Rust trouble spots

[TXPNTCGMC]

Finally decided to start getting serious on the old workhorse. I've started sanding down the paint and putting a temporary primer coat on but I'm trying to find all the rust and trouble spots on the truck before I get any body work done just to know where i'm at.

I dont plan on rebuilding the truck from ground up but i would like to at least get it nice and solid before I throw more money into it.

I found all the usual locations for rust, RH rocker, RH floor pan, it looks like the wheel wells up towards the grill are shot. the bed running along the tailgate and LH cab corner.

Any ideas on where to look underneath or other spots? The frame seems pretty solid, I havent looked real closely yet but I just hate to get it in the body shop and find more issues.

heres a few pics

[tim21391]

inner rockers and supports.. front and rear pillars and footwell/kick panel was the other spots mine was rusted out at... and bed crossmembers

[leddzepp]

Under the RH front fender it usually rusts out from leaking batteries over the years.

[TXPNTCGMC]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Under the RH front fender it usually rusts out from leaking batteries over the years.

Got that too lol

thanks for the input guys, fingers crossed i dont find any more cancer....

[463]

take the time now to remove and replace the drip check on your drip rail. take a good look at the cab supports.

[tim21391]

above the sunvisors..

[TXPNTCGMC]

More bad news, There is a support running across the bed aft of the rear end above the leaf spring that is shot (crossmember?), also the supports underneath where the fender and cab come together are rusted through on both sides. the drip rails seem to be in ok shape except on small portion on the passenger side where the door fits in.
This seems like all the new stuff Ive found. i'll have to do a double take just to make sure.
Did find out that its got a Dana 60 in the Rear. One small highlight.

thanks for all the pointers, lemme know if y'all have any more!

[idonutn0]

The vent boxes behind the front fenders. Anywhere that is connected to the vent system because of the giant holes in the cowl.

[tim21391]

if u take time it can be done by yourself..

[TXPNTCGMC]

Originally Posted by idonutn0

The vent boxes behind the front fenders. Anywhere that is connected to the vent system because of the giant holes in the cowl.

That's another good point, thanks. It seems like every spot y'all recommend turns out to be a homerun. You guys are batting .1000 right now.

Tim, I wish I had the experience to fix a lot of these issues but I literally have zero experience with cutting and welding, I know i'd just butcher it up even worse...

[tim21391]

i didnt have much experience either.. i had a friend come stop by and help but once we took the time and did it.. it wasnt to bad.. time is your enemy thats the only drawback... i dont think you can make it worse then it is... you dont have to fix it like 100% i mean like the welds can be bad since most of it will be covered up anyways

[my67chevytruck]

good luck with your build....

[Southpa]

Hell, if I knew what to look for 15 yrs ago when I bought my truck I probably would have left it where it was! Check the bolt channels under each rear wheel well arch, where the tubs bolt in. One of mine was non-existant. You can't tell by looking from above. The only remedy was complete bedside replacement.

[TXPNTCGMC]

Originally Posted by Southpa

Hell, if I knew what to look for 15 yrs ago when I bought my truck I probably would have left it where it was! Check the bolt channels under each rear wheel well arch, where the tubs bolt in. One of mine was non-existant. You can't tell by looking from above. The only remedy was complete bedside replacement.

Ouch! I'll double check those when i get back in there.
I'd love to be able to handle all the work but with it comes having all the correct tools and resources. Which right now I just cant afford. I know this truck wont ever be worth what I put into it but you also dont see too many GMC 3/4 ton 2wd on the road like this, most have been beaten to death by hard work and mine is no exception but theres no reason for it to be used as a parts truck.

In the mean time I'll keep gettin my hands dirty sandin this beast down. Thanks for all the input and I'll be sure to keep y'all posted on further progress and/or frustrating problems!

[ZombieWeinerDog]

it reminds me of mine before i restored it. had rust all over