Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Sadsack · 11-12-2007, 08:12 PM

Well....as most things in life seem to be....you cant always judge a book by its cover! My '69 that my late best friend and Papaw left to me looked nice till I started looking under the floor mat. It had the rubber mat and I knew I had a rust problem in my rocker panels like most of our trucks do but the line running down my inner kick panel had me worried...so I did some exploration last weekend and looky what I found!

This truck means more to me than a new vette....it makes me sick! The last pic is with the instrument cluster removed and the jute-insulation peeled back on the firewall. Notice the gaping hole I sprayed with primer so it'd show up better? I can put my hand through from the inner cowl into my cab!!!! If you stand in front of the truck and are looking at the driver windshield pillar...where it turns at the bottom there is a joint that has factory seam sealer in it....my seam sealer is gone and I can stick two fingers through! I went to the junk yard today and found a '68 longbed stepside with no windshield or cowl that has been there for yrs (the lower part of the doors were rotted off and the rear fenders where it had sunk in the ground it had been there so long

!!) and it didnt have ANY rust in this area!!! What gives????? I can have new patches put in for the floor inner kick panels and rockers...but what should I do on the dash???? Fiberglass it and bolt things back in? Im a poor boy so I dont have a lot of money...but I plan on keeping this truck forever. What do you guys think?? Anyone have some patches theyd be willing to part with?

**Palf70Step** · 11-12-2007, 08:27 PM

Anything is fixable with patience and time. My 69 parts truck (wasn't supposed to be at first) was like that when I got into it. My cowl/firewall area was much worse once the tar and beer cans were removed.

You can get an entire new floor, and patch other areas with prefabbed parts or flat sheet stock, but you might b better off looking for another cab.

1969k10stepside · 11-12-2007, 08:31 PM

You're lucky if you find one that good in the rust belt..My '69 K20 had to be "Retired" since the cab was rusted from years of salt on the roads in the winter.It's now waiting on a body swap from a 2wd that is in better shape.It'll still have some rust,but will be one color,and it'll be a work truck so I don't care about the body that much..Does your firewall look this bad?

Attachment 313832

Sadsack · 11-12-2007, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1969k10stepside

You're lucky if you find one that good in the rust belt..My '69 K20 had to be "Retired" since the cab was rusted from years of salt on the roads in the winter.It's now waiting on a body swap from a 2wd that is in better shape.It'll still have some rust,but will be one color,and it'll be a work truck so I don't care about the body that much..Does your firewall look this bad?

Attachment 313832

Wow! I thought mine had rust issues! My firewall looks good except for some rust from a leaky master cylinder I guess...its surface rust no pitting at all... and even has the original chalk marks. My truck doesnt look too bad at first glance and I guess it just suprised me. Here is a side pic with my camper finally removed...the rocker is obviously shot and spray painted a different color of blue by my Papaw (he was color blind and my truck has numerous touch ups in different hues of blue! haha) but doesnt look too bad. I removed the camper mirrors and have sport ones to take their place too. Look at my interior before pics...I would never have guessed what was hiding underneath!

As far as swapping cabs...to me thats not an option. The sentimental value is too much. Every scratch and dent on the inside of the truck reminds me of my Papaw.

PS. the steering wheel is a temp...Im working on my original tilt column and a cooler wheel....

elektrik · 11-13-2007, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sadsack

Wow! I thought mine had rust issues! My firewall looks good except for some rust from a leaky master cylinder I guess...its surface rust no pitting at all... and even has the original chalk marks. My truck doesnt look too bad at first glance and I guess it just suprised me. Here is a side pic with my camper finally removed...the rocker is obviously shot and spray painted a different color of blue by my Papaw (he was color blind and my truck has numerous touch ups in different hues of blue! haha) but doesnt look too bad. I removed the camper mirrors and have sport ones to take their place too. Look at my interior before pics...I would never have guessed what was hiding underneath!

As far as swapping cabs...to me thats not an option. The sentimental value is too much. Every scratch and dent on the inside of the truck reminds me of my Papaw.

PS. the steering wheel is a temp...Im working on my original tilt column and a cooler wheel....

Hey Sad-quick offtopic question: Is that a Silverado bench seat in there? I've got 40 million things to do to my truck when it gets back from the mechanic, and I've been toying around with putting a new bench seat in (like the look of the 1992 full-size P/U)...

