Now What?

[67-72 Sub K20]

Finally bought a Burb, and a welder....Now what?
I really have no idea what i'm doing, jumping in...
1972 K20

[pwdcougar]

Cool looking Burb. Love the stance and tires! Patch panels are available so start cutting and welding. The paint & bodywork section here has some really knowledgeable and helpful people. One of my bookmarked help threads can be found here.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=271066

Paul

[67-72 Sub K20]

Originally Posted by pwdcougar

Cool looking Burb. Love the stance and tires! Patch panels are available so start cutting and welding. The paint & bodywork section here has some really knowledgeable and helpful people. One of my bookmarked help threads can be found here.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=271066

Paul

Hi Paul,
Thank you for the reply. I have been lurking around here for a while, lots to learn. The link looks like good reading. I have already cut the right rear quarter panel and welded up a couple of holes. First time welding, not good! Lots to do and very overwhelming.
Plan to keep the lift but switch to the wide stock steel wheels and hubcaps.
Guess I'll just start cutting parts off

[HO455]

First thing I did was make a list of everything I could find wrong. Then divided it into body repairs, mechanical repairs, electrical repairs, and interior repairs. Then I added modifications I wanted to do to the appropriate list. This gave me a idea where the better places to start were and helped to prevent me from doing something and then having to undo it so I could do something else which should have been done first.
I also recommend you read a lot of the build threads. Many of us are happy to post up our mistakes or the "If I had only known" hindsight. Try doing the easier items to start. It helps your confidence and grows your skill sets.
Welding is a muscle memory skill and it to do it well you have to have your welding muscles in shape. So find some sheet metal and practice off the truck. It will make it easier to do the difficult spots on the truck. Sheet metal welding skills are somewhat different skills than steel fabrication skills. So practice both if your going to do both.
Great looking Burban! Have fun and enjoy the ride. And keep posting.

[67-72 Sub K20]

Originally Posted by HO455

First thing I did was make a list of everything I could find wrong. Then divided it into body repairs, mechanical repairs, electrical repairs, and interior repairs. Then I added modifications I wanted to do to the appropriate list. This gave me a idea where the better places to start were and helped to prevent me from doing something and then having to undo it so I could do something else which should have been done first.
I also recommend you read a lot of the build threads. Many of us are happy to post up our mistakes or the "If I had only known" hindsight. Try doing the easier items to start. It helps your confidence and grows your skill sets.
Welding is a muscle memory skill and it to do it well you have to have your welding muscles in shape. So find some sheet metal and practice off the truck. It will make it easier to do the difficult spots on the truck. Sheet metal welding skills are somewhat different skills than steel fabrication skills. So practice both if your going to do both.
Great looking Burban! Have fun and enjoy the ride. And keep posting.

Thanks for the reply and advice!
At this point the list is so long I need to put it out of my mind
I am taking a beginning body repair class at the local community college. The instructor is very helpful and I think he is going to help me at home over the summer. I built a shop at home and have a lift going in next week. Plan to spend a lot of time there if I can get away with it. Going to do as much as I can while its running and then tear into it this summer. Body off, etc.
Would have liked to keep the original paint and just put a white stripe under the body molding to cover the repairs but I think its a little too far gone for that. Looks like I will painting complete interior/exterior.
And yes, I need a lot of welding practice!!

[pwdcougar]

Welding takes practice, lots and lots of practice. Grab some metal cut it apart and practice putting it back together!

Paul

[67-72 Sub K20]

Originally Posted by pwdcougar

welding takes practice, lots and lots of practice. Grab some metal cut it apart and practice putting it back together!

Paul

yep!

[3drburb]

Make a list of what needs to be done. Also figure out what you will be using it for.
Get it running and driving if it isn't already.
Then order up some patch panels and only cut off whats bad on the truck, you don't need to use all the patch panel and do one panel at a time.
Make sure to brace as you go if you are moving doors or cutting out complete rockers.
You can also go to Youtube and get some welding tip.
And most important, take your time, wear the correct protective gear, and be safe.
Btw 70-73 Camaro??
Good luck.

[67-72 Sub K20]

Originally Posted by 3drburb

Make a list of what needs to be done. Also figure out what you will be using it for.
Get it running and driving if it isn't already.
Then order up some patch panels and only cut off whats bad on the truck, you don't need to use all the patch panel and do one panel at a time.
Make sure to brace as you go if you are moving doors or cutting out complete rockers.
You can also go to Youtube and get some welding tip.
And most important, take your time, wear the correct protective gear, and be safe.
Btw 70-73 Camaro??
Good luck.

Thanks! I have a lot to learn.
'73 Type LT, RS Z28, not rusty like the burb!

[HO455]

It is a nicely optioned Burban well worth saving. Glad you found it and are moving forward. It sounds like you have a good plan already. I'll be watching for more updates.

[67-72 Sub K20]

Originally Posted by HO455

It is a nicely optioned Burban well worth saving. Glad you found it and are moving forward. It sounds like you have a good plan already. I'll be watching for more updates.

Yes some nice options, except PO took out the tilt and tach for his truck, need to find those to put back.

[Average Joe]

Great advice from all the prior posters!

[Ol Blue K20]

Lots of work but that is worth saving for sure. Subscribed and looking forward to your updates

[Franks 72]

Have a close look at the main crossmember and ends of it which attach to the inner body. You may see signs of rust through in the rear of the floor , where the plywood ends. This seems to be a common area for corrosion and shoud be addressed before spending to much time on the outer panels.
Looks nice !

[HO455]

Originally Posted by Franks 72

Have a close look at the main crossmember and ends of it which attach to the inner body. You may see signs of rust through in the rear of the floor , where the plywood ends. This seems to be a common area for corrosion and shoud be addressed before spending to much time on the outer panels.
Looks nice !

Here is a link to help explain this.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=724682

[Bigdav160]

Welcome to the club!

Does the Sub still have the wood trim on the door panels?

That's my '73 Z28 LT on the rotisserie.