So how much rust is too much rust??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Drummerboy · 01-29-2018, 09:04 PM

So what would you consider too much rust on a truck like ours? Inner rockers, outers, kick panels....?

BossHogg69 · 01-29-2018, 09:13 PM

They all have rust in those areas you listed at this point! The lower half stuff is easy. It's the areas up in the firewall, windshield cowl, inner roof structure, etc that worry me. Probably has more to do with parts availability and aftermarket support than anything else. Or maybe I'm just a wuss? My truck's cab looked 'good' with paint on it before I tore it apart - I ended up doing inner & outer rockers, kick panels, cab corners, and door bottoms on both sides, along with some floor patches on the driver's side. No big deal, if you like cutting, cussing and welding in marginally fitting aftermarket parts in preparation for a really nice paint job!

Drummerboy · 01-29-2018, 10:38 PM

All good points BossHogg. I see that we're neighbors...

**too much stuff** · 01-29-2018, 10:48 PM

Need to also consider what the truck is. I would have more rust fixed on a rarer truck than a low dollar truck.

saxart · 01-29-2018, 10:50 PM

When the windshield pops out as you go around a corner. THAT's too much rust!

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 01-29-2018, 11:03 PM

I've got two Chevys and they're miles apart.

My project truck, which I've had approaching 30 now is near rust free.........Core got hit a bit due to battery acid. LH inner fender was hit where it fastens to the fender, about 1" of surface rust on the window frame, and some surface rust on the LH cab floor. Course the other 2-3 items like the pumpkin cover, that if not pitted, it's spent life as a garage queen in the dry. Nice truck for a first project novice, like myself. I didn't cut, drill or torch a single fastener.

Then there's my driver, which I believe the original owner lived near the coast. Every common area on the cab was hit but the rockers, somehow. Maybe they were replaced. Rust burned through all four corners of the floor, the firewall, window, gutter and even the ceiling. No doubt the cowl too, I didn't even care to check. The fenders are hit in spots, as are the doors. Bed floor too, but not bad. The tailgate is toast...........While some would be happy to restore the truck it won't be me. Shame too, it was dynamite off the line. To me it's just a runner and I enjoy the drive.

01-29-2018, 09:04 PM	#1
Drummerboy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sherwood, Arkansas Posts: 156	So how much rust is too much rust??? So what would you consider too much rust on a truck like ours? Inner rockers, outers, kick panels....?

01-29-2018, 09:13 PM	#2
BossHogg69 motor exploder Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,346	Re: So how much rust is too much rust??? They all have rust in those areas you listed at this point! The lower half stuff is easy. It's the areas up in the firewall, windshield cowl, inner roof structure, etc that worry me. Probably has more to do with parts availability and aftermarket support than anything else. Or maybe I'm just a wuss? My truck's cab looked 'good' with paint on it before I tore it apart - I ended up doing inner & outer rockers, kick panels, cab corners, and door bottoms on both sides, along with some floor patches on the driver's side. No big deal, if you like cutting, cussing and welding in marginally fitting aftermarket parts in preparation for a really nice paint job! __________________ Adam 1969 Chevy CST/10 stepside, DART Big M/TREMEC Magnum Extreme/3.73's w/Detroit Truetrac 1965 Chevy Bel Air Wagon (daily driver), 327/TH350,10 bolt w/3.08's 1961 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe, ZZ454/M21/9" rear w/3.50's & Detroit Truetrac 2005 GMC 1500 ccsb 2wd, 6.0L/4L65e/3.73 G80 2006 GMC 2500HD ccsb 4x4, DMax LBZ/Allison 6spd/4.56's w/Detroit TrueTrac Use the SEARCH function on this forum - it is your friend!!

01-29-2018, 10:38 PM	#3
Drummerboy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sherwood, Arkansas Posts: 156	Re: So how much rust is too much rust??? All good points BossHogg. I see that we're neighbors...

01-29-2018, 10:48 PM	#4
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,786	Re: So how much rust is too much rust??? Need to also consider what the truck is. I would have more rust fixed on a rarer truck than a low dollar truck. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

01-29-2018, 10:50 PM	#5
saxart Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: St. Croix River Valley, WI Posts: 795	Re: So how much rust is too much rust??? When the windshield pops out as you go around a corner. THAT's too much rust! __________________ Meet "Old Roy": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707801

01-29-2018, 11:03 PM	#6
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,322	Re: So how much rust is too much rust??? I've got two Chevys and they're miles apart. My project truck, which I've had approaching 30 now is near rust free.........Core got hit a bit due to battery acid. LH inner fender was hit where it fastens to the fender, about 1" of surface rust on the window frame, and some surface rust on the LH cab floor. Course the other 2-3 items like the pumpkin cover, that if not pitted, it's spent life as a garage queen in the dry. Nice truck for a first project novice, like myself. I didn't cut, drill or torch a single fastener. Then there's my driver, which I believe the original owner lived near the coast. Every common area on the cab was hit but the rockers, somehow. Maybe they were replaced. Rust burned through all four corners of the floor, the firewall, window, gutter and even the ceiling. No doubt the cowl too, I didn't even care to check. The fenders are hit in spots, as are the doors. Bed floor too, but not bad. The tailgate is toast...........While some would be happy to restore the truck it won't be me. Shame too, it was dynamite off the line. To me it's just a runner and I enjoy the drive. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025



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