Bigblue7-2
1/2 ton status
thanks man!! Trying to take my time and do it right. Anyone have any experience with the floor seam up front where the rocker box lip welds to? Is that an integral part of the way the rocker box works?
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72 K5 "About Time". Windshield Header Bow time.
- Thread starter Bigblue7-2
- Start date
thanks man!! Trying to take my time and do it right. Anyone have any experience with the floor seam up front where the rocker box lip welds to? Is that an integral part of the way the rocker box works?
Anyone have any experience with the floor seam up front where the rocker box lip welds to? Is that an integral part of the way the rocker box works?
It really nothing more than the edges where the original two stampings come together. I suppose there is a small bit of torsional stiffness (and general floor stiffening) as a result of that flanged edge. If you're going for a 100% factory look, you should probably trim the new floor pans low enough to preserve the factory edge....
-G
Bigblue7-2
1/2 ton status
For my purposes it's more of a strength thing. As of now the rocker box will be the main structure as it was. I have no plans as of now to have a cage take that place. So if I flatten out the lip on the new torsion box and tack it to the floor I should be good if I need to repair rust past that point? All of the seams just seem like a debris and moisture trap. So since my new pans make it past this lip I was thinking of eliminating it...
most important is strength.
You might want to post a photo of what you mean to be sure we're talking about the same thing.
Generally, you want to use as LITTLE of the reproduction panels as necessary... Sounds counterintuitive, especially after spending SO much money on them. But if there is a way to cut the floor pan patch smaller so that you don't iterfere with that factory seam (but can still remove all the rust) that would be the best option.
Agree that the seams are a rust trap. So are those lower cab corners! Once you get everything completely repaired and rust free, you should hit those areas with a good quality seam sealer so the water can never get back in there. Ryoken has posted up a brand he likes (Fuzion? :dunno).... In a few years, I'll be doing that too.
-G
Generally, you want to use as LITTLE of the reproduction panels as necessary... Sounds counterintuitive, especially after spending SO much money on them. But if there is a way to cut the floor pan patch smaller so that you don't iterfere with that factory seam (but can still remove all the rust) that would be the best option.
Agree that the seams are a rust trap. So are those lower cab corners! Once you get everything completely repaired and rust free, you should hit those areas with a good quality seam sealer so the water can never get back in there. Ryoken has posted up a brand he likes (Fuzion? :dunno).... In a few years, I'll be doing that too.
-G
close 
Fusor is what I like, simple, right out of a caulk tube.. the 800EZ
but there are some other good ones, 3M makes a nice one...
Bill, if ya need stuff like that, that place I mentioned albert kemperle over on Clifton right off 37 has all that stuff...
wish I could help, but you're all talking greek on the first gens for me.... but remember pics of issues are always a big help, even a first gen noob like me can help ya when I know what I'm looking at...
Fusor is what I like, simple, right out of a caulk tube.. the 800EZ
but there are some other good ones, 3M makes a nice one...
Bill, if ya need stuff like that, that place I mentioned albert kemperle over on Clifton right off 37 has all that stuff...
wish I could help, but you're all talking greek on the first gens for me.... but remember pics of issues are always a big help, even a first gen noob like me can help ya when I know what I'm looking at...
I really can't remember, but do you have the sequence wrong on the four bolt area. It looks like you have the cab support and the outer part in already, but don't have the inner rocker sandwiched in there yet.
I think there is a little lip at the bottom of the kick panel that may make that a pain in the butt to install the inner rocker.
And yes, do what Greg said and cut your floor short of the firewall, floor board seam. I didn't and had to make that lip on the floor panel with a 6" hand seamer. It was a pain to get correct. I would have much rather cut it short by 2"s and tacked it in.
I think there is a little lip at the bottom of the kick panel that may make that a pain in the butt to install the inner rocker.
And yes, do what Greg said and cut your floor short of the firewall, floor board seam. I didn't and had to make that lip on the floor panel with a 6" hand seamer. It was a pain to get correct. I would have much rather cut it short by 2"s and tacked it in.
