1966 C-10 build

[kdad]

What a week... This whole floor/ Rocker panel replacement is kicking my ass. So I started out by removing the fender and door on the passenger side of the truck. (The really bad side) The gaps were pretty bad all around but I figured its best to just go ahead and weld in some bracing to hold the cab together. I knew the door did not fit the opening perfectly or should I say "not even close" But I figured I couldn't do any worse than what I started with. The issues I'm having now is the sheetmetal I purchased to replace the rusted out pieces really doesn't fit and is more like a suggestion to fit. Now that I have the floor patched and have been working on the rocker I am seeing that the door gaps are just as bad as they were previously. Funny part is the door looks worse now that I have a straight rocker mocked up next to it. LOL Im thinking of just moving forward now and accepting the fact that if I want perfection I will need to take the entire cab off and start at square one.... I have spent the better part of 3 hours looking at pictures on here for door gap reference and wow they run from not bad to horrible. Guess I should be thankful that I have at least 3 sides straight.. BTW these replacement sheet metal parts should come with a notice explaining they just look like a factory part and will need major modifications to fit... RANT OVER>>>>>>> back to the grinder and welder.

[Johns 66]

Originally Posted by kdad

What a week... This whole floor/ Rocker panel replacement is kicking my ass. So I started out by removing the fender and door on the passenger side of the truck. (The really bad side) The gaps were pretty bad all around but I figured its best to just go ahead and weld in some bracing to hold the cab together. I knew the door did not fit the opening perfectly or should I say "not even close" But I figured I couldn't do any worse than what I started with. The issues I'm having now is the sheetmetal I purchased to replace the rusted out pieces really doesn't fit and is more like a suggestion to fit. Now that I have the floor patched and have been working on the rocker I am seeing that the door gaps are just as bad as they were previously. Funny part is the door looks worse now that I have a straight rocker mocked up next to it. LOL Im thinking of just moving forward now and accepting the fact that if I want perfection I will need to take the entire cab off and start at square one.... I have spent the better part of 3 hours looking at pictures on here for door gap reference and wow they run from not bad to horrible. Guess I should be thankful that I have at least 3 sides straight.. BTW these replacement sheet metal parts should come with a notice explaining they just look like a factory part and will need major modifications to fit... RANT OVER>>>>>>> back to the grinder and welder.

Been there and done that......Im lucky that I was able to find some NOS Rockers and Doors that really fit pretty good. You do great work and Im sure you will get it looking like you want.

[kdad]

Thanks John, Been questioning the whole idea of trying to fix this rust bucket from the get go but then I see your build and others and realize we need to save these ol' trucks or they will be gone forever.

BTW I picked up the seat from the upholstery shop... They confirmed what I was thinking. The panel on the seat back was made too short. (reason for the small tear when I tried to be an upholsterer) Should have just had them make one from scratch. Lesson learned. most of these companies that supply us with restoration parts are made over seas and have very little quality control.... now I need to get these floors done so I can eventually sit on this thing.

Originally Posted by Johns 66

Been there and done that......Im lucky that I was able to find some NOS Rockers and Doors that really fit pretty good. You do great work and Im sure you will get it looking like you want.

[Johns 66]

Originally Posted by kdad

Thanks John, Been questioning the whole idea of trying to fix this rust bucket from the get go but then I see your build and others and realize we need to save these ol' trucks or they will be gone forever.

BTW I picked up the seat from the upholstery shop... They confirmed what I was thinking. The panel on the seat back was made too short. (reason for the small tear when I tried to be an upholsterer) Should have just had them make one from scratch. Lesson learned. most of these companies that supply us with restoration parts are made over seas and have very little quality control

I completely understand. I was so disheartened when I found the rust on mine...I thought I had checked well enough but alas Swiss Cheese for me. In some ways you feel deceived by the PO....I thought I had bought a quality predominately rust free truck..WRONGO………

Just like when I had to have the motor rebuilt because the PO rigged it and broke a main bolt...luckily it didn't sling a rod.

BUT the good news...or at least the way I justified it to myself is that it will be done right now and I wont have to worry about it and will be able to enjoy it for many miles and since Im 50.....itll last till Im gone.

But as your correctly stated...they aint making any more of these and many folks get into these trucks and find the issues and just get rid of them...they put lipstick on a pig just to get it gone which is why you see a lot of them for sale by people who " have too many projects, don't have time ( or MONEY)" or those who just get discourage by what they see.

Your truck is coming along great and what you have done looks awesome....just try not to get discouraged and think of the time you will enjoy when she is done....Ok Dr Phil lesson is over ,,,LOL

Seriously you have a great truck with a few flaws that you are gonna get worked out.