Sheet metal question

[Russell]

So, I flopped my K5 a month or two ago, and I am finally getting around to repairing the damage. I replaced my doors, front clip and topper, but hadn't tackled the box side yet. I cut the outer box side skin off, as all the damage was behind the wheel opening. Fortunately, the inner structure is all in good shape, and I was able to straighten the tailgate tower up to the point where the endgate closes and lines up properly.

That said, I would like to just weld on a new outer skin, but need to know if the box is the same length from the wheel opening to the tail light on a K5 as on a pickup. I've got a nice rust free 8 foot box that I can chop up for parts, but don't want to do so unless things are gonna fit.

 

[muddermilitia]

If no one gets a reply before me, I can measure for you in the morning. I got both sitting right in the driveway

 

[tRustyK5]

So, I flopped my K5 a month or two ago, and I am finally getting around to repairing the damage. I replaced my doors, front clip and topper, but hadn't tackled the box side yet. I cut the outer box side skin off, as all the damage was behind the wheel opening. Fortunately, the inner structure is all in good shape, and I was able to straighten the tailgate tower up to the point where the endgate closes and lines up properly.

That said, I would like to just weld on a new outer skin, but need to know if the box is the same length from the wheel opening to the tail light on a K5 as on a pickup. I've got a nice rust free 8 foot box that I can chop up for parts, but don't want to do so unless things are gonna fit.

From the wheel opening back to the tail light is shortest on a K5, slightly longer for a short box pixk-up, and longest on an 8 foot box. I'm currently repairing my 90 K5's rust and dent issues using an 8 foot box as the donor for all the new sheetmetal. My passenger side is bad and I'm having to do the same thing you are. I'm looking at replacing right up to the tail light area. You're gonna have to shorten up that section of box which isn't the end of the world, except at the lower section.

Rene

 

[Russell]

Well, I don't think I'm gonna cut up my K25's old box for this -- Way too many differences. That said, piecing together all the parts I'd need buying individual patch panels is still gonna cost a pretty penny! Time to start looking for K5s at the wreckers and do a wheel opening patch to replace the normal rust!