Body hammer suggestions
 

I decided to dive into fixing the rust on my truck and after watching some videos, I think I'm going to need some body hammers and dollies to make my life easier. Any recommendations on some good tools that won't break my wallet too bad? The welder sure took a chunk out, but it's one that will do anything I need it to do.

I was planning to cut out a donor section from a cab, but if I could repair this section with a hammer, I might try that first.

The hammer in the picture was an old one that I think my mom's grandfather had back in the day. Unfortunately, I broke the handle on it not long after taking the picture. Hopefully I can find a new handle for it because I really liked using it to flatten out metal brackets and such that I was making

Re: Body hammer suggestions
 

For a beginner set it's hard to beat the price of the cardboard freight set...https://www.harborfreight.com/Body-A...-Pc-63259.html

That cab section is not gonna be a easy fix...the bed needs pulled...can you fully access the inside?
A stud welder and slide hammer would be a big help to you..

Re: Body hammer suggestions
 

I did see that set when I was picking out a welding cart, but wasn't sure on the quality and such. I might have to try it out, especially if there's a coupon for it, or it works on one of the 20% off coupons. The cart didn't qualify for that 20% off one unfortunately

I don't have a stud welder or slide hammer, but I think I'm set welder wise for all the other rust repair I have to do

Re: Body hammer suggestions
 

I would try to repair it first. You'll need to pull the seat and gas tank but you will have ok access to the back side of most of that for hammer dolly work. Some of the higher up damage wont be fun but it should be doable. That's a ugly piece to replace...

Some may disagree with this, but for that spot a cross chisel hammer and a pick hammer will be your friends for getting the body lines back. Which ever dolly you use should match the factory curves of the panel as closely as possible.I would use a general purpose body hammer with a flat or slightly domed face to start with.

Hope this helps.

Re: Body hammer suggestions
 

Thanks Nick, that does help and makes sense. I am going to have to pull the bed anyways to replace the cab corners, so when I get to that, I'll also hammer away at the corner. I'm not expecting it to be perfect, but I figured I might as well give it a shot before I decide to just cut it all out and replace

Re: Body hammer suggestions
 

That's going to require some serious hammering. Sometimes a better approach (or at least one that takes less effort) is to temporarily weld some sheet metal tabs at key points in the damage area, and pull it out with a come-along. This is akin to a stud gun on steroids. The tabs can be made with holes in them so a hook can grab them. You'll just need to steady the cab and have a solid anchor post for the hand winch. Got a big tree?
Obviously, once the damage is yanked out, the tabs can be cut/ground off, leaving no holes in the body. This could do the rough work, then you tune it in with a hammer and dolly. The idea is work smart, not hard.

Re: Body hammer suggestions
 

Thank you for this explanation. I had not thought of doing that, and if I decide to repair it, I probably will do that. I've got a come-along and a couple good sized trees at the house.
I have a lead on a cab that's already been cut up, but I need to go check it out first to see if it is better in that area than my truck

Re: Body hammer suggestions
 

Dagger tools makes a nice set with dollies

Re: Body hammer suggestions
 

I agree with using the lever puller just make sure to tap in the ridges with a body hammer as you pull

Re: Body hammer suggestions
 

Thanks y'all for your suggestions. Another member is cutting up a cab for his truck and has offered me a great deal on the section of the cab that I need, so I'm going to end up cutting this out and replacing it. Still going to get a set of hammers and dollies because I'm going to need them to get everything in decent shape after all the welding :lol:

Re: Body hammer suggestions
 

Go to Autobody Toolmart or eBay and get a set of Martin hammers and dollies. I got a set with the hickory handles because I like the feel. The fiberglass handle ones will probably never break. $200 a set and your grandkids will be using them.