Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... - Page 5 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

garypr1 · 12-19-2007, 06:10 PM

Sorry I haven’t updated for a long time on the progress of puttin this thing back together.

In the end my freakin homeowners (liberty mutual) didn’t pay anything because there’s an “exclusion” for personal autos (they assume you're covered by the auto insurance). And, since I didn’t have the comp on the auto policy (because I didn’t have the truck appraised when I bought it 39 days before this happened), there was no coverage there either. Oh yea, at least the tree is dead and gone!

And so after much thought I decided to have the roof repaired as opposed to replacing the cab. (though the majority of you said to change out the cab) I decided this because I don’t have the time or the place to do the work myself and if I paid someone to do it, it would cost more than doing the repair (not so sure this is true any more). The thing I struggled with was could it be repaired "correctly" (what ever that means), who could do it, and how much would it cost?

Then began the search for someone to do the job. I talked to several shops but it was tough because none of them would come out and see the truck (and no trailer to drag it around) A lot of shops just seem to be parts changers and aren’t really interested in this kind of a job unless its insurance work. Bill at Vintage Chevy in Fremont highly recommended Steve Silva Auto Body in Fremont (and Steve did come over to look at it!) In the end I went with Steve.

I bought a 72 Cheyenne Super cab top from Bill at Vintage Chevy. Steve and his body man Craig pulled the roof back to its original shape as much as possible. The outer skin was then cut and removed at the rear seam and in front of the windshield header. Then the inner skin along with the header was then removed, leaving the front pillars intact. The pillars were straightened and welded (mainly the right side) and the re-assembly with the donor top was done pretty much in reverse. First the outer skin of the donor roof was removed and then the inner along with the header. The inner skin and header were set in place, aligned, removed, rust proofed, reset, and then welded. Then the outer skin was welded on. (I’m sure I’m missing some critical details here)

Since the rear of the cab wasn’t significantly damaged (only a very small pucker just below the paint line near the corners) this method seemed less invasive than chopping the cab top along the centerline of the rear window. Probably more expensive to do it this way in the end (I don’t want to talk about it

) but I think ultimately it was the best way to do it considering my circumstances. Amazingly the only other damage anywhere was to front left corner of the hood which was also repaired.

So at this point it’s the paint's on and ready for wet sanding. The new windshield should arrive tomorrow and then its just a matter of reassembly which isn't much. Looks like me an the dog should be cruzin by the end of the year (or just as soon as I get it appraised and on my insurance policy).

garypr1 · 12-19-2007, 06:16 PM

Here's a few more shots.

myoldchevytruck · 12-19-2007, 06:17 PM

Glad to see your ride coming back to life. Keep us posted.

**71swb4x4** · 12-19-2007, 06:17 PM

It looks good! I'll bet you can't wait to jump back in it and go.

**Boog** · 12-19-2007, 06:21 PM

Thanks for the update. I've been wondering about how you were coming out on it. You'll be back on the road before long now.

Rollie396 · 12-19-2007, 07:06 PM

When I first saw the pics of the damage,I was nearly sick.Thank you for saving such a beautiful truck!Alot of folks would have let it go.
P.S.ever consider some wood trim on the interior?You should have some extra wood kicking around and it'd be sweet payback!

texanidiot25 · 12-19-2007, 07:06 PM

Thats a hell of a job they have done.

Props to the shop.

Glad to see it coming back

corn · 12-19-2007, 07:06 PM

Looks like they are doing a nice job on it...

BigSky71 · 12-19-2007, 07:37 PM

Glad to see your truck getting back into shape!

Bishops Trucks · 12-19-2007, 08:23 PM

Looks like good progress. The guys do nice work.

see ten · 12-20-2007, 12:48 AM

Looks like they're doing top notch work! So.........have you located an appraiser yet?

68C15 · 12-20-2007, 01:59 AM

WOW, a true body shop!!!!
this reminds me of when my Dad fixed a truck like ours. it was a roll-over and the roof was not severely damaged, just the pillars were bent over. he fixed it. took apart the pillars and straightened each piece

OLDIRON69 · 12-20-2007, 02:53 AM

Damn glad there are still real body shops in the world! They did an awesome job. Very nice truck btw!

72BlckButy · 12-20-2007, 03:33 AM

They did an amazing job on your truck! It looks great!

67ChevyRedneck · 12-20-2007, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texanidiot25

Thats a hell of a job they have done.

Props to the shop.

