1983 SM465 NP208 NV4500 Swap + RUST

[yakmastermax]

Finally got to work today. Didn't get a whole lot done but atleast got some pictures. I removed the seats, the front carpeting and insulation, as well as the trans tunnel hump. Much to my dismay, the insulation was damp (can't remember the last time it even rained!!!) and under the insulation is what appears to be substantial rust. I've never restored a car before and I've never had to deal with rust however I do possess a stick/TIG welder and i've done welding before (exhaust). I'm just not sure how to proceed with the rust. I've done some searching and reading and most of the threads that come up are pretty depressing. Many people recomend to just get a new truck. I've got no sentimental attachment to this truck but I do have some practical attachment. It's my first car; I coughed up all 1500 bones myself. Also, it has a manual SM465 and a clutch pedal plus linkage stock. This really simplifies the NV4500 swap. I'm pretty sure the rocker panels are gone and I have yet to even look at the tailgate area/bed . I really was planning a full restoration but now I'm second guessing that. Anyway, Pics for your time.

Is this bad enough to warrant a new truck completely? I had a $5000 budget for this summer, 2500 is already earmarked for the NV4500 swap. 1000 for a new gauge cluster and new senders (dakota digital) and 1500 for interior (carpets, dash, door panels, seat covers + reupholster). As of now the truck has a recently rebuilt 305 which runs good. I was also hoping to swap the rear and front dif gears to make it more highway friendly.

There is rust like the above pictured on both the passenger and the drivers side. There is also rust on the rear of the floor pan near the little "step up" on both the passenger and drivers side.

Man I am just feeling bummed reading threads were people talk about the inevitable death of all K5s due to rust.

 

[imiceman44]

Well good thing you put pictures, now a few east coast guys can slap you on the back of the head for calling this rusty
For me her with access to cheap vehicles all the time I probably would sell it and get another but in reality this is an easy job.
The floor section is very easy, the door area is a little more difficult but not too much.
Practice with the floor first and then do the others.
This could be a couple of days max.
What you need to do is cut out all the rusted area, and if there is some surface rust on the edges that is still solid and you want t preserve, get some rust converter spray and spray it after cleaning it with a wire brush.
Once you have the area preped get a piece os sheet metal and cut a square piece little bigger and tack it on then put a few stiches all around 1" long each and keep switching areas so you don't overheat one area and warp it.
You can finish it all closing all the gaps, or you can just do enough to make solid then cover it wih undercoating to make it water tight.

 

[yakmastermax]

Well, I'm not even sure how much rust there really is! I pulled some more of the interior up and it is only getting worse

anyone have an idea how much it would cost to pay a proffessional to do this kind of rust work?

 

[imiceman44]

OK so a little more than before, still not too much for someone that has the patience, but if you want to pay someone to fix this, you are better off changing trucks.
You can also do what young guys normally do, just cut the rust to stop it from spreading, put a patch on with rivets and slather on some calking or bedliner and wheel it and drive it till you get in a better financial place and then buy a clean one and get your project going.
It's by no means garbage but if you wanna pay someone to do it, it will cost you more than finding a clean one.

 

[yakmastermax]

Can I use stainless steel as my replacement panels?

 

[6872xtc]

Could I suggest maybe that you take a look around at other K5's for sale before you make your decision? Maybe you can find one with a better tub to save you some time? As Iceman says though, it's not trash to a lot of guys, but you have to be comfortable with your decision.

 

[firedog]

Your truck look in similar shape as mine as far as the rust goes which is why I'm in the process of building a flatbed for it.