**special-K** · 11-12-2007, 08:52 PM

Your cab is fixable.Glass might be a good fix for your inner cowl whole.

streetstar · 11-12-2007, 10:22 PM

That wheel is an old Camaro or Vega wheel -- perfectly acceptable "period correct" mod. More comfort for slightly larger bellies because it was so small.

Truck looks real good in the pics (except for the rust in the rocker/floor) -- the original hub caps are cool to still have on there. I hated mine 20 years ago, but now i want another set

Sadsack · 11-12-2007, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetstar

That wheel is an old Camaro or Vega wheel -- perfectly acceptable "period correct" mod. More comfort for slightly larger bellies because it was so small.

Truck looks real good in the pics (except for the rust in the rocker/floor) -- the original hub caps are cool to still have on there. I hated mine 20 years ago, but now i want another set

Good eye Streetstar...yanked it out of a Vega at the local junk yard. Ive not even cleaned it up yet...just figured Id use it for a temp...my original was cracked to pieces. It does help with the belly problem

1969k10stepside · 11-12-2007, 10:26 PM

I've seen a few of those wheels in Gen 2 camaros..I've got one in my K/5 and I like it..Not the huge original steering wheel,but it goes well in the truck..and even has a bowtie on the horn button.

72armyswbtruck · 11-12-2007, 10:36 PM

When it means that much to you, no amount of rust is unrepairable

Sadsack · 11-12-2007, 11:15 PM

The hubcaps are cool but Ive got some 6 Lug Truck Rallys I picked up for a song at the Bristol Super Chevy Show this yr...just havent gotten around to beading and painting them. Ive debated keeping the original hubcaps on...still undecided....

Bishops Trucks · 11-12-2007, 11:56 PM

It's all fixable, don't let it get you down.

72BlckButy · 11-13-2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bishops Trucks

It's all fixable, don't let it get you down.

earl87gta · 11-13-2007, 03:05 AM

Were in east TN are you im in kingsport I have a fire wall that you can have if it will help you out any I just want it out of my way.

Sadsack · 11-15-2007, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earl87gta

Were in east TN are you im in kingsport I have a fire wall that you can have if it will help you out any I just want it out of my way.

Thanks for the offer my friend!

Im in Bluff City so just a hop and skip away! Do you have just the outer firewall? My rust problem is at the upper portion of the firewall near the bottom of the windshield and in the inner kick panels and inner upper dash/firewall. My outer firewall is pretty much perfect except for some light surface rust. I appreciate the offer big time! Thats the reason I love this board! Know any good yards in our area? Ive been to 421 a few times but he only has 2 there a '68 stepside longbed and a '69 C40 or C50. Pickings are getting slim!

**oldgold70c10** · 11-13-2007, 12:14 PM

Go to your salvage yard and see if they will let you cut patch panels from a parts truck. Someone may have a cab they are willing to cut up in the for sale section too.

djracer · 11-13-2007, 03:37 PM

that is way too much rust in my opinion! I would find another cab! I wouldn't repair a cab with top or cowl rust without putting another top on!

chevydog66 · 11-13-2007, 09:11 PM

I think djracer looked at the wrong pic of the firewall. The pic that 1969k10stepside posted is not of Sadsacks truck. It's very fixable.

earl87gta · 11-15-2007, 07:56 PM

its a blzer fire wall I cut the window frame off closs to the dash I can remeber just what kind of shape its in but If I get a chance Ill go out and take a good look at it for you I cant remeber how much of the inner kick pannels are there Ill check it all out and hopefully there is enough there for you to use.
I havent got to go to many yards latley seem like these trucks get crushed as soon as they get to the salvage yards.

Sadsack · 11-15-2007, 08:05 PM

Thanks! Let me know!

49m · 11-15-2007, 08:16 PM

Try tnchev.com He has 70 trucks for parts

Sadsack · 11-15-2007, 09:39 PM

Thanks 49m. Any idea how to get in contact with him?

earl87gta · 11-16-2007, 12:47 AM

Im slow some times so if you dont here back from me PM me Im off all next week from work and will be cleaning out the garage so if you get board you can come over and check it out if you want.

Zeke · 11-16-2007, 07:35 AM

Realized firewall was a different truck...

