Patch rotted cab or find a better one? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TwoFiftyShifter · 12-08-2008, 03:51 PM

My '72 has a severly rotted cab. I know that alot of patch panels are available, but do you think it's worth it to yank it off and work on it, or should it absolutely be replaced? I'm on a budget and looking just to make this truck into a driver, and finding a decent cab up here is tough, especially for a low price....
The roof is rotted out, the cab mounts are, floors and cab corners are too.... My Dad will be working on it with me and he seems to think it's way too far gone.

**lks dcvn** · 12-08-2008, 03:55 PM

You will be a LOT farther along in money and time if you find something in better condition - even if you pay to have it shipped from out West.

If you have space - you can set it aside to use to practice your body work on - but there is very little there left to work on - and I live in the salt belt with you. What you see is likely only the start - you are going to find a LOT more rust when you tear into it (trust me).

Hopefully you got the truck for cheap and it is in great shape mechanically so that you can just swap cabs and be up and running in no time.

Jtrux · 12-08-2008, 06:00 PM

New one, I think you'd be in for a lot of work.

heavy71chevy · 12-08-2008, 06:08 PM

Its possible to fix that cab but I think it be alot cheaper to find something with less cancer

MellowYellow70 · 12-08-2008, 06:41 PM

If your wanting to learn the finer art of frustration and panel replacement voodoo, I'd look for a more solid cab.

Bus Ted Knuckle · 12-08-2008, 06:59 PM

eeeshy geeeshy that is bad. I know how tough it is to build a truck on a budget, but I think I'd be looking for another...or a whole parts truck, then make a dime or two on the parts you don't need. That will help cover the cost of traveling to get it.

bigsnookmaster · 12-08-2008, 07:00 PM

New cab

68,69 K20 · 12-08-2008, 07:39 PM

Looks like a typical NY cab, I'd look for a better one...I know, not that easy, I live in NY too, not all that far from you. Rotted out trucks are the norm, if you can find them. Good luck...

joekewl_chevyfreak · 12-08-2008, 07:44 PM

I'd say get another, mine is in far better condition and i am swapping.

mikeoj · 12-08-2008, 07:55 PM

Too far gone in my opinion.Floor rot can be dealt with,that roof,combined with the floor,I'd run!!

68 short step · 12-08-2008, 08:10 PM

4 bolt repair that one

phipp13 · 12-08-2008, 08:25 PM

i got rust in all the same places and i'm rebuilding mine. not as bad over the windshield though but that panel will be replaced.i have about 375.00 in replacement panels plus i bought 2 doors on ebay that were rustfree and powdercoated for another 300.00 ride included.you'd have to go to like texas or arizona to find a truly rustfree cab and doors. i love my truck and it's gonna get fixed this winter. basicly it all boils down to time or money. finding a great cab for a decent price will be a tuff one for sure. i'd rather build it myself that way i know what i have. got to have the tools and expertise though good luck with your dillema. i'll never sell mine phipp

mbgmike · 12-08-2008, 08:33 PM

Find a better one. Not a doubt in my mind. We sell all the stuff to fix yours and thats we do body work but unless you want to smell like rust for a few weeks/months and have alot of time and money i would junk it. Its still possible to find cabs in alot better shape. I've had to bite the bullet a few times and junk them

Just think what it looks like under that.

extd56 · 12-08-2008, 09:53 PM

I have a really nice cab that I am selling and can't hardly give it away

dieselarmy13 · 12-08-2008, 11:08 PM

Wouldn't touch that one with a ten foot pole. Get a new one. They are out there.

caminokid · 12-08-2008, 11:20 PM

yeah that looks like the last 69 I tore down. When I cut across the windshield pillars after I tore it down...all the glass and and misc out of the cab...I was making sure it was cut..I lifted it up and it literally fell backwards and separated from the floor board. So I would find a new cab.

68chevy68 · 12-08-2008, 11:41 PM

I have a cab like that one and decided to use another cab. If it did not have all that rot above the glass I would use it.

*chevy29267truck* · 12-08-2008, 11:48 PM

you want a truck from the south no or very little rust on the truck

72BlckButy · 12-09-2008, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevy29267truck

you want a truck from the south no or very little rust on the truck

x2

streetstar · 12-09-2008, 01:17 PM

your dad is right --- unless the truck has sentimental value, it would be better to start off with a cleaner one --- all your showing us now is the cab, i'm sure the bed and front clip have similar issues in places --- if it has trailing arms, check those out for safety, etc

12-08-2008, 03:51 PM	#1
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Patch rotted cab or find a better one? My '72 has a severly rotted cab. I know that alot of patch panels are available, but do you think it's worth it to yank it off and work on it, or should it absolutely be replaced? I'm on a budget and looking just to make this truck into a driver, and finding a decent cab up here is tough, especially for a low price.... The roof is rotted out, the cab mounts are, floors and cab corners are too.... My Dad will be working on it with me and he seems to think it's way too far gone. __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

12-08-2008, 03:55 PM	#2
lks dcvn Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 4,348	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? You will be a LOT farther along in money and time if you find something in better condition - even if you pay to have it shipped from out West. If you have space - you can set it aside to use to practice your body work on - but there is very little there left to work on - and I live in the salt belt with you. What you see is likely only the start - you are going to find a LOT more rust when you tear into it (trust me). Hopefully you got the truck for cheap and it is in great shape mechanically so that you can just swap cabs and be up and running in no time.

