How to fix it?

[kissingbug1978]

Got any ideas on how to fix this without using a gallon of bondo? I don't think a cab corner patch panel is gonna do it.

[kissingbug1978]

Kinda hard to see in the pics, but the side of the cab is in terrible shape. The filler in the bottom area is really thick. I know alot of you are gonna say get a new cab. I'd really like to keep this cab if possible since this was my 1st vehicle and I've had it for almost 15yrs. I don't know if its possible to cut this section and and replace it with one from a donor truck. I'm sure it would require a lot of bracing on this side of the truck first. Any ideas?

[kissingbug1978]

Guess I'm trying to answer my own question. Think I may have it figured out. If I repair the floors and rocker panels first and then use a corner patch panel I should be able to cut the rest of the damaged sheet metal out and replace it with a piece from a donr cab. And NO! I wouldn't cut up a good cab to repair mine. It would definitely have to be a wreck, just not in this area.

[ClassicAutoResto]

If the long section of bondo has all rust under it,then yes section it out. If it is caved in.....dolly it out as best as possible and just section in the new cab corner.

[kissingbug1978]

Only rust that I've noticed is in the very bottom. the rest just appears to be dented up.

[jonzcustomshop]

yes, go after it with some 36 grit, and get all that old bondo off of there, then you can see what you have.
most likely a bunch of hammer/ dolley to straighten it out.
it is not double wall metal in that section, so you should have some access.

another ttool you can use is a pin/pull gun they range from$150-300.
they are a great tool for creases, and shrinking the metal back.

you will have filler there when done, the key is to have as little as possible.

[kissingbug1978]

Never used a dolly before. I'm assuming its not as easy as it looks. or am I wrong?

[ClassicAutoResto]

most of it will be beating the metal out to close to original form, then finessing it with the body hammer on the inside, the dolly on the outside, directly opposite each other. Use small to medium taps with the hammer to flatten out the dents on the dolly. Little awkward in the spot you are doing it in, but is the less expensive way. I have a new apprentice (16 year old cousin working for free, and I use old fenders, dent them or cave them in, then let him practice on them. Might be a suggestion to try to get the feel of it. Good Luck! Jerry

[PrerunnerRob]

2 gallons of bondo?
I may have a cab piece for you, let me go to my shop and check.

[kissingbug1978]

Thanks for all of the advice. That would be awesome Rob.

[Slmd92DIME]

Is the rest of the cab in decent shape?

[kissingbug1978]

yep. the rest of the cab is in good shape except the usual stuff, like the rockers,floor boards and corners.

[PrerunnerRob]

If the scrap guy has not come by, I'll cut them off for you tomorrow.

[salazar44]

Dude.. It looks fine. It doesnt look like you need patch panels. Just get the bondo out. It doesnt look like any rust went through the metal. Sand that baby up, get the hammer/dolly out and start working it.

[kissingbug1978]

Thanks rob.

[PrerunnerRob]

Came by my shop today and all of my scrap sheetmetal is gone. Sorry, I'll keep an eye out for some!

[kissingbug1978]

Oh, well. thanx anyway. I'm sure I'll come up with something. May just try to hammer it out.

[56 chevy_man]

The pin welder and puller, or "unispotter" as some people I know like to call them would probably be a simple way to get a lot of the dents out. I played around with one at a friends place on a 70s gmc when we were in high school. I don't believe its very cost effective, but in my opinion a pretty easy way to work on dents.

[chevy283]

yes u can cut it out. thats what i had to do with mine, but it was a lot worst.