Best way to Install new cab support channel
 

(Edit on title - To INSTALL new cab support channel)

I'm starting in on this old 84 half ton that was given to me. The cab needs some work. In these parts clean cabs with good floors aren't the easiest to find. So, I figured I would take a shot at restoring this one.

Anyway, I've found all sorts of info on rocker replacement, cab floor replacement..etc. However, both sides of the cab need cab support channel replacement. I'm just not sure what order to start this in.

Do I try to replace this support channel and the cab support brace at the same time, then go after the rockers and floor?

What is the best way to remove this support channel?

Space is limited for me so removing the cab completely isn't really in the cards.

https://imgur.com/KcPyq1h

https://imgur.com/JzNUANN

https://imgur.com/JzNUANN

https://imgur.com/KcPyq1h

Re: Best way to new cab support channel
 

Welcome..
As much as you dont want to hear it..removing the cab is the only way to properly fix what you described....first thing is you need to heavily x brace the cab before you start cutting anything...
If you can pull the cab ,I've seen people roll them up on the firewall to do floor repair...
God luck with it

Re: Best way to new cab support channel
 

Ah that's too bad. So I'm not able to just do one side at a time? Like raise the cab up on the ones side, work on it, then do the other side?

Re: Best way to new cab support channel
 

I did one like this and i hope it helps.. you sand the edges of the new cab support mount so you can see the spot welds and then drill out the spot welds. using some wood on a floor jack or one of those large things you put under a lift you just take the weight off what is left of the floor. If possible mark the underside of the floor too as to where it was exactly sitting. then remove the bolt and body bushing and lay in the new mount lining it up with where the old one was at. I dont know how bad the floor is in yours but i was able to use some self tapping screws to line mine up. I didnt do a complete floor pan on mine i was able to cut out a section and did that next self tapping that in. I was also able to cut away most of the inner rocker then and made sure it was able to line up once i had it lined up i lowered the cab that little bit and i tacked in what i needed to tack . the idea is to cut out just enough without letting the cab get out of whack. also you want to make sure when cutting and welding you have plenty of eye protection and spark protection . I also did this using a lift

Re: Best way to new cab support channel
 

Thanks for the tips. This is for the cab support channel though, not the smaller cab supports that are welded to the channel. This channel goes from the front of the cab to bottom of the rear seats...so it seems like a PITA to replace and it looks like I need to do both.

Just trying to figure out the best way to tackle it. It wouldn't be an issue if I had more space than I do.

Re: Best way to new cab support channel
 

you could possibly do it like you described...but I'm thinking about the overall fix...and being able to access everything that needs fixed...if you try to do it in place youll be working around the driveline , frame and everything else under the truck making it a pain in the butt...but if your gonna try it in place be sure to remove the fuel tank before you do anything

Re: Best way to Install new cab support channel
 

I bought a three DVD set on fairly serious cab rust repairs on a 67-72 cab from Earl Bergeron (ebfabman). If you can still buy them they're worth every penny.