Cheers to tears

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Apr 3, 2011 | 11:17 PM

kjdungan

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Joined: Mar 2011

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From: Marana, AZ

Cheers to tears

OK tears is an over exaggeration, but today we brought the '57 home to begin work. There is the cheers.

We were able to take off the bed, gas tank, and remove the old wiring. The tears came when we realized that the cab had more rot then originally thought. Not only do we need to replace the rear cab corners, but also panels towards the center and part of the floor board. Issue is that we have not seen reproduction parts for each of the sections.

We are planning on going to junk yard looking to see if we can find a donor. If not, then my husband had better put to use all those tools that are taking up valuable floor space (bead roller, shrinker stretcher, etc). If anyone knows of reproduction sheet metal for the '57 - '60 please speak up and loudly.

Apr 3, 2011 | 11:36 PM

bobj49f2

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Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 16,882

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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)

Your best bet is to find a suitable donor. When looking for a donor look for the larger trucks, all cab should be the same and the bigger trucks seem to usually in better shape and not as pick over.

Apr 4, 2011 | 12:48 AM

gusbratz

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Joined: Jan 2011

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From: NW, PA

it seems like the bigger trucks sit highrer up off the ground and this allows more ventilation under them and then they don't rust out as bad sitting in fields.

Apr 4, 2011 | 07:50 AM

bobj49f2

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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)

Many of the bigger trucks were also farm trucks that were used a lot less than pickups, usually only twice a year, planting time and harvesting time. Also, larger trucks were retired earlier when engine or other mechanical problems developed. Pickups tend to be driven into the ground because they're a more versatile type of vehicle.

Apr 4, 2011 | 08:00 AM

ibuzzard

See A Man About A Horse

Joined: Apr 2003

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From: Mariposa, Ca.

Therehave been some replacement patch-panels,as well as NOS sheet-metal dribbling onto EBay over the last few mos,but Not sure of the quality of the reproduction stuff,and the NOS parts go for high prices and go quickly.You'd need to monitor it a couple times daily just to see it come through

Bob is right,buying a replacement vehicle in Arizona,with minimal rust,ought not to be too difficult, and way less money and trouble.Do a nationwide Craiglist search using SearchTempest or similar,you'll find something .

Apr 4, 2011 | 05:07 PM

old_dan

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 1,994

Likes: 3

From: Morgan Hill, CA

You can get cab corners here:

ShermanParts :: 1957 Ford Pickup (53-98)

I'm not sure if they have floorboards. You might try these guys as well:

Floor pans for rust repair and restoration

You can also try EMS or Northern Classics. They'd know if somebody is stamping out floorboards for a 57.

Dan

Apr 4, 2011 | 06:48 PM

CharlieLed

Lead Driver

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 8,093

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From: Brentwood, TN

I am not a big fan of taking parts off old trucks and will avoid it if at all possible...especially welded in sheetmetal pieces. That said, you won't have to do that with your truck. LMC Truck Parts has all the replacement panels you need. Nice folks, easy to deal with...