Patch everything or swap cabs?

[57taskforce]

Mine got a complete floor, steps, rockers, cab corners, real floor lip, some firewall/Cowel patches, and a little bit of patching around the rear window frame. Was it a lot of work? Hell yes, was it worth it not having another of these trucks getting crushed? Double hell yes!
I braced my cab on the inside with the original doors on and shut with good gaps. I braced it across the door openings and across the cab with 1/2 rebar. Then I pulled the doors and got the plasma/cut off out. The only issue I've run into is my aftermarket doors fit like aftermarket doors. I bolted the oe doors up to test everthing after it was all patched up and they good... Needless to say I'm on the hunt for some good south west rust free doors.

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

Mine got a complete floor, steps, rockers, cab corners, real floor lip, some firewall/Cowel patches, and a little bit of patching around the rear window frame. Was it a lot of work? Hell yes, was it worth it not having another of these trucks getting crushed? Double hell yes!
I braced my cab on the inside with the original doors on and shut with good gaps. I braced it across the door openings and across the cab with 1/2 rebar. Then I pulled the doors and got the plasma/cut off out. The only issue I've run into is my aftermarket doors fit like aftermarket doors. I bolted the oe doors up to test everthing after it was all patched up and they good... Needless to say I'm on the hunt for some good south west rust free doors.

Yeah, I got so much sheet metal in the deal that i may succumb to guilt for not making another truck out of it and look for yet another cab. Especially if I rip out my trucks guts for PB goodies and an LS...I will basically have a complete truck, just need a bed. These are all lofty ambitions though, considering I've never restored a vehicle in my life, welded anything to anything, or revived an engine.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by daveshilling

Yeah, I got so much sheet metal in the deal that i may succumb to guilt for not making another truck out of it and look for yet another cab. Especially if I rip out my trucks guts for PB goodies and an LS...I will basically have a complete truck, just need a bed. These are all lofty ambitions though, considering I've never restored a vehicle in my life, welded anything to anything, or revived an engine.

no better time to learn new skills. It's really not hard to patch these trucks up. Sometimes it takes some imagination but I think one of the most important skills Is common sense. If you use your head and except that you'll make some mistakes as you go, you can learn the skills necessary to pull it off. For the cutting/welding part of the build, you might see if a local community college or trade school has a welding program with night classes. With a little practice and background knowledge a mig welder will practically run it's self.

[daveshilling]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

no better time to learn new skills. It's really not hard to patch these trucks up. Sometimes it takes some imagination but I think one of the most important skills Is common sense. If you use your head and except that you'll make some mistakes as you go, you can learn the skills necessary to pull it off. For the cutting/welding part of the build, you might see if a local community college or trade school has a welding program with night classes. With a little practice and background knowledge a mig welder will practically run it's self.

Apparently many other people are interested in welding too.. fall classes are booked solid for all CC in my area!! I'm going to get a MIG, find a mentor, and start making mistakes to learn from I think.