Looking For Sheet Metal Recommendations.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 837
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
Looking For Sheet Metal Recommendations.
If you read my post about checking tire dates you'll know that I'm in the market for a little body work.
Most of the NOS sheetmetal is gone from the shelf and so far the only good source I've found is LMC Truck. I've heard some unfavorable comments about the gauge and quality but if that's all I have to work with it may have to do.
I'm open to suggestions and don't mind paying a little more for quality. Right now I'm looking at possibly replacing the whole left side of the bed but am entirely open to using patch panels to preserve as much original paint and metal as possible.
Any and all assistance is appreciated.
Most of the NOS sheetmetal is gone from the shelf and so far the only good source I've found is LMC Truck. I've heard some unfavorable comments about the gauge and quality but if that's all I have to work with it may have to do.
I'm open to suggestions and don't mind paying a little more for quality. Right now I'm looking at possibly replacing the whole left side of the bed but am entirely open to using patch panels to preserve as much original paint and metal as possible.
Any and all assistance is appreciated.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 39
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Rodger,
Winter salt takes its toll on most northern trucks.
I've been happy with the price, fit and quality of American made Tabco panels.
Welcome to Tabco
Winter salt takes its toll on most northern trucks.
I've been happy with the price, fit and quality of American made Tabco panels.
Welcome to Tabco
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 837
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
Thanks Jim,
I checked out Tabco's site and it looks good. Will have to get together with my bodyshop guy next week, he's the same one that did Clyde back in 2004 fortunately, and see how he wants to approach it.
Back in '04 we used patch panels on the rust that appears in all the usual places on these old trucks and after seven years not a single bubble! He cut out the rusted portions and mounted the new panels with adhesive that sealed the back and all the raw edges. I'm pretty comfortable with that process and would rather not replace the whole bedside.
I checked out Tabco's site and it looks good. Will have to get together with my bodyshop guy next week, he's the same one that did Clyde back in 2004 fortunately, and see how he wants to approach it.
Back in '04 we used patch panels on the rust that appears in all the usual places on these old trucks and after seven years not a single bubble! He cut out the rusted portions and mounted the new panels with adhesive that sealed the back and all the raw edges. I'm pretty comfortable with that process and would rather not replace the whole bedside.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 837
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
Good recomendation! 
Thank you!
The body panels came from Tabco and looked good. Insurance paid for the whole side panel with all related expenses so just using patch panels should give me a little extra to play with. NPD provided me with a NOS lower rear quarter trim strip with the vinyl insert that was perfect.
Hardest thing to replace was the running board set. Found Autoxcessorywarehouse.com and they set me up with a pair of their boards that on the site looked exactly like the set that got ruined.
Dropped Clyde off at the body shop and am looking forward to getting it back in prime shape again. I appreciate the assistance in making it happen.
Thanks again ....
Thank you!The body panels came from Tabco and looked good. Insurance paid for the whole side panel with all related expenses so just using patch panels should give me a little extra to play with. NPD provided me with a NOS lower rear quarter trim strip with the vinyl insert that was perfect.
Hardest thing to replace was the running board set. Found Autoxcessorywarehouse.com and they set me up with a pair of their boards that on the site looked exactly like the set that got ruined.
Dropped Clyde off at the body shop and am looking forward to getting it back in prime shape again. I appreciate the assistance in making it happen.
Thanks again ....
