Bdblazer1978

Thanks for all the replies. It explains a lot and also provides some more details for what I need to do to fix these areas. I'm new to metal fab with limited tools, so remaking parts that would have been pressed is going to be a slow process. Knock on wood, so far these are the only major rust areas I've found.

Started doing some metal work to try and get everything in primer before we move. While removing the paint on the truck, I realized someone had tried to do a repair in the past. After removing a LOT of body filler I got down to their "repair" and realized just how bad it was. 2 questions: 1) What was the reason for the 2 bolts going through the side to hold the mounting bracket? Did they provide some structural support? Why not just weld the bracket on and have a cleaner appearance? 2) Is the long flat rectangular piece of metal I'm pointing at supposed to be there? It looks like someone shoved it in there as part of their repair. It's along the long edge. Thanks

Mike, welcome to the group. I'm not sure what your asking for. Are you looking for help in rebuilding your bench seat? I just finished mine a few weeks ago. If you have specific questions or pics this page is really helpful.

The one with the horse head is from Freedom's Edge Brewing Co. in Cheyenne, WY. My wife likes to collect growlers from where we are stationed or visit.

This is my first time, do you block on epoxy primer or a high build? This is just epoxy primer to cover the metal. I'm still trying to figure out all this bodywork stuff.

Finished the initial work on the hood. I learned I need to sand the body filler with a finer grit. I stopped at 180 and should have gone to 320, I'll fix it before I put the base on. At this point I just want to get everything in primer so it's safe to move in the next few months. My wife really wants her truck done when she let's me store parts in our dining room to warm them up.

Took advantage of some nicer weather and mounted the cab to the frame. Realized that my "hard" left front mount is toast and needs to be replaced, going to have to find a hockey puck based on recommendations on this site.

On the cab, because the sandblaster used an etch coat, I'm using PPG Shopline 2K Primer Surfacer (JP202). For the rest of the truck since it will be going on bare metal I'm using PPG Shopline Epoxy Primer (JP375). These were the recommendations from the paint shop, I have no experience with either or any idea how they compare to others. To hold my plastic up, I wrapped it around a piece of pvc and screwed that to the ceiling. Seems to be holding up pretty well. Sorry to hear about you experience. When it rains it usually pours.

For the cab I had it sandblasted. I decided that with the size and all the angles and small spaces it was easier to have it blasted. I dropped it off on a Sat and got it back on Tues. For the rest of the truck I'm planning on prepping myself with stripping disks and wire wheels. The wiring was $1,039. That included wires for some extra lights and fuel pump, a chrome turn signal switch/relay, and a few other odds/ends.

Set up a cheap spray tent in my garage to try and cut down on getting dust everywhere. Worked pretty well except for the fresh air fan being on the floor and pulling in cooler air. I was able to finish priming the cab, really happy with the results for this being my first time. There are a few spots on the roof that I'm going to have to do some additional body work before I put color on, but good enough for now. I plan on temporarily mounting the cab back on the frame this week to free up some garage space. Once I have a few smaller pieces ready, I'll try my hand at base/clear and then work the cab.

Just primed my cab today. Thanks for the inputs. I laid mine on its side and it was easy to step through the windshield to paint the roof. Also, can someone tell me how to adjust the photo? I tried rotating in the gallery and then re-posting, but it turns it sideways every time.

I've been a little slow working on the truck this past month. Reupholstered the seat, turned out pretty well for not having a clue what I was doing. Removed a mouse's nest while I was at it. Also started stripping the hood, hopefully will try my hand at spraying primer next weekend. Another first, fingers crossed. And for Christmas I got my wiring harness from Rhode Island Wiring, it looks really good.

I had 2 items that came up when I installed the kit: 1) I had custom flexible brake lines made that had a banjo fitting on one end and the original bolt through frame fitting on the other. 2) The recommended calipers didn't fit my rims, so I ordered an adapter. I'm working on a B2C, so I'm not sure if that's what caused the differences. Overall very happy with the kit and the support while installing was great.

Make sure you install the thermostat at the back of the head before filling the radiator. Meant temp gauge, not thermostat.

So the first drive was a blast. We live on a military base, so I was trying to figure out how I was going to explain what I was doing if I got pulled over. Started on the body work for the cab. Want to get that done and back on before we have to move this summer. First time doing any real body work, so my grinding skills are getting a workout.