Patch rotted cab or find a better one?

[TwoFiftyShifter]

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]

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]

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

[heavy71chevy]

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

[MellowYellow70]

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]

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]

New cab

[68,69 K20]

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]

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

[mikeoj]

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

[68 short step]

4 bolt repair that one

[phipp13]

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]

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]

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

[dieselarmy13]

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

[caminokid]

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]

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]

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

[streetstar]

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

[72BlckButy]

Originally Posted by chevy29267truck

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

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