The time has come...

[Russ72C10]

...to get rid of all the rust inside of my cab! I pulled the seat out today, along with the carpet and padding, to check for rust. I knew the pass. side rocker would have to be replaced. But the extent of the rust was a little worse than what I thought. Both front & rear cab supports are shot on both sides. The outter 6-8" or so of floorboard nearest the door sills is gone (The hole/rust was covered by the carpet..and what was bondo). Also will have to replace with lower inner door, and lower outter door (bottom 9" or so). That should take care of all the rust in that area.

What kind of "sound deadening" material are you guys using inside of the cab? I want something that will keep the engine heat & road noise out. A good insulator. Then I'll order some nice new carpet... and newer model bucket seats w/ console....

Anyway...I just placed a big patch panel order that'll take care of the cab-rust problem! It came out to be $260.00 w/ shipping for everything I need... my girlfriend says to me "That's all? Why so cheap?" Now that's a great attitude to have. lol.

Just had to share..... can't wait til the panels get here...

(PS - Decided to save the 300ish HP engine project for the winter... figure it'd keep me busy for awhile!)

[bobs409]

Don't let the floors and rockers scare you, it's the first area that goes on these trucks. There's really no difference in it being rotted 3 inches or 6, it's still the same amount of work. And the cab mounts/floor braces aren't hard to replace at all. In fact, it is easier to replace them rather than try to remove the floor and keep the old stuff in place.

As for the doors, I've learned from experience that your best to get a good used door over trying to fix a badly rotted one. (unless your an excellent bodyman/welder or just really, really like doing this type of work)

I do know what you mean on the prices of these parts. It seems like you can buy twice as much for these trucks as compared to restoring a Chevelle or Impala. Just compare prices sometime.

Have fun and don't give up! LOL