Glad to see it coming back

garypr1 · 12-20-2007, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rollie396

When I first saw the pics of the damage,I was nearly sick.Thank you for saving such a beautiful truck!Alot of folks would have let it go.
P.S.ever consider some wood trim on the interior?You should have some extra wood kicking around and it'd be sweet payback!

only the adhesive kind! I'll probably be picking sawdust out of the cracks forever.

garypr1 · 12-20-2007, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by see ten

Looks like they're doing top notch work! So.........have you located an appraiser yet?

Steve knows an appraiser that can come in befrore it leaves the shop. if that doesnt workout I know of one locally I can take it to.

Rokcrln · 12-20-2007, 05:48 AM

Looks to be a very nice repair on the truck! Glad they could do it for you as most shops these days don't want to touch old cars and trucks.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

**SactoJim** · 12-20-2007, 06:04 AM

Glad to see it's almost back on the road....such a nice truck.

Jerry Jones · 12-20-2007, 06:47 AM

Looks awsome! Thanx for the updates so far... keep 'em coming!

FRENCHBLUE72 · 12-21-2007, 04:10 PM

Very nice looks like they fixed you up right.

aventur1 · 12-22-2007, 02:48 AM

Glad to see it's getting back together!!

brianthelion02 · 12-22-2007, 02:57 AM

Those first pics in this thread made me cry a little bit,but im sure smilin now,lookin really really good!!!!!!!!!

b&a72 · 12-22-2007, 05:44 AM

They did a great job repairing that. Work like that from a body shop this day and time is far and few between.

67CHIP72 · 04-10-2008, 07:28 AM

Any updates?

12-19-2007, 06:10 PM	#101
garypr1 1972 Cheyenne Super SWB Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pleasanton, Ca Posts: 47	BUILD UPDATE!!: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Sorry I haven’t updated for a long time on the progress of puttin this thing back together. In the end my freakin homeowners (liberty mutual) didn’t pay anything because there’s an “exclusion” for personal autos (they assume you're covered by the auto insurance). And, since I didn’t have the comp on the auto policy (because I didn’t have the truck appraised when I bought it 39 days before this happened), there was no coverage there either. Oh yea, at least the tree is dead and gone! And so after much thought I decided to have the roof repaired as opposed to replacing the cab. (though the majority of you said to change out the cab) I decided this because I don’t have the time or the place to do the work myself and if I paid someone to do it, it would cost more than doing the repair (not so sure this is true any more). The thing I struggled with was could it be repaired "correctly" (what ever that means), who could do it, and how much would it cost? Then began the search for someone to do the job. I talked to several shops but it was tough because none of them would come out and see the truck (and no trailer to drag it around) A lot of shops just seem to be parts changers and aren’t really interested in this kind of a job unless its insurance work. Bill at Vintage Chevy in Fremont highly recommended Steve Silva Auto Body in Fremont (and Steve did come over to look at it!) In the end I went with Steve. I bought a 72 Cheyenne Super cab top from Bill at Vintage Chevy. Steve and his body man Craig pulled the roof back to its original shape as much as possible. The outer skin was then cut and removed at the rear seam and in front of the windshield header. Then the inner skin along with the header was then removed, leaving the front pillars intact. The pillars were straightened and welded (mainly the right side) and the re-assembly with the donor top was done pretty much in reverse. First the outer skin of the donor roof was removed and then the inner along with the header. The inner skin and header were set in place, aligned, removed, rust proofed, reset, and then welded. Then the outer skin was welded on. (I’m sure I’m missing some critical details here) Since the rear of the cab wasn’t significantly damaged (only a very small pucker just below the paint line near the corners) this method seemed less invasive than chopping the cab top along the centerline of the rear window. Probably more expensive to do it this way in the end (I don’t want to talk about it) but I think ultimately it was the best way to do it considering my circumstances. Amazingly the only other damage anywhere was to front left corner of the hood which was also repaired. So at this point it’s the paint's on and ready for wet sanding. The new windshield should arrive tomorrow and then its just a matter of reassembly which isn't much. Looks like me an the dog should be cruzin by the end of the year (or just as soon as I get it appraised and on my insurance policy). Attached Images __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super SWB 66 Corvette 427/390 05 Corvette Z51 (sold)

12-19-2007, 06:16 PM	#102
garypr1 1972 Cheyenne Super SWB Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pleasanton, Ca Posts: 47	BUILD UPDATE!! Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Here's a few more shots. Attached Images __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super SWB 66 Corvette 427/390 05 Corvette Z51 (sold)

