Is this cab junk?

[Dirty_Hairy]

I took the cab off last week and thought it would be fixable but I was looking up above the driver side foot area just under the dash on the left wall and noticed a lot more rust than I previously saw before. Can this rust be fixed or should I start looking for a cab?

Thanks in advance.
DH

[toolboxchev]

they all can be fixed, depends on how much experience, money, time, tools and patients you have.

[B. W.]

If it were mine I'd look for another cab. The labor (free or not) to repair is beyond what I'm willing to invest. And, on the plus side, we can all use another parts truck!

[Dirty_Hairy]

I should have stated this is my first body work build, I have restored a CJ-5 but I used a fibreglass tub so it was much easier and I have no real experience or tools for bodywork. I was wondering how to even get up there to replace the rust crud. Looks like the top outside of the firewall has a cover piece where the windshield wipers connect to that maybe I could drill the spotwelds and remove that cover to get at the rust but I am not sure if that is doable or not, I have no experience with these trucks other than the one I am working on.

[jjzepplin]

Cab for sure then.

[Dustmaker65]

Those spots are very difficult to repair, even for the guys with the skill and tools to do so.

On the other hand, are you going to do a frame off restoration or cleaned up driver?

[Dirty_Hairy]

Frame off is the plan, going to do an LS swap and also make it my daily driver in the summer.

[Dustmaker65]

Originally Posted by Dirty_Hairy

Frame off is the plan, going to do an LS swap and also make it my daily driver in the summer.

Not to discourage you, but most frame off restorations by first timers are never completed. It is a ton of labor and determination, not to mention the cash involved. If you are driving this truck as is, I would suggest you do small things at a time and keep it a driver.

There are others here that can attest that they have taken years to finish their trucks....

[Ol Blue K20]

I would consider a cab swap myself.

[Dirty_Hairy]

Originally Posted by Dustmaker65

Not to discourage you, but most frame off restorations by first timers are never completed. It is a ton of labor and determination, not to mention the cash involved.

I totally understand what it will take but I will be taking my time. I have plenty of time and some money but I am not doing a show truck just a rebuilt driver and some flaws are ok.

I think I will be hunting down a cab.

I appreciate the feedback

[jocko]

punt

[Dustmaker65]

There is a couple really nice cabs for sale in the parts section....

[toolboxchev]

Originally Posted by Dustmaker65

Those spots are very difficult to repair, even for the guys with the skill and tools to do so.

On the other hand, are you going to do a frame off restoration or cleaned up driver?

X2 on those spots, yet it has been done, there are builds on this site which these areas are addressed properly.

[In The Ten Ring]

Oh gosh....that's probably what my cab looks like.

[cypressbog]

Yep, replacement cab. Just be mindful of the differences in cabs during this body style run. Some differences are deal killers if not the year you need.

[D.PASSMORE]

If you can see that, garruntee, their is more you can't see.

Done...

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by Dustmaker65

Not to discourage you, but most frame off restorations by first timers are never completed. It is a ton of labor and determination, not to mention the cash involved. If you are driving this truck as is, I would suggest you do small things at a time and keep it a driver.

There are others here that can attest that they have taken years to finish their trucks....

Great words of advice above. although he put it mildly when he said "Most" are never completed. It's probably "almost all". It can be done, but most, not.
I also would suggest to do one bite at a time. If you want it to run and drive, do that. Want an LS swap, do that. If it was a running, driving, stopping good truck, then maybe find a deal on a cab and swap it out later on.
It seems like you are getting a lot done when you rip one apart, only labor. But for most it's also the last you see of your initial investment. Sell for pennies on the dollar a couple years later after it taunts you every time you walk by it. (mentally)

[HO455]

I see you said you restored a CJ5 so you're not a "first timer" but there isn't a week that goes by I can't buy a project off Craigslist around here. One way to help stay focused is to set a day a week for working on the truck and then post your wins and your set backs here. This helps you to keep going when the project has really stalled. I agree that a new cab is in order unless you have a real desire to learn sheet metal fabrication skills. Then by all means set aside six or so months of weekends and learn the trade. Your profile says Elk River but which one? Folks here may be able to help find a cab or help in other ways.
Good luck and welcome aboard.

[Dirty_Hairy]

Well I think I may have found a cab locally that is very clean.....yes a clean cab in MN

But my next question is the cab is a C-10 CST and the guy wants a higher price because of the CST, would that make this worth more for a stripped cab? Seems like without 3 letters it would be the same cab to me.

If I get this cab there will be a cool story that comes with it, but that is hopefully for a later date.

[too much stuff]

Depending on the year, a CST cab will be different. (headliner and cargo light come to mind)
If the cab really is clean, better grab it.

[72 tigger]

Originally Posted by too much stuff

Depending on the year, a CST cab will be different. (headliner and cargo light come to mind)
If the cab really is clean, better grab it.

Good advise!