Rust

[alf1096]

I will be going to look at a 72 swb this week end and was wondering where should I look for rust where is it usually at in these trucks


Thanks

[Joe67]

Check the braces where the cab mounts to the frame.
Check the frame perches where the cab mount bushings mount.
Check the rocker panels (inner and outer)
Check the rear cab corners
check the floors, especially where they meet the kick panels on either side in front of the doors

Good Luck

[Longhorn Man]

if it is a true tx truck, you don't have too much to worry about.. onless it is from eastern or costal areas.
Tx rust is typicly found in the cab corners, rockers, some times cab mounts, bed floors and lower front passenger fender.
Anything more and walk away since these things are a dime a dozen down there.
Pick up a thriftey nickle, and you'll find 5 minimum every week.

[alf1096]

If they are a dime a dozen I am having a hard time finding any. Where do you look I am Located in north Texas and have an truck trader and there were only 5 trucks I need one that runs and is about 5k if I can find it

thanks

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

Also look for rust around the top of the windshield and the roof! My truck has been here in Texas since it was new and it had a lot of rot around the roof area. Not sure how that happened though.

[Longhorn Man]

Robert...thanks for saying something on that. That IS another common area. The heat dries up the sealant on the cab roof at the drip rail, it cracks, and water gets in there and puddles over the windshield.
Alf, granted, it has been a few years since I was there, but these rigs were EVERYWHERE down there. Come up here and you'll be liucky to find one in the paper a month. And odds are it is a total rust bucket and they still want top dollar.
And for 5 grand, you should be able to find a pretty nice ride.

[cdowns]

go to major swapmeets in your area you'll probablly see 50-100 for sale in a day just in the parking lots alone

www.hemmings.com go to their events section lookup states near you

[wolfthing2000]

Just to add to the list:

Rear of fenders at lower corner, stuff piles up down there and water can't drain. Also under the battery at the front corner is usualy a bad place for the above reason and bat acid. My truck has a little of about all of this and fortunately I found a new front clip from a 68 for the 69 truck that is very sound!! Cures the rust issue and a much more desirable front end look! ( my opinion).
I have found a slight amount at one corner of the rear window seal, lower right outside where there is a split in the seal.
Also this truck had/ has what could pass for a bird's nest or more likely a small beaver den in the bottom of the air vents from stuff coming down through the cowl??? I assume????
Another spot is hard to find, but in the seams along under the bed bottom to the sides.
The Rockers looked real good on mine when I purchased, however after removing carpet there is a rust concentration area between the seams of the rocker top where it overlays the floor at the door seal area. This rust will start under at the seam and creap along this area taking out the top of the rocker and the adjacent floor area.

Just things to look for and dicker over when ya go shopping.

[jimfulco]

Also, check the ledge on the firewall below where the back of the hood goes.