Well my 88 has real bad floor pan and rocker panel rust, I thought I would have to replace the whole cab but then I saw an ad for new rocker panels and floor pans that you weld in. I dont have the time, tools or the know how yet but when I do would you guys recommend welding in new panels or replacing the cab. I have a feeling either way the cab is gonna come off the frame. The drivers side cab corner is crushable at this point, and I believe a body mount is shot as the drivers side of the cab sags about and inch and a half or so below the passenger side. Actually I would like to do a frame off resto on it someday. The motor is still strong as new, I would probally freshen it up some since I would have the truck torn down anyways but I figured I'de get you opinions on that stuff first. I was also wondering what kind of welder would be best and what they typical cost?

Thanks alot, hopefully i could get the project off the ground soon.

 

There's discussion in the body work forum on this. Mine isn't nearly as bad and I just welded in patches on the floor I cut from scrap sheet metal for now. Finding a cab in good shape is harder and more expensive than repairing it unless it's really bad.

A small MIG welder is perfect for this (135amps or so). Buy a decent one and don't try to use it gasless (flux core). You need the shielding gas to do decent welding, especially on sheet metal. And don't get frustrated if you don't make perfect beads at first. It really does take practice, but when you figure it out it's amazing, like pulling up a zipper!

I'm fairly sure I've heard of guys doing cab mounts just by jacking, cutting and welding. If just one is bad I wouldn't bother taking the cab off...