Ahemmm, posted some more images along with verbal updates...more to follow. My apologies for neglecting my page.
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Door Frame Steel Needed - Above & Below Striker
- Thread starter ZombieK5
- Start date
Ahemmm, posted some more images along with verbal updates...more to follow. My apologies for neglecting my page.
Ahemmm, updated by build page with some new photos and notes. My apologies for lagging with updating the build.
RoccoK5
1/2 ton status
Pretty sure that the middle body mount locations changed in certain years, almost certain that an 89 tub won't bolt up to your 77 frame without some mods. If memory serves, 73-77, 78-80, and 81-91 are the years where the frames were slightly different.
Edit: take a look at https://ck5.com/forums/threads/k5-frame-differences-by-year.262940/
I put a '90 body on a '79 frame 2 years ago. I did custom bumpers so the frame horns didn't matter.
The only issue that I had was the left front mount was a little difficult, but loosening the fender mounting got it. The radiator support had to go forward some, and the fender was too tight to the door on the original frame. I swapped the body and front clip all together.
The only issue that I had was the left front mount was a little difficult, but loosening the fender mounting got it. The radiator support had to go forward some, and the fender was too tight to the door on the original frame. I swapped the body and front clip all together.
Arghhhhhh, I am beginning to think about investing in sheet metal tools and just making the pieces I need on a custom basis.
I guess I didnt fully consider that an 89 would not bolt up easily.
Pulled the trigger.
Spent wayyyyy too much time on Amazon and Eastwood websites. Ordered sheet metal brake, hammers, paint guns and related equipment. Wanted this stuff for awhile and this was the reason. I'll custom fab the door jam from sheet metal (thinking 18 or 16 Guage). Also ordered new panels for the cab floor, rockers and new rear quarters. Just gonna replace all old metal. Also about to order NEW door shells and new front fenders. Looks like this is my Summer 2020 project.
I realized the cab on my K5 was probably replaced since the gas door is square instead of the 1977 round version. Seems my K5 has been Frankenstein'd. I'll check the radiator support and see if it is a 1990 since my grill has the headlights from a 1990....thinking a prior owner swapped tubs.
Yeah, I didn't look much like a '77 to me. Lots if parts can get swapped, a lot of differences can point to a body swap as you are thinking.
Check into the reviews of the aftermarket doors. See if they are what you want. I know that guys aren't happy with the quality of the doors for '67 to '72 trucks, but I don't know about the newer ones.
Glad that you have a plan!
Check into the reviews of the aftermarket doors. See if they are what you want. I know that guys aren't happy with the quality of the doors for '67 to '72 trucks, but I don't know about the newer ones.
Glad that you have a plan!
Have you tried locating an older body man? I know a guy who's 84 and still working on cars on the side just for something to do. Heck, he used to chop, channel and section" cars when he was young. They to find a good ole' boy from Kentucky! No Kidding, those guys can fix ANYTHING! The guy looks at everything I think is a serious problem and says, "Naw, that ain't no big deal. I can make that." Check around at some body shops and see if they know some retired guys that would like to pick up some side work. Can't hurt. I realize the guy I know is a rare guy to know. I worked with him at a Cadillac dealership body shop in the '70's. Guy could cut a car in half and order the other half, telling the junkyard where to cut it and have it put back together and out the door in a couple days! Just saying I'd ask around. Might even find a body man that will fab the panels for you even in today's market. I suspect a lot of guys will be out to make some cash after all this shut down thing. (If body shops are even open yet!) Just a suggestion. Good luck!
ETA: Sorry, posted before reading you went all in on fab equipment.
ETA: Sorry, posted before reading you went all in on fab equipment.
Found a donor vehicle. $500 for two quarters from a 1985 K5. The door sills/jambs are 95% and the quarters are a good 90%
The problem is with the tailgate supports. The bottoms on both sides are badly corroded. They need to be replaced to "do it right.". I already had the supports but I didn't realize the apparent difficulty of swaping them out. Spot welds in random places.... Seam welds too.
Has anyone done this?
Here are some shots of the quarters. I already removed the driver side wheel well and I cut out alot of rusty sections near the rockers.
The problem is with the tailgate supports. The bottoms on both sides are badly corroded. They need to be replaced to "do it right.". I already had the supports but I didn't realize the apparent difficulty of swaping them out. Spot welds in random places.... Seam welds too.
Has anyone done this?
Here are some shots of the quarters. I already removed the driver side wheel well and I cut out alot of rusty sections near the rockers.
Update on the door Jams.
The donor quarter panels from a 1985 K5 are working out well. The door jams were A+bit the tailgate posts and tail light brackets were a solid F
I have removed the tailgate posts and brackets from both 1/4 panels. What a huge PITA. Also the driver side 1/4 panel has moderate skin rust. Rust thru on part of the wheel arch. That is doable. Issue is going to be welding on the donor 1/4 panels, Installing new Tailpan, installing new flooring to the 1/4 panels.... But I'm excited to be doing this.
The donor quarter panels from a 1985 K5 are working out well. The door jams were A+bit the tailgate posts and tail light brackets were a solid F
I have removed the tailgate posts and brackets from both 1/4 panels. What a huge PITA. Also the driver side 1/4 panel has moderate skin rust. Rust thru on part of the wheel arch. That is doable. Issue is going to be welding on the donor 1/4 panels, Installing new Tailpan, installing new flooring to the 1/4 panels.... But I'm excited to be doing this.
