Body Work Help

[dingo_dan_22]

I need some advise on tackiling my body work. I'd like to know the order in which I replace all theses panels. Should I get slip on styles or O.E.M.? Is it alright if my doors aren't aligned? Do I use seam sealer on all the seams? Should I rip the box off?
I'd like to get things done right the first time!

I'm planning on doing:

-cab corners
-rocker panels
-outter rigger cab supports (backing of rockers)
-front and rear cab supports

I'm using the schools welder. It's an older Miller 230V gas mig welder. I'm practicing on my buddies 76' GMC We're doing basically the same stuff on his ride.

Thanks in advance for your intrest and advise.

[bodyman9174]

Originally Posted by dingo_dan_22

I need some advise on tackiling my body work. I'd like to know the order in which I replace all theses panels. Should I get slip on styles or O.E.M.? Is it alright if my doors aren't aligned? Do I use seam sealer on all the seams? Should I rip the box off?
I'd like to get things done right the first time!

I'm planning on doing:

-cab corners
-rocker panels
-outter rigger cab supports (backing of rockers)
-front and rear cab supports

I'm using the schools welder. It's an older Miller 230V gas mig welder. I'm practicing on my buddies 76' GMC We're doing basically the same stuff on his ride.

Thanks in advance for your intrest and advise.

I use the O.E.M ones. I would line up the door with the fender. If u are doing the rockers and cab coners. U ever hear that old saying measure twice cut once.. Well with body work measure 3 or 4 or 5 times weld once..Use seam sealer on all the panels that are not seen. On the outer seams metal finish than go over with a skim coat of filler.Use agood 2 part seam sealer.

As long as the weld is in good working order does not matter how old. I have weld withsome older welds that weld better than new ones.

[dingo_dan_22]

ttt

[Bamm]

Please make sure when you replace the rocker panels that "if" the inner rocker panels need replacing, do it! The P.O. of my truck put on new outer rockers, welded them up nice and now they are trying to rust through again, simply because he probably figured "No one sees the inner rocker, I don't have to replace it. .............Jerry

[pat]

Make sure your doors are lined up good and make sure they are on when you replace your outer rocker so you can line it up too. I replaced the cab corners first on mine, then the rockers, although it shouldnt really matter. If I had to do it again, I think I would brace the doors and cab when cutting out the rockers. You should probably do it if your doing supports too.

[dingo_dan_22]

I already have the outter rockers; the inner rockers are on my list of parts to order. I did some calling around and saved myself $70 bucks total on everything. Now I think I'll prefit everthing with sheetmetal screws here at home and weld it at school. I'll rip off the box with the bobcat but first I have to blow out the ward.

Any other advise?