ok, update for the day...
got the rust repaired. not 100% repaired / restored, but at least the inside panel and outside skin look the part. had to cut and fit the replacement panels until i got them to fit how i wanted to. welded everything on, then skimmed it with some bondo after grinding down my welds. also got the paint for the firewall and repair area. its as close as we could get it.
oh yeah, and transmission is back. waiting on the torque converter so i can put it back together with the motor. think ill just paint the trans black, dunno, was thinking the same green as the motor?
is this old paper insulation or a secret map to some hidden treasure?
shot of the inner panel slid into place and c-clamped...
shot of the joint... new panel and original cab, very minimal bondo required...
thanks for looking,
Yaril