What have I gotten myself into...what next lol

[Jimmywood]

The doors didn’t close properly when I began the teardown. I’m not sure what to brace against as the cab and firewall all need to come out. The rear rear inner panels and outer as well as the door posts need to be replaced. I’m not sure what the terminology is for the joint where the door seal attaches, but it too is history. So I don’t really know if much of the cab can be saved. I do want to take it all the way to the frame and replace all body mounts and all rubber on the truck. My plan is show quality with the most economical path. I understand there’s substantial cost involved. Attatched is my last project. Thanks for your input.

 

[bp71k5]

The doors didn’t close properly when I began the teardown. I’m not sure what to brace against as the cab and firewall all need to come out. The rear rear inner panels and outer as well as the door posts need to be replaced. I’m not sure what the terminology is for the joint where the door seal attaches, but it too is history. So I don’t really know if much of the cab can be saved. I do want to take it all the way to the frame and replace all body mounts and all rubber on the truck. My plan is show quality with the most economical path. I understand there’s substantial cost involved. Attatched is my last project. Thanks for your input.


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If it’s so bad that you have to replace everything, I guess I’d suggest doing it in sections to keep as much original sheet metal in place as possible so you have some kind of reference point when replacing portions. I’m not a restoration expert by any means, but I’ve done some of this on mine and I’d get the firewall and windshield frame taken care of first, then the rear bedsides, then the cab floor/ rocker area. Once the firewall and bedsides are on, the whole body will flop around a lot without the rocker box structure. You can then reinstall the doors and adjust the body so it lines up. Then remove doors and build bracing to lock it in place while you attack the floor area.

Biggest take away is that the firewall rotated forward and back a lot by pivoting at the bottom of the door hinge area. It’s not like a unibody. Also get a factory assembly manual. Pretty handy for reference on how parts go together.

 

[Jimmywood]

If it’s so bad that you have to replace everything, I guess I’d suggest doing it in sections to keep as much original sheet metal in place as possible so you have some kind of reference point when replacing portions. I’m not a restoration expert by any means, but I’ve done some of this on mine and I’d get the firewall and windshield frame taken care of first, then the rear bedsides, then the cab floor/ rocker area. Once the firewall and bedsides are on, the whole body will flop around a lot without the rocker box structure. You can then reinstall the doors and adjust the body so it lines up. Then remove doors and build bracing to lock it in place while you attack the floor area.

Biggest take away is that the firewall rotated forward and back a lot by pivoting at the bottom of the door hinge area. It’s not like a unibody. Also get a factory assembly manual. Pretty handy for reference on how parts go together.

Thanks, that sounds like a good plan!

 

[Billyworld]

well first time doing body work and cut out the wheel wells and rear floor and kinda got think WTF....
Where do I go from here?
Por 15 frame?
Change shocks?
Change body mounts?
A little overwhelming when you actually cut out a few parts and wonder MAN did I bite off more than I can chew...
What would you do on a this budget build ?
Also behind the wheel in the first pic is a small piece of metal that was rusted out is there a replacement for That?

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I'm in GA. That's 11 hrs away. I can find another truck or tub for you. You can come get it, or have it shipped. Either way, you will be way ahead of the game. Way ahead. Let me know if i can help. 7065810018 Billy
Edit: Text me or leave a voicemail. I don't answer calls i don't recognize bc of all of the scammers. Peace

 

[wazzabie]

Is still workable but will take a long time. I'm working on the floors on my k5. Plan 10x more time then what you think it will take you. And don't cut out good metal and more metal then you need to remove. Just take it slow. Also take lots of measurements to make sure you body does not sag. I ended up adding some braces just to be safe.