After my previous post about at a stopping point due to sheet metal work, I have thought about it and decided to make an attempt at some of the work myself. Already picked up a spot weld cutter and some extra tips. Even tried it out on a few welds on the front cab corner to see how they work out. Works pretty good!

Question though...where should I start. As you can see in the following pics the floor around both front cab mounts is gone along with some of the toe board, The front body mount brackets and triangle gussets both need replaced as do the front cab corners, and rockers, where they meet under the cab corner.

I've done some reading here and elsewhere but thought I'd check here to see what everyone recommends.










I haven't bought any of the parts yet...still getting the cash together. But any insight you can give would be very helpful.

Mark

 

Doing structural rust repair is like building a house. Start with the foundation and work from there. Decide if you're going to buy patch panels or make your own. Get your mount areas done so you have a solid and known place to build from. After that, it's just a matter of filling in the gaps from your foundation to the solid areas about your rust out.

Like most everything else on these trucks, it's not rocket science, but it is best to have a plan in place. Good luck with your project. It's not that bad, really. You can do it!

 

What 52 Merc said. Get the cab structurally aligned and solid. Be mindful that the cab is supported in four places. The front cab cowl supports to the floor is a good place to start. Get them solid and go with the skin panels.

 

You might want to weld in some bracing before you cut out those rockers and cab corners.