Just found this firewall on the TriPro website as I have issues with rust where it connects to the floor and around the cowl area.
http://www.tri-proautomotive.com/ser...es-dash/Detail
Seems like a good price and you could fix all the hidden stuff and cover with a clean firewall.

earl87gta · 11-19-2007, 05:01 PM

the lower kick pannels you wouldnt be able to use but the fire wall is good come get it.

11-12-2007, 08:12 PM	#1
Sadsack Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: East TN Posts: 171	Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... Well....as most things in life seem to be....you cant always judge a book by its cover! My '69 that my late best friend and Papaw left to me looked nice till I started looking under the floor mat. It had the rubber mat and I knew I had a rust problem in my rocker panels like most of our trucks do but the line running down my inner kick panel had me worried...so I did some exploration last weekend and looky what I found! This truck means more to me than a new vette....it makes me sick! The last pic is with the instrument cluster removed and the jute-insulation peeled back on the firewall. Notice the gaping hole I sprayed with primer so it'd show up better? I can put my hand through from the inner cowl into my cab!!!! If you stand in front of the truck and are looking at the driver windshield pillar...where it turns at the bottom there is a joint that has factory seam sealer in it....my seam sealer is gone and I can stick two fingers through! I went to the junk yard today and found a '68 longbed stepside with no windshield or cowl that has been there for yrs (the lower part of the doors were rotted off and the rear fenders where it had sunk in the ground it had been there so long!!) and it didnt have ANY rust in this area!!! What gives????? I can have new patches put in for the floor inner kick panels and rockers...but what should I do on the dash???? Fiberglass it and bolt things back in? Im a poor boy so I dont have a lot of money...but I plan on keeping this truck forever. What do you guys think?? Anyone have some patches theyd be willing to part with? Attached Images

11-12-2007, 08:27 PM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,897	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... Anything is fixable with patience and time. My 69 parts truck (wasn't supposed to be at first) was like that when I got into it. My cowl/firewall area was much worse once the tar and beer cans were removed. You can get an entire new floor, and patch other areas with prefabbed parts or flat sheet stock, but you might b better off looking for another cab. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 11-12-2007 at 08:29 PM.

11-12-2007, 08:31 PM	#3
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,020	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... You're lucky if you find one that good in the rust belt..My '69 K20 had to be "Retired" since the cab was rusted from years of salt on the roads in the winter.It's now waiting on a body swap from a 2wd that is in better shape.It'll still have some rust,but will be one color,and it'll be a work truck so I don't care about the body that much..Does your firewall look this bad? Attachment 313832 Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 11-19-2007 at 09:10 PM.

11-12-2007, 08:52 PM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,859	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... Your cab is fixable.Glass might be a good fix for your inner cowl whole. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-12-2007, 10:22 PM	#7
streetstar Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 2,396	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... That wheel is an old Camaro or Vega wheel -- perfectly acceptable "period correct" mod. More comfort for slightly larger bellies because it was so small. Truck looks real good in the pics (except for the rust in the rocker/floor) -- the original hub caps are cool to still have on there. I hated mine 20 years ago, but now i want another set Last edited by streetstar; 11-12-2007 at 10:23 PM.

11-12-2007, 10:26 PM	#9
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,020	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... I've seen a few of those wheels in Gen 2 camaros..I've got one in my K/5 and I like it..Not the huge original steering wheel,but it goes well in the truck..and even has a bowtie on the horn button. Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 11-12-2007 at 10:27 PM.

11-12-2007, 10:36 PM	#10
72armyswbtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,034	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... When it means that much to you, no amount of rust is unrepairable __________________ "Remember, They can Kill You, but they can't eat You, That's against the law!!!!!!!!!"

11-12-2007, 11:15 PM	#11
Sadsack Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: East TN Posts: 171	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... The hubcaps are cool but Ive got some 6 Lug Truck Rallys I picked up for a song at the Bristol Super Chevy Show this yr...just havent gotten around to beading and painting them. Ive debated keeping the original hubcaps on...still undecided....

11-12-2007, 11:56 PM	#12
Bishops Trucks KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sterling, Va. Posts: 5,731	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... It's all fixable, don't let it get you down. __________________ JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 Father/Son Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER"

11-13-2007, 03:05 AM	#14
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... Were in east TN are you im in kingsport I have a fire wall that you can have if it will help you out any I just want it out of my way. __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb Last edited by earl87gta; 11-13-2007 at 03:05 AM.

