Can it be done
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New User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: MOSS POINT
Can it be done
I have a 1952 ford pick up that I just bought from my Dad. He was going to sell it and not wanting him to just get rid of it I bought it from him in hopes of someday restoring it. The metal under the front windshiel is rusting out and is totally gone in some places as much as a half inch beneath the glass. What I need to know is that is it worth it to put new metal in and can it be done or is the cab totally shot. I realize that this might be a stupid question but for some reaon that is the only thing that has worried me about fixing this truck because i would like to use this same cab if at all possible. If you could be of some help I would appreciate it. Thank you!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,119
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From: Southern New Hampshire
Can it be done
That could be a very tough job to get correct and still be able to hold in the glass without leaking or cracking.
Since the cabs are the same thru the F600 why not just swap cabs? Most parts of the country the big truck cabs are solid and also plentiful (cheap)
If your cab has sentimental value then cut out the windshield frame from a donor.
Since the cabs are the same thru the F600 why not just swap cabs? Most parts of the country the big truck cabs are solid and also plentiful (cheap)
If your cab has sentimental value then cut out the windshield frame from a donor.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 503
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From: Edgewood, NM
Can it be done
If the windshield area is rusted that bad I would thoroughly check the rest of the cab for extensive rusting. it might be better to find another cab if this is so. If you have the time and welding skills your rusted cab can definatley be repaired. Good luck!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,571
Likes: 22
From: Oxford, Indiana
Can it be done
I agree. I've crawled around a lot of '48-'52's and have never seem one rusted that bad in the windshield area. If yours is, I'd hate to think about what the rest of it looks like. However, if by some miracle the rest is relatively solid, it would be possible to drill out the spot welds with a cutter and replace that panel. It won't necessarily be easy or fun, but it can be done. I wouldn't try to patch it. Too many bends, contours, and what not to replicate in a glass sealing area. Should you decide to attempt a replacement, I've got the cowl panel you need and would be willing to part with it for cheap as soon as I'm finished with it - I'm in the process of doing a mockup with the whole firewall and cowl section right now. It would be light enough to ship inexpensively. Let me know.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 175
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From: united state
Can it be done
anything can be done.
its just up to the worker if he/she wants to put the time and effort in it.
i never seen a cab with the window like that.
like it was stated before.........
you can cut out the whole window and replace it with a donor.
but it is up to you and your ability to play with metal.
im not that good but im not the worst.
swanny
its just up to the worker if he/she wants to put the time and effort in it.
i never seen a cab with the window like that.
like it was stated before.........
you can cut out the whole window and replace it with a donor.
but it is up to you and your ability to play with metal.
im not that good but im not the worst.
swanny
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 112
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From: Milano, Texas USA
Can it be done
Do not know where you are located but cabs are relatively easy to locate. Just change the data plate. Like everyone else I suspect that if you have that much rust in w/s area, you got a lot more. Good luck!
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: MOSS POINT
Can it be done
Thanks to every one for the replies you have helped me out a great deal. I havent been able to get into the truck to much to see just how bad the metal is but just from looking at it, the bed is in good shape with only a couple of small places that will need new metal. as far as the fenders i believe I can salvage those. The hood is in great shape with only minor surface rust. But the cab is where the brunt of the South Mississippi humidity done its damage, it needs new floor pans (probably due to the **** carpet that someone had put in before my Dad aquired it) and the rear corner cab panels and whatever I decide for the windshield. It currently has a 289 small block with a 3 speed transmission. I only gave $400.00 for the ole truck so I feel like I might just go looking for a replacement cab to put on it.I have family that lives out in West Texas and New Mexico I might just have to take a trip and go Ford Huntin. Once again thanks for the comments. 
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,571
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From: Oxford, Indiana
Can it be done
?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????Uh, yeah, that would be what I was afraid of. After you've figured the price of new floor pans and cab corners and then added what your labor is worth to patch that cab up, a couple hundred bucks for a much better cab is dirt cheap. Find another one. You won't be sorry. Look for one off of a bigger truck. They tend to be easier to find and in better shape, plus they are identical.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 43
From: maryland
Can it be done
that sounds like a good idea to look for a new cab. someone correct this is im wrong but i think all trucks fromf1 to f6 are the same exept the beds and fenders and drivetrain. so cab hood and doors will all switch. BUT ive been looking for a new cab near me and cant find anything unless i drive across country for it. if you say they are plentiful then i believe you but not hear.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
Can it be done
fishin4bassnms,
Contrary to normal advise, look for a cab that has spent it's life somewhere North of you.
What?
Vehicles that have spent time close to the Gulf Coast exhibit the rust you have described. Even Big Trucks. Salt is carried on the wind, and settles from the top down. When it runs off the windows it rusts out the window sills.
Vehicles rust from the top down.
Weird huh?
Adios,
Brett
Contrary to normal advise, look for a cab that has spent it's life somewhere North of you.
What?
Vehicles that have spent time close to the Gulf Coast exhibit the rust you have described. Even Big Trucks. Salt is carried on the wind, and settles from the top down. When it runs off the windows it rusts out the window sills.
Vehicles rust from the top down.
Weird huh?
Adios,
Brett