12-19-2007, 06:17 PM	#103
myoldchevytruck Retired Air Force Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Posts: 1,808	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Glad to see your ride coming back to life. Keep us posted. __________________ Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors

12-19-2007, 06:17 PM	#104
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,499	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... It looks good! I'll bet you can't wait to jump back in it and go. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

12-19-2007, 06:21 PM	#105
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,662	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Thanks for the update. I've been wondering about how you were coming out on it. You'll be back on the road before long now. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

12-19-2007, 07:06 PM	#106
Rollie396 someday it will be done! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lloydminster,AB. Canada Posts: 1,620	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... When I first saw the pics of the damage,I was nearly sick.Thank you for saving such a beautiful truck!Alot of folks would have let it go. P.S.ever consider some wood trim on the interior?You should have some extra wood kicking around and it'd be sweet payback! __________________ '72 C-10 Proud owner of a million new and used pieces that used to be and will once again be(god willing) a testament to the term "they don't build em like that anymore. '80 LWB 2wd beater '67 GMC long fleet (cab donor) '66 long step (parked till it's turn comes around) '65 short step (parts truck that will donate it's bed and possibly frame to the '66) '06 Grand Prix wife's car (she hardly lets me touch it) my pics

12-19-2007, 07:06 PM	#107
texanidiot25 Eat My Rust Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 3,362	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Thats a hell of a job they have done. Props to the shop. Glad to see it coming back

12-19-2007, 07:06 PM	#108
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Looks like they are doing a nice job on it...

12-19-2007, 07:37 PM	#109
BigSky71 LAIDOUT Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: NW Montana Posts: 928	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Glad to see your truck getting back into shape! __________________ 67 2wd Shorty Build Pictures

12-19-2007, 08:23 PM	#110
Bishops Trucks KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sterling, Va. Posts: 5,730	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Looks like good progress. The guys do nice work. __________________ JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 Father/Son Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER"

12-20-2007, 12:48 AM	#111
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,074	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Looks like they're doing top notch work! So.........have you located an appraiser yet?

12-20-2007, 01:59 AM	#112
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... WOW, a true body shop!!!! this reminds me of when my Dad fixed a truck like ours. it was a roll-over and the roof was not severely damaged, just the pillars were bent over. he fixed it. took apart the pillars and straightened each piece

12-20-2007, 02:53 AM	#113
OLDIRON69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ben Wheeler,Texas Posts: 992	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Damn glad there are still real body shops in the world! They did an awesome job. Very nice truck btw! __________________ 05 2500HD 6.0 excab 69 LWB-Gone but not forgotten! 68 Dodge Charger 383/727 69 Dodge Charger-440/4spd

12-20-2007, 03:33 AM	#114
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... They did an amazing job on your truck! It looks great! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

12-20-2007, 05:48 AM	#118
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Looks to be a very nice repair on the truck! Glad they could do it for you as most shops these days don't want to touch old cars and trucks. Kevin LFD Inc.



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12-20-2007, 06:04 AM	#119
SactoJim Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,970	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Glad to see it's almost back on the road....such a nice truck. __________________ 72 Cheyenne SWB Fleet Nut & bolt frame off in progress...99.9999% - supercharged 383 - 4 wheel discs - relocated fuel tank - My Build Thread

12-20-2007, 06:47 AM	#120
Jerry Jones Happy Camper Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern California Posts: 8,407	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Looks awsome! Thanx for the updates so far... keep 'em coming! __________________ RIP El Jay! Love you brother!

12-21-2007, 04:10 PM	#121
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Very nice looks like they fixed you up right. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

12-22-2007, 02:48 AM	#122
aventur1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 676	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Glad to see it's getting back together!!

12-22-2007, 02:57 AM	#123
brianthelion02 Overdrive club Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: apache junction, arizona Posts: 819	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Those first pics in this thread made me cry a little bit,but im sure smilin now,lookin really really good!!!!!!!!! __________________ 1971 c-10 1951 3100 chevy 1970 chevy c-30 Sold!

12-22-2007, 05:44 AM	#124
b&a72 Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 682	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... They did a great job repairing that. Work like that from a body shop this day and time is far and few between.

04-10-2008, 07:28 AM	#125
67CHIP72 STOLEN Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County Posts: 1,022	Re: Honey, the just tree fell on your new truck... Any updates? __________________ In Search Of

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