My 1955 Chevy 3100 build

[Advanced Design]

Very solid, especially for a midwest vehicle.

[Kim57]

I've seen a lot worse.
You should be able to get patch panels for all of it.
Kim

[55 Chevy Dave]

The truck is actually from California and was shipped to Milwaukee last year where I bought it. It came with a California title as the Milwaukee owner had never transferred it.

And Kim, I already have the patch panels I need. I'm starting with the cab steps and rockers tomorrow morning!

[RockinKees]

Well, it isn't too bad.
All the usual places

You're gonna managed that, I'm sure!
Good luck and Happy Welding!

[ChuckDriver]

Looks like you have some work ahead of you, looking forward to seeing your progress!

[55 Chevy Dave]

I started by cutting out the passenger side step and rocker. Someone rebuilt the rocker with body filler and a couple of the treads were rotted out.

I had to weld in the rear door jamb as it was loose and moving around. The front jamb is also loose and needs to be welded in. There is also a hole in the front panel of the step that was loaded with rust. The cab support has a couple of holes in it, but I can't figure out where all of the mud came in. I would prefer to figure out how the material is getting in before filling the holes in the cab support and front step panel.

I also cut out the passenger side outside cab corner and found more rot on the inner cab corner. I didn't order these patch panels and I'm not sure if I should as the upper third of the panel is solid. I may just bend some 18 gauge and weld it in. Does anyone have experience with this? What should I do here?

The step is ready to weld in.

[RockinKees]

55 Chevy Dave, I've made my own cabcorners from 16 gauge sheet metal.
It isn't that difficult

Look at my thread how I did it.
From page 17 and further...

Good luck!

[55 Chevy Dave]

Kees,

Thank you for your response. I see where you fabricated the outer cab corners, but what did you do about the inner cab corners? Did you just delete them altogether and fill in the floor above?

That seems like a pretty good idea! It looks like that is what Kim57 did as well.

Thanks again, Dave

[55 Chevy Dave]

The radiator support was in good shape except for some stress cracks above the base where it mounts to the frame. I welded the cracks and decided to make reinforcing plates for this area so the cracks don't return.

[55 Chevy Dave]

Here's the repair on the other side and the completed product drying in the sun.

I also filled the fuel tank filler hole.

[55 Chevy Dave]

Kees,

That is a great idea! You are absolutely right. I'm glad I asked before diving into that project!

Dave

[RockinKees]

Yes, deleted the innercorners and filled the floor above.

Didn't know what the purpose of the innercorners were, except collecting sand, dust and water...
It is not needed for the construction so away with those rust formers!

[oldman3]

Nice repair, shouldn't have anymore problem there...Jim

[Kim57]

Nice job on all the repairs.
Kees is right about the inner cab corners being traps for rust. Mine are gone also and a plate made to cover the hole.
Kim

[55 Chevy Dave]

Welding in the steps.

[55 Chevy Dave]

Welding in the passenger side cab corner.

[55 Chevy Dave]

I still have some touch-up to do, but it is looking pretty good. My first weekend of body work seems to have been fairly successful. I have a feeling I will sleep good tonight!

[oldman3]

Your doing some nice work, little by little it all adds up...Jim

[Advanced Design]

Nice work and really good progress!

[ptc]

Looking good! It's all a matter of just doing each piece and area as they show up.

Keep it up!

[Kim57]

Repairs are looking good.
Kim

[RockinKees]

Looks good Dave!
Keep at it!

[55 Chevy Dave]

I made good progress this past weekend. I started by cutting out the rot behind the rear cab reinforcement on the passenger side. I sprayed the rust with a bit of rust reformer and fabricated a new patch panel out of 18 gauge and welded her in place. A little grinding and it almost looks like it was always there.

[Advanced Design]

Nice repairs Dave! Good work...always wonder about old brazing..who did it, when did they do the repairs.

[Kim57]

Repairs look real good.
Glad the tool worked out for you. I put an copper end cap on mine and and squeezed it in at the opening so it wouldn't fall off.
Kim