My build - found dads truck

[cantada]

Haven't made an update in a while but have been getting work steadily done... Here are some additional pics of the passenger side. Unfortunately the PO that cut out the floor cut out too much for the replacement panels, so had to fab a couple small pieces to bridge the gap. Now that the warm weather is here... I will hopefully be able to tackle some of the real dirty jobs that I cant do inside. Question? has anyone repaired there trailing arms? Mine look terrible and was thinking about buying some 3" wide, 1/8 inch steel, cutting out the middle of the c channel and replacing... have access to an industrial plasma cutter that would make the job go much faster.... Thanks for looking!

[62 Barnfind]

Looks good, good Job!

[cantada]

Thanks, I definitely appreciate all of the encouragement!

[cantada]

Couple of more pics, First one is the b pillar back together... next four are of how bad / bent / disintegrated the passenger side firewall is... hopefully it will bend back together, but as of right now, it is not commected to the floor pan... now to unleash the welder and porta-power

[cantada]

Question? has anyone repaired there trailing arms? Mine look terrible and was thinking about buying some 3" wide, 1/8 inch steel, cutting out the middle of the c channel and replacing... have access to an industrial plasma cutter that would make the job go much faster? Thanks

[McMurphy]

Have seen a lot of guys renforce them, and/or fill the gap down the centerline.
I think a few have done DIY job too, though I cannot recall off hand who.
My best bet would be BuiltbyBrooks though, he is handy that way....

[cantada]

OK cool, will look for that. I think my plan is since the top and bottom of the c channel are really good, I am cut a few feet out of the back of each c channel where necessary and weld it back together with 1/8" plate. I don't want to just reinforce it... I am afraid the rust devil will just return quicker! Thanks for the response. I will post pics when I get them out.

[cantada]

Passenger side is starting to come together finally... got most of the floor together finally!!! And finally, the warmer weather is getting here...

[cantada]

Found some more pics of when I picked up the truck and first ride on the highway. It must have leaked water for a week in the garage once it was finally home again. I will post more progress pics later in the week... enjoy :-)

[cantada]

Decided to take a bit of a break from the interior and get some of the firewall and cowl work done. Here are some pics... Not sure why these pics keep getting rotated sideways, they are not saved that way?

[88Lt1wagon]

Wow, that is intense, I'm glad to see people overcoming more rust than I'm dealing with, it's inspiring and you're doing a great job of it.

[cantada]

Thanks man! Appreciate the feedback. It has definately been a stuggle at times, but it will be worth it in the end. Hopefully ill b able to drive it for the first time this summer.
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[flips72]

looks like your moving right along and doing some great work as well, keep it up were all watching

[cantada]

Here are some good ones for ya. Started to open up the upper windshield area. Had the typical insulation stuffed in there. Look at the pics and tell me what you think. I an going to try to repair it. I have the outer repop 60-63 panel and I guess I am going to have to fab up the inside.

[cantada]

Completed the rough in of the repairs to the inner panel. Now more swiss cheese!!!

[cantada]

Got started on the outer upper lip as well, was able to cheat as only the very outside of the lip was bad.

[cantada]

Finishing the roof hat part 1

[cantada]

Roof Hat Part Deux

[TJ's Chevy]

Great build! I'm subscribed! Do you know who took the original bed off, it looks like a late 67-72 bed was put on. Nice truck. T.J.

[cantada]

Don't know why some of my pics are upside down. That bed was put on before my dad got the truck, so before the late 70s. I guess it's a 67 because it has no side markers or reflectors. It's was hit at some point on the pass side there is a lot of damage to the cab behind the passenger door. Guess that's why the bed got changed. May put 60-66 tubs on it. I actually think it is a factory fleetside cause it doesn't have the triangle pieces at the bottom of the cab where the bed steps are.
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[cantada]

Found the best (and oldest) picture yet. My guess is the picture was taken somewhere around 1979-1980.

[cantada]

An finally, this is the newest and the worst one found to date. I would guess 1987-1988 on this one.

[cantada]

Some pics of the new dash center section, new ashtray and radios.

[donthekawguy]

Originally Posted by cantada

Anyone still have original parts like ball joints in their trucks? Just cleaned about 3 inches of grime off the control arms and noticed my truck still has the original ball joints. It got me wondering how many other trucks are still ruining on original parts like that. Seem tight, what do you guys think from a safety perspective? Hate to remove original parts. Thanks.
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I still have all original as far as I can tell. As soon as the weather clears up I'm replacing everything in the front end. My truck feels ok up to around 45 then it's all over the road. When you get it back on the road see how it feels. If it's loose fix it. No comprimise for safety., and with the new spindles and springs the ride quality will be much better. As far as your trailing arms, I would find some in better shape and stitch weld the top and bottom and have them powder coated. they will be stronger and never rust and you can replace all the old bushings and rusty hardware.

[cantada]

Thanks for the feedback. I would up replacing all of the ball joints and tie rods in the front. The rear was a different story, got new bushings and rebuild the trailing arms, also rebuilt the rear. New seals, bearings, etc. The carrier has eaten one if the shims, but I got lucky and a new set of shims resolved that issue. Here is some pics of the trailing arms before and after.