? the rockers or the sandblasting???

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

sandblasting so you can see what else you gota fix.

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

I thought so thanks!!!

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

If you have any rust problems like my truck I would remove the outer rockers before you take the cab in for sandblasting. That way they have access to blast the inside rocker too.

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

hmmmm.....im new to this, and now i have two opinions?? Do you have to brace the cab at all if you remove both rockers???

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

Yep, If you know you will have to replace panels.
I removed only part of the rockers etc to keep integrity while moving the cab around.

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yep brace the cab or yep on two opinions

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

I agree i wouldnt want to fight a cab if it has moved or twisted a little while hauling to or at the sandblaster. Get it blasted then you will be able to see all the rust and you have a solid cab to start repairing.

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

yep if the rockers are done for take them off befor you blast it.

Bracing is a good idea the whole ounce of this pound of that schpeal.

and i would get prepared to paint or cover up or prep ASAP after blasting. this old metal loves to turn on us.

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

So like i said im new to this and now im confused???? Do i sandblast first? or do i take the shot rockers of and brace it and get it sandblasted? or do i replace the rockers then get it sandblasted????

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

if the rockers are providing no structural integrity hack them off before you sandblast.

if they are solid as in only surface rust and maybe a hole or 2 the size of a quarter leave them on to keep your floor straight..

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thank you d10.

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thought id snap a couple pics and get your guys opinion!!
Attachment 406270

Attachment 406271

Attachment 406272

Attachment 406273

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

leave the passenger side on for the time being.

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

Brace the door openings and remove both rockers...if one side is that bad, then chances are the other one is not far behind, not to mention, if you are doing a complete resto of your cab, it would be better to have two new rockers.

After the door openings are braced, to maintain structural integrity, size and shape, remove the rockers by locating the spot welds, hit with a center-punch and drill out with a spotweld cutter or a twist drill.

After both rockers are removed, the sandblasting will remove all surface rust that tends to reside inside the rocker panel cavity. My sandblaster always applies a good coat of primer on all bare metal surfaces, unless I ask him not to (if the part is going to be powder-coated). By doing so, you are preserving the integrity of the inner rocker panel or replacing it, if necessary.

If there is other rust damaged sheetmetal in the cab, brace and remove it before sending the cab to the sandblaster. Upon return, you will have a birds-eye view of the usual problem areas and well on your way to repairing them.

Good luck with your project and keep us posted with pictures of your progress.

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

lilred i am definately doing both rockers just havnt got to the driver side yet. What is the best way to brace the cab??? Thank you for the previous info. And by the way your shop is very impressive!!!!!!

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poonreaper:

I use 1" square tubing. One piece level with each door hinge and a pair of diagonals from the front of one door jamb to the back of the other door jamb and vice versa. You can use anything that can be welded to the existing cab sheetmetal.

Thanks for the kudos on the shop.

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

Here is how I braced my cab. It worked good. If you get alot of bracing then it limits your movement while working on it.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/o...d/DSC07188.jpg

I wish I had removed my rockers prior to sandblasting. This is what I had to deal with. Most of that metal was replced. There was still rust in the corners that I had to clean up and treat. I could have saved alot of time and frustration.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/o...vytruck083.jpg

So, I would brace it, remove outer rockers and get it blasted and then etch prime everything. Just my.02

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

Alan:

Where did you get that full floor board patch panel? Most of them I have seen are a lot smaller.

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I bought them from Goodmark last year. Had some problems with the driver side lining up. I had to relocate them cab mount hole.

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/o...d/DSC07206.jpg

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/o...d/DSC07207.jpg

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

those looj like the ones we used to sell at golden state pickup parts, if I remember right they were for 60-72, from goodmark.
(that would probably explain the cab mount being off...)

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

Here they are. Part number 4142-505-60l for left side

http://ecom.goodmarkindustries.com/c...o=4142-505-60L

Re: whats first!!!!!
 

Thanks for the picture of the bracing. Im on my way out to the garage now to gitter done:metal: