rust repair level of difficulty
 

Looking at a 55 1st series - concerned about the rust in the cowl/hinge area. I'm not an experienced welder, but have the mig gear and am all for fixing it myself - but interested in hearing from someone that's done this already - replacement panels for all the areas available from many suppliers. Pics show the worst areas - just wondering how much I'm getting in over my head on this - this is THE truck I've been looking for (1/2 ton, 3 window, 4 speed, 55.1) - most of it is very nice, but I suspect i will find a good bit more rust once I get a chance to see it in person - asking the above trying to decide if I want to drive 15 hrs round trip just to check it out (ouch). Thanks for your comments.
jocko

Re: rust repair level of difficulty
 

Its hard to evaluate rust from photos. Those places are pretty common rust spots and patch panels are available to repair them. What would worry me most is that it appears someone has put bondo over rust in the past and I'd worry how much more is hidden behind bondo and paint.

Re: rust repair level of difficulty
 

Been there and done that to my 54.
It is not that hard to accomplish. Just need to make sure you brace the cab well front to back and side to side before you make the cuts.

There are lots of spot welds to be removed which is not hard if you have the right tool. I used a bit that drilled out the weld instead of cutting out around it.

If you have the grinder, drill and mig already then you are good to go.

Here are some pics of how I did those areas

Re: rust repair level of difficulty
 

More pics

I have more if you need them but it would probably be better to email them to you.

Re: rust repair level of difficulty
 

go for it theres plenty of guys here to guid you thru it. i was in the same boat 2 years ago. did all the major rust repair myself.....
GT

Re: rust repair level of difficulty
 

Hey, thanks all for the comments - and the pics were very helpful! Much appreciated. Driving south to look at it this weekend - will hopefully be posting the new member of the family in a week or so. Thanks again, this forum rocks.
- jocko

Re: rust repair level of difficulty
 

Thanks very much - email is jockof18@hotmail.com
Appreciate the great info.
Take care,
Jocko