Major rust in "A" pillar, repair ideas needed ...

[Evilclone13]

I have a 65' GMC that has major rust in the "A" pillar that is in need of repair/replacement. I'm not having any luck finding a patch piece for this section (which I didn't expect to find). That being said, I know most people will recommend swapping the whole cab out with another donor, but I really don't have access to the equipment you would need to swap out the cab.

If you were going to tackle repairing this section of the cab, how would you go about it. I have access to sheet metal (not sure what thickness to buy?) and I have my own gas Mig, plus hammers and dollies. I've never repaired a body section like this, especially one that has this kinda of curvature and structural importance.

Any and all advice is appreciated ... Thanks!

[Palf70Step]

Easiest way would get a new cab and use it. Other thing if you want to keep your cab would find one that the top is in good shap, and cut it off at the pillars, and weld the new top onto the lower portion of your cab.

With that mush rust there I wonder how much of the firewall/floor areas are deteriorated

[LT1 Burb]

I have a complete roof but it would be expensive to ship.

[cheessee]

Ship it by grey hound is a lot cheaper sometimes

[BR3W CITY]

You can technically section and re-skin that portion, if you had the good cab section to replace it with. The problem is usualyl that the underlying metal also rusted, and you wind up "chasing" rust further into the other panels that you first thought.

You also have to be careful to make sure that the windshield will ever seal again.

[gavenb]

i dont think its so horrible a new cab is necessary. I'd start by cutting it out and seeing what youre dealing with.