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Bigblue7-2
1/2 ton status
The kick panel was pretty bad . The lip you speak of norcal is MIA. The inner rocker is mocked up. So I will take all advice e on the firewall floor seam and separate it at that point and and tack it back in. I'll replace any spots in small patches if necessary.
Bigblue7-2
1/2 ton status
close
Fusor is what I like, simple, right out of a caulk tube.. the 800EZ
but there are some other good ones, 3M makes a nice one...
Bill, if ya need stuff like that, that place I mentioned albert kemperle over on Clifton right off 37 has all that stuff...
wish I could help, but you're all talking greek on the first gens for me.... but remember pics of issues are always a big help, even a first gen noob like me can help ya when I know what I'm looking at...
Nice. Thanks! Now that I have it in writing for reference
bp71k5
3/4 ton status
One other thing to check is the floor patch area (where the passenger feet sit). There's some depressions on that part that didn't line up with the inner rocker panel you have tacked in there. Just FYI to check it the alignment before you get too far along. It was pretty far off on mine so I had to move the body mount bolt hole a little bit.
Good point!
When given the choice between trusting your truck's dimensions vs. the dimensions on a reproduction part.....ALWAYS trust your truck (or Oracle Notebook).
Reproduction parts are pretty good, but they are NOT an exact fit. Don't be surprised or scared if you have to change them a little bit to get them in place.
-G
Bigblue7-2
1/2 ton status
Brian and Greg Thanks for the advice! Yes I am definitely treading lightly. That inner rocker is only clamped right now I wanted to check things before I went further. Next I have to repair the step up to the rear floor where the front t floor meets it. Where the seat belt straps bolts. That's gone too. Then I can deal with all of those rocker box plates up in the front portion of the rear quarter. Can't forget my b pillar stuff too! Lots of little parts all in one small area
Bigblue7-2
1/2 ton status
Speaking of sequences. .. how do you guys recommend the b pillar area?
install before inner rocker? Any suggestions? Obviously thinking about the weekend!!
Bigblue7-2
1/2 ton status
Well I have the a pillar bolted to cab support and inner rocker. I started tacking in the inner to the floor. I also picked up one of the step up replacement parts too. I have an email into the parts guys to see what the complete bed sides come with. How much of the door jamb. So for now I'll patch the floor. I've decided to do complete bed sides and complete rear floor. the floor supports are crusty especially where things bolt to them like rocker box end caps. I'll cross measure and replace. First I'll finish the rocker box and frent floors so I have some structure back!
the floor supports are crusty especially where things bolt to them like rocker box end caps. I'll cross measure and replace. First I'll finish the rocker box and frent floors so I have some structure back!
My neck hurts!
-G
-G
Bigblue7-2
1/2 ton status
Lol I get to excited and want to post before I get to the computer.
But yes it's coming along nicely now!
Bigblue7-2
1/2 ton status
Bump!!! I am back in action after a few months of not being around. Been a busy summer with my business so I have spent zero time in the garage.
I will have a slew of pics to post. I believe since I have been on here I have both rocker boxes installed, outer rockers, a pillars, step up plate patch pieces front floor pans, probably forgetting something!
Today I removed the lower wiper cowl and dashboard. I have some kick panel stuff to tend to and some isolated holes under the cowl. Pics to come soon!
I will have a slew of pics to post. I believe since I have been on here I have both rocker boxes installed, outer rockers, a pillars, step up plate patch pieces front floor pans, probably forgetting something!
Today I removed the lower wiper cowl and dashboard. I have some kick panel stuff to tend to and some isolated holes under the cowl. Pics to come soon!
Awesome! Looking forward to the pics!
Bigblue7-2
1/2 ton status
Alright. Finally reinstated my status and have a few pictures to post. So..... Remember when we all talked about a rust free 1st gen?? How it is non existent? Well it could not be more true. I didn't want to go thru all of this work and have rotten inner sections of panels and crappy wiper cowl areas, and not so nice portions of firewalls where I wont be using the cab vents anymore. So with all that said.... thank god they reproduce so many pieces of this truck. Some here may think I am insane for this but I want to go all in. I have done this before remember, on my 87. I will cut to the chase and not leave you all in suspense anymore. I will show you the most recent picture. After I have dinner I will post some other progression shots. Don't be afraid!
