Well, I got started on my cab this past weekend and I've got my work cut out for me.
I decided I would start wit one corner at a time but after getting into the right rear I found the inner was much worse than the outer and the cab mount is rotten, not to mention the hack job someone did welding patches in.
I am not sure how to link pictures on here but I did create a gallery with a few.
I have never done any body work to this extent, I will just take my time and learn as I go, any sugestions would be appreciated.
10-4, I am running the Bebop's rear fenders and have had great luck with them. Just remember to let them lay out in the sun as much as possible before you do any body work to them so they will not pit so bad on you and cure out.
Good luck bro, there are many of great people here who has done what you are asking and they are a great asset. I had to learn to ask alot of questions (many are dumb) and I still do. Your cab will turn out fine.
WoW!..Your about to step into a big one..LoL! Suggestions?? I would start by utilizing the search function and read as much as you can on the repairs your about to do..don't be afraid,everybody here has been through this to one degree or another.There is " ALOT " of info around her on these repairs..learn what your getting into and how to get around or thru it. Post pics often,ask alot of questions...be prepared!
After reading up on as much as you can stand..and "before you get too deep", consider these offerings of advice.
Be prepared to spend alot of time with your project..thoughtful analysis of the repair and procedure and how all the pieces fit/and go together will pay off in the end by taking your time...don't be in a hurry.I hope you have an understanding family.
Spend some time "practicing" the welding process on alot of different metal of varying thickness..read up on testing your joints,plug welding,marking measuring,cutting etc..don't be in a hurry.
Since smooth opening and closing doors with a small as possable gap should be your goal, consider "re-hanging" the doors..,get the gap right, (best-as-possable) then installing some bracing/framework inside the cab ,but above or at least;out of the way of the repair area.This should keep you doors/pillars/opening's parallel.Take you time here..don't be in a hurry.Now the doors can come off and you can get to things easier.
See Mid-50 or another supplier for replacement panels.Once you have them in your hands you will begin to see how things should go together..more importantly..your plan of constuction.Even some of the "new" pieces need some work...be prepared....Some pieces like the crossbeam on the rear floor you can have made locally and cut to fit.Looks like you may need a couple of floor panels also.Take your time..think things thru.I found removing the front and rear glass and suspending the cab by the roof (window frames) worked for me,that way I could get under and around everything.
Measure twice..cut once,fit and Weld slowly,let things cool,take your time..a few new tools will be in order..a cut-off tool,various grinders,a square,level,measuring tape,spotweld remover,hammer/dollies/spoon..etc etc
Most important thing is to have fun doing what your doing..when you get in a hurry..sit down for awhile and let it pass..do something different,then get back into it when your ready..Good Luck! Keep us posted and keep the Pic;s sharpe!
Thanks for the encouragement cmoritz,
I do have some limited experience with this stuff, very limited. I replaced the front floorboards on the Fairlane when I did that a couple of years ago.
I built a rolling dolly for the cab but I have it suspended from my lift like you talked about right now, and I did weld in some cross bracing to hold everything in place but I didn't hang the doors first, I guess I assumed the lines where good from before, might be a mistake. I think I will set it back on the dolly long enough to at least place doors for a look.
When i bought the truck the PO included most of the replacement panels, I will need front floorboards and some braces yet. I will be fabricating a replacement for the rear part of the floorboard and cross brace.
I figure I can't lose anything by trying this, if it doesn't work out I can look for another cab.
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