Cab bracing ?

[Johnl48]

Starting to restore my cab with new parts. Not removing entire floor just sections. Cab corners, rockers etc. Do I need to brace anything ?

[Rickysnickers]

I'm certainly no expert, however it appears that that your cab is on a cart. If that's the case, it certainly wouldn't hurt to brace it before cutting out the rot.

[toolboxchev]

There are many post on here on how to do the cab. Many do brace it for numerous reasons.

Its 50 years old and has been moving around for over half a century. Thats my 2 cents....

[Davidf]

The rot on mine was similar. I replaced the inner and outer rocker, kick panel bottom, section of floor near kick panel and bottom of A-pillar/door post. I did not brace the cab it turned out fine. But, my cab was on the frame and I did take few reference measurements that told me I need to jack up the A-pillar slightly (<1/8") before welding it home. Door panel fitment ended up fine, but I was not going for a show truck.

Edit: I had the truck/frame on jack stands at all four corners. So, I created a reference mark on the A-pillar/door post and measured to the concrete slab.

[Palf70Step]

I have always done rockers and that area with the doors on to keep fitment. When I was not on the frame (and even sometimes) I would brace it to make sure shape stays. I would definitely brace it in your current configuration. It is well worth it to prevent possible hassles later. Also Always test with your doors on and aligned before you do any final welding.

[Jason Banks]

I did similar repairs with no bracing. But, If I could do it again, I would have put a brace holding the rear door jambs to each other and to the floor to hold them in position. I felt like when I cut out the cab corners and welded in the new ones they wanted to splay out.

Had much more rust than you in the lower pillar and didn't have any issues there.

[Peanut74]

I ran a few braces to keep the A-pillars from moving. Not sure how much it helped.

[Richard]

You are already welding. Taking a bit of time to try and make things stay put ls a no brainer to me. I am always surprised at the amount of removal some do without any bracing. If I had removed and replaced my inner or outer rockers, 100% would have braced opening.

[Johnl48]

[Jcfcamaro]

When I did mine I measured like crazy from several different places and wrote it down on the cab with markings so I would know exactly where I went from then took pictures on my phone .

[Johnl48]

Originally Posted by Jcfcamaro

When I did mine I measured like crazy from several different places and wrote it down on the cab with markings so I would know exactly where I went from then took pictures on my phone .

I'm only doing 1 side at a time so I have other side for reference and I also have another cab sitting here

[Bigdav160]

My preferrence is cab mounted on the frame and doors mounted. You might end up taking them off and on a couple times but it makes sure the gaps and alignments look correct.

[BigBird05]

Bracing is a no-brainer. It is cheap and easy. If the cab moves when you are welding in the new parts you're going to have a lot more work to fix it.

[SkidmoreGarage]

Only you can answer your question, but my thoughts are that these trucks were built in an old school factory by hand with spot welders. No two are exactly alike. Add on that most of the replacement panels don't fit and you will find that doing a good panel replacement is more improvisational jazz than bohemian rhapsody. You can brace it all you want, but you may need to cut the brace and grab a ratchet strap to get it all to line up and the door gaps to fit up.

[May70]

Id put some bracing on it just to prevent some potential hassle later on. The cabs actually move around a lot without a rocker on them. You can literally move the bottom of the b pillar assuming the bottom is not bolted on or rotted off.

Make sure if you brace it, do so in a manner you can put the door on and close it. Youll need to if you want a good gap/fitment. You can get the outer rocker on and off by cracking/closing the door, as a tip.

Ive got numerous videos on my channel if you go to my youtube link below. GL