12-08-2008, 06:00 PM	#3
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? New one, I think you'd be in for a lot of work. __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!!

12-08-2008, 06:08 PM	#4
heavy71chevy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: antreville, south carolina Posts: 873	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? Its possible to fix that cab but I think it be alot cheaper to find something with less cancer __________________ "Dixie Destroyer" 71 C10 LWB Fleet Future Blown Prostreet Monster

12-08-2008, 06:41 PM	#5
MellowYellow70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Gower, MO. Posts: 222	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? If your wanting to learn the finer art of frustration and panel replacement voodoo, I'd look for a more solid cab. __________________ If patience is truely a virtue, Then I am so screwed 1970 Chevy SWB 331 sbc and all the goodies. Under resurection 2001 Vette

12-08-2008, 06:59 PM	#6
Bus Ted Knuckle Son of a gun Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas Posts: 1,636	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? eeeshy geeeshy that is bad. I know how tough it is to build a truck on a budget, but I think I'd be looking for another...or a whole parts truck, then make a dime or two on the parts you don't need. That will help cover the cost of traveling to get it. __________________ Bill BEATERS ARE NEATER

12-08-2008, 07:00 PM	#7
bigsnookmaster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St.Petersburg,Fl Posts: 1,267	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? New cab __________________ greg http://community.webshots.com/user/68406Stepside

12-08-2008, 07:39 PM	#8
68,69 K20 They call me the Breeze... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York Posts: 2,251	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? Looks like a typical NY cab, I'd look for a better one...I know, not that easy, I live in NY too, not all that far from you. Rotted out trucks are the norm, if you can find them. Good luck... __________________ Mike 69 K20 "Beer is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy"....Ben Franklin

12-08-2008, 07:44 PM	#9
joekewl_chevyfreak Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Polk County, Mo Posts: 112	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? I'd say get another, mine is in far better condition and i am swapping. __________________ '68 chevy c10 1/2 ton inline 6, 250 2wd stock everything. exposed to elements for 40 years '87 Dodge D150, 318 auto stock; D.D. God meant for rubber to be burnt, not for an ear of corn Myspace

12-08-2008, 07:55 PM	#10
mikeoj Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: WI,USA Posts: 495	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? Too far gone in my opinion.Floor rot can be dealt with,that roof,combined with the floor,I'd run!! __________________ 69 Lwb C-10 402/700R4 70 Lwb C-10 250/3pd Wisc.

12-08-2008, 08:10 PM	#11
68 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: tulsa OK Posts: 3,070	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? 4 bolt repair that one

12-08-2008, 08:25 PM	#12
phipp13 THE DAMN YANKEE Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern MD Posts: 551	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? i got rust in all the same places and i'm rebuilding mine. not as bad over the windshield though but that panel will be replaced.i have about 375.00 in replacement panels plus i bought 2 doors on ebay that were rustfree and powdercoated for another 300.00 ride included.you'd have to go to like texas or arizona to find a truly rustfree cab and doors. i love my truck and it's gonna get fixed this winter. basicly it all boils down to time or money. finding a great cab for a decent price will be a tuff one for sure. i'd rather build it myself that way i know what i have. got to have the tools and expertise though good luck with your dillema. i'll never sell mine phipp Last edited by phipp13; 12-08-2008 at 08:27 PM. Reason: spelling

12-08-2008, 08:33 PM	#13
mbgmike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR Posts: 5,415	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? Find a better one. Not a doubt in my mind. We sell all the stuff to fix yours and thats we do body work but unless you want to smell like rust for a few weeks/months and have alot of time and money i would junk it. Its still possible to find cabs in alot better shape. I've had to bite the bullet a few times and junk them Just think what it looks like under that. Last edited by mbgmike; 12-08-2008 at 08:34 PM. Reason: added comment

12-08-2008, 09:53 PM	#14
extd56 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,272	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? I have a really nice cab that I am selling and can't hardly give it away

12-08-2008, 11:08 PM	#15
dieselarmy13 Phone's ringin Dude. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,426	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? Wouldn't touch that one with a ten foot pole. Get a new one. They are out there. __________________ I pitty the fool with only two headlights!! 2003 SILVERADO SS--THE NEW GIRL 1972 GMC--THE OLD GIRL



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12-08-2008, 11:20 PM	#16
caminokid Chevy nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Springfield, Illinois Posts: 2,266	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? yeah that looks like the last 69 I tore down. When I cut across the windshield pillars after I tore it down...all the glass and and misc out of the cab...I was making sure it was cut..I lifted it up and it literally fell backwards and separated from the floor board. So I would find a new cab. __________________ 84 Chevy Custom Deluxe 1/2 Ton Named Fade To Black II "Remember kids there is NO replacement for displacement!"

12-08-2008, 11:41 PM	#17
68chevy68 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: arkansas Posts: 524	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? I have a cab like that one and decided to use another cab. If it did not have all that rot above the glass I would use it. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=245203

12-08-2008, 11:48 PM	#18
chevy29267truck Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alva Florida Posts: 668	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? you want a truck from the south no or very little rust on the truck

12-09-2008, 01:17 PM	#20
streetstar Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 2,396	Re: Patch rotted cab or find a better one? your dad is right --- unless the truck has sentimental value, it would be better to start off with a cleaner one --- all your showing us now is the cab, i'm sure the bed and front clip have similar issues in places --- if it has trailing arms, check those out for safety, etc __________________ Are you retired too? Nonsense! I'm in my prime

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