11-13-2007, 12:14 PM	#16
oldgold70c10 Who's got steelies? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morrison, Oklahoma Posts: 1,026	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... Go to your salvage yard and see if they will let you cut patch panels from a parts truck. Someone may have a cab they are willing to cut up in the for sale section too. __________________ 1969 C10 LWB W/ 250 I6 & 3spd 1970 C10 with '67 small window cab, 68 front end, blue; 305/TH350, 3.08 limited slip rear end, manual brakes, power steering; & 4-wheel drums-My daily driver. 1975 Chevelle Malibu Classic Coupe 350/th350 mint green 1970 C20 Suburban 350/700R4 4.10 gearing green & white 1978 Big 10 Silverado 350/th350, working ac, 2 tone blue-My summer daily driver 1983 GMC 1500 Sierra 305/SM465 2.73 rear end How to add a trip odometer to your 67-72 stock speedometer How to rebuild your Q-Jet My Truck Page My Youtube Channel

11-13-2007, 03:37 PM	#17
djracer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wetumpka, Al, U.S. Posts: 8,891	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... that is way too much rust in my opinion! I would find another cab! I wouldn't repair a cab with top or cowl rust without putting another top on! __________________ Kevin Special Thanks to All who have helped on the TRUCK! My Pass Time Show http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p...Chapter1-0.mp4 So Far my best Times are: Motor only: 6.44 1/8 @ 104.13 10.39 1/4 @ 125.83 Nitrous Times: 5.785 1/8 @ 118.65 with a 1.336 60ft 9.168 1/4 @ 142.58 with a 250 shot dead out of the hole! Last edited by djracer; 11-13-2007 at 03:39 PM.

11-13-2007, 09:11 PM	#18
chevydog66 GM ONLY BABY!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Wayne, IN. Posts: 1,998	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... I think djracer looked at the wrong pic of the firewall. The pic that 1969k10stepside posted is not of Sadsacks truck. It's very fixable. __________________ 2 wrongs don't make a right, but 3 lefts do. 66 Chevelle Malibu 406ci, 573hp, 10.99@121mph 96 Chevy Silverado Z71 72 GMC 1500 Super Custom LS 6.0/4L65 on airride http://www.cardomain.com/ride/707879...mc-c-k-pick-up

11-15-2007, 07:56 PM	#19
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... its a blzer fire wall I cut the window frame off closs to the dash I can remeber just what kind of shape its in but If I get a chance Ill go out and take a good look at it for you I cant remeber how much of the inner kick pannels are there Ill check it all out and hopefully there is enough there for you to use. I havent got to go to many yards latley seem like these trucks get crushed as soon as they get to the salvage yards. __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

11-15-2007, 08:05 PM	#20
Sadsack Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: East TN Posts: 171	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... Thanks! Let me know!



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11-15-2007, 08:16 PM	#21
49m Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Turners Station,Ky Posts: 842	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... Try tnchev.com He has 70 trucks for parts __________________ My Rides 1969 Mustang gt coupe 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 1986 Iroc camaro 1986 K10 Short Bed 1987 Iroc Camaro 1990 rs Camaro 1992 350 ss truck 1998 Honda Civic 2005 Ram 2500 Cummins My Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=279831

11-15-2007, 09:39 PM	#22
Sadsack Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: East TN Posts: 171	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... Thanks 49m. Any idea how to get in contact with him?

11-16-2007, 12:47 AM	#23
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... Im slow some times so if you dont here back from me PM me Im off all next week from work and will be cleaning out the garage so if you get board you can come over and check it out if you want. __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

11-16-2007, 07:35 AM	#24
Zeke Active Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: L.A. Lower Alabama Posts: 453	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... Realized firewall was a different truck... Just found this firewall on the TriPro website as I have issues with rust where it connects to the floor and around the cowl area. http://www.tri-proautomotive.com/ser...es-dash/Detail Seems like a good price and you could fix all the hidden stuff and cover with a clean firewall. __________________ 1969 C10 350 3spd 1995 GMC 3500 XC 350 dually When Thomas Edison worked late into the night on the electric light, he had to do it by gas lamp or candle. I'm sure it made the work seem that much more urgent. George Carlin Last edited by Zeke; 11-16-2007 at 09:09 AM. Reason: didn't read everything

11-19-2007, 05:01 PM	#25
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: Found a Unexpected Treasure in my truck... the lower kick pannels you wouldnt be able to use but the fire wall is good come get it. __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

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