Some assembly required……

[hemi43]

That reinforcement plate does in fact have to be removed to access the cab support. I just used an impact hammer to break the spotwelds, then hammered the plate flat again so that I could re-use it. Spotweld cutters are a great thing, but I only use them on sheet metal that will be seen because they are time consuming to use IMHO.

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by hemi43

That reinforcement plate does in fact have to be removed to access the cab support. I just used an impact hammer to break the spotwelds, then hammered the plate flat again so that I could re-use it. Spotweld cutters are a great thing, but I only use them on sheet metal that will be seen because they are time consuming to use IMHO.

After you remove the plate Hemi is referring to, you will encounter a spacer. I had to torch mine off, couldn t get a tool in there to cut the spot welds. You ll see it in the pictures in post 19 of my build

Also, I would cut the old floor forward to the factory seam, will make for a cleaner install of the patch panel JMHO. Only do one side of the floor at a time

Thanks Pete for recommending me

[stick72]

Thanks for the advice guys, its helping.

I got the plate off, and ran into the spacer. I tried to figure a way to leave it, or remove and reuse it. Both options failed and I ended up chiseling it off.

I'm getting closer to test fitting, although I'm a bit stuck with what to do at the back of the door. I have backed out the two bolts that secure the bedside, and the bedside will be replaced later. I expected to run the patch panel all the way to butt up against the new bedside, but there is something still attached in there. I don't really want to leave the last couple of inched of old metal there, just haven't figured out what is still in the way.

On a good note, although I will replace the torsion boxes later, they are provided a great deal of support. The drivers side isn't rusted through, and combined with the top still on its holding everything pretty solid as I mock up parts.

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by stick72

Thanks for the advice guys, its helping.

I got the plate off, and ran into the spacer. I tried to figure a way to leave it, or remove and reuse it. Both options failed and I ended up chiseling it off.

I'm getting closer to test fitting, although I'm a bit stuck with what to do at the back of the door. I have backed out the two bolts that secure the bedside, and the bedside will be replaced later. I expected to run the patch panel all the way to butt up against the new bedside, but there is something still attached in there. I don't really want to leave the last couple of inched of old metal there, just haven't figured out what is still in the way.

On a good note, although I will replace the torsion boxes later, they are provided a great deal of support. The drivers side isn't rusted through, and combined with the top still on its holding everything pretty solid as I mock up parts.

The 'B' post area is the most difficult, as you have about 5 or 6 pieces of sheet metal joining in that area. I think I see rust in the lower area, so it will have to be cut out. The metal is doubled in that area so be careful not to cut through both pieces, and DO NOT cut above the spot welds shown. Keep your cut to a minimum of the patch you have. Where did you get your patch panels from?

[jaros44sr]

When you work on your inner and outer rocker panels, don t get rid of the top flange, as your weatherstrip gets mounted on that
Take lots of pics of the areas your working on, will help you to remember how it goes back together
Don t final weld everything until you have your fenders, core support, hood and doors reinstalled to check final gaps

[stick72]

I bought my patch panels from Southern Kentucky Classics, but I may have more to purchase. I was planning on putting on new bedsides, but I may not know what parts come with the bedsides. I'll probably show my ignorance here, do the bedsides include the "B" pillar? I was hoping for $700 per side they installed themselves as well

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by stick72

I bought my patch panels from Southern Kentucky Classics, but I may have more to purchase. I was planning on putting on new bedsides, but I may not know what parts come with the bedsides. I'll probably show my ignorance here, do the bedsides include the "B" pillar? I was hoping for $700 per side they installed themselves as well

From what I see of the bedside, they come with a portion of the 'B' post, but I 'm not sure if they go all the way to the bottom
don't know what you mean by "they installed themselves as well". If I get time I'll look them up. Make sure you ask how thick the sheet metal patch panels are.