Necessary to have box in place when replacing cab metal?

[Slowguy]

Figured best to separate from my previous unrelated post:

I ordered inner/outer rockers, rear cab corners, front and rear cab support slip over metal, and lower metal panels for both of the rear section of the front fenders.

1. Is there a specific order I should do the work; i.e. rockers 1st, cab corners 2nd...etc?

2. Is it mandatory I have the box and front clip installed when doing rockers and cab corners to get it all set properly? I remove the box and front clip this weekend in preparation of doing brake conversion, lowering, ps conversion and ls swap.

[jeffahart]

ebfabman has some videos and he lays out the process. I bought his videos and have watched a few portions. I'm gearing up for some rust abatement and I'm studying everything I can get my hands on before I start hacking. I'm not a body man, though I can do body work. But I will doing my own rust repair... why not... can't look worse than it dose now. Not so much rust as beat beyond hammer and dolly! With the internet, there is so much info specific to this year and model. You can get dialed in for sure. Sorry I couldn't answer for specifics, just wanted to share the ebfabman link... as an option.

http://ebfabman.com



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[Slowguy]

Expensive but looks like the real deal. Thanks.

[OL SKOOL]

The box will have to come off or lifted to do the cab corners.I wouldn't use slip on cab supports its called cancer for a reason. It has to be all cut out anyway.Sheet metal screws and tack weld just to line up and hold in place.I did lower A and B pillars first, then inner floor, then the rockers. Door has to come on and off numerous times for alignment. Cab corners then all 4 cab supports.When your totally happy tack weld it all in and start grinding!I would put x brace inside door opening before starting.I sandblasted after i cut out the rust and coated with por 15.Start with the passenger side first leave the pretty side for last!I'm just an old mechanic that learned from my son who had a body shop. Take your time enjoy the journey.

[Slowguy]

that looks great!

I shouldn't have to do anything to the floor. The rockers have very minimal rust but still should be replaced because of a couple perforation spots. I didn't notice the cab corners until I removed the bed. The cab support ends...for sure...need replaced.

I've never done any body work and I'm sure I can do it with some instruction. I watched a video where the tack welded and when they were satisfied the kept using tack points until the entire weld was solid. Then they grinded and sanded until it looked perfect.

I don't have a mig but I'm not terrible with my tig. I can weld stainless and aluminum, sometimes perfect, sometimes not-so-pretty but strong. I think I can spot mild steel with the tig too?

If you ever feel like chatting, I'd come down and buy some beer to chat and look at your cab! OL SKOOL - I'm only about an hour from Rochelle (just below Rockford?)

[OL SKOOL]

Sounds like you got a good grip on it.Yup i'm right off rt.39 and rt. 64.I'm just laying around for another week going in for hip replacement.Too many years on the concrete.Give me a holler and i can show you probably better than tell you.My truck should have been done a year ago but the ol bones wouldn't let me.

[Brofle1402]

At the least when you get it tacked set the bed on just to check lines

[projectking]

Ar you in Chicago or the subs?

[drewbert41]

IL folks!

[demian5]

Hmmm