View Full Version : What's the best method to replace cab corners?


Tri5Nerd
11-08-2007, 08:44 PM
I'm ready to replace my cab corners on the 55.2, I've looked at some writeups, but am still a little confused.
When cutting the rusted corner, there seems to be some spot welds on the lower inner corner, should I drill those out before the panel will seperate?

Should I overlap the new panel or do a butt weld? I see that some overlap but the issue will be how to fix shrinkage if any from the inside corner, remember that the inner corner will still be there.

If anyone has a how to please post it.

Kim57
11-08-2007, 11:41 PM
Heres a how to with pics. Hope it helps.
http://www.brotherstrucks.com/techarticlesdetail.asp?techTitle=1955-59%20CAB%20CORNER%20PATCH%20PANEL%20INSTALLATION
Kim

Kabwe
11-09-2007, 10:08 AM
Hey man,

This is what I would do. I use butt welds whenever possible. I would only trim away the metal on the cab and keep as much of the good metal as possible. Then I would do all my trimming on the patch. That way if you mess up you could always buy another patch. I have pictures on my site if you could use them. If you are in So Cali I could supervise if you have beer.lol

Tri5Nerd
11-09-2007, 11:19 AM
Hey man,

This is what I would do. I use butt welds whenever possible. I would only trim away the metal on the cab and keep as much of the good metal as possible. The I would do all my trimming on the patch. That way if you mess up you could always buy another patch. I have pictures on my site if you could use them. If you are in So Cali I could supervise if you have beer.lol

I'm in So Cal but in Fontana, that maybe a too far out of the way for you. However if you still want to supervise, I can do gas, beer and food.

Kabwe
11-09-2007, 03:22 PM
When are you planning on doing this? Do you have the patch panels? I take it you have a mig welder with gas? Beer? and I can look over your project. Sounds like a cool day to me. Really if you need help lets set up a time, I don't mind supervising (helping). PM me

Tri5Nerd
11-09-2007, 08:08 PM
When are you planning on doing this? Do you have the patch panels? I take it you have a mig welder with gas? Beer? and I can look over your project. Sounds like a cool day to me. Really if you need help lets set up a time, I mind supervising (helping). PM me

I've got everything needed, I've already started cutting, I'm only cutting about 6" off the corner because that's where the cancer is, the inner panel also have some cancer in the lower section. I'll need to cut that out also and do some patching there, I'll also treat it with some POR-15 before doing the outter panel.

Kabwe
11-09-2007, 09:15 PM
I meant to say I don't mind helping and supervising.lol I did my inner and outer cab corners on mine they were so bad.

55ChevyPU
11-10-2007, 09:35 AM
I like using a flange tool to give any patch a bit of backing. The other cool part about using a flange is you can drill out holes and use plug welds to line up the panel then do your spots after everything fits perfect. Biggest thing I recommend doing is take your time and give the metal lots and lots of time to cool between welding otherwise you will regret it.

Tri5Nerd
11-10-2007, 01:45 PM
Thanks all, I'm going to try to do one panel this weekend, I'll be using a mig with gas and taking my time, you all recommend giving lots and lots of time when doing to tacks.

space
11-10-2007, 02:05 PM
When are you planning on doing this? Do you have the patch panels? I take it you have a mig welder with gas? Beer? and I can look over your project. Sounds like a cool day to me. Really if you need help lets set up a time, I don't mind supervising (helping). PM me

You know, that's a hell of a nice offer. Won't find many forums like this...

Kabwe
11-10-2007, 03:47 PM
Thanks all, I'm going to try to do one panel this weekend, I'll be using a mig with gas and taking my time, you all recommend giving lots and lots of time when doing to tacks.

Well you have my cell number call me if you run into trouble or don't understand something.

Kabwe
11-10-2007, 03:48 PM
You know, that's a hell of a nice offer. Won't find many forums like this...

To me that is what building cars and hotrodding is all about help each other out. Plus I just love cutting, hammering, and welding stuff together its how I deal with stress.lol

Tri5Nerd
11-10-2007, 06:22 PM
To me that is what building cars and hotrodding is all about help each other out. Plus I just love cutting, hammering, and welding stuff together its how I deal with stress.lol

That's why I love visiting this forum, the wealth of knowledge and generous offers to help is what so good!
I have one corner cut and will start the other tonight, I'll call you Kabwe if I run into issues that I can't handle.

Kabwe
11-10-2007, 09:39 PM
Okay

Kabwe
11-16-2007, 09:54 AM
Well how did it go? Any pics?

Tri5Nerd
11-16-2007, 05:17 PM
Well how did it go? Any pics?

One done, one to go, I have to make part of the right inner fender before doing the outter, I have the outter fender cut and ready to go. I'll try to finish it sometime this week. Will post progress pics later.

55ChevyPU
11-16-2007, 08:38 PM
instead of making inner cab corners i Just made a flat piece that fit in the space between the cab and the floor and made it a continuation of the floor, that way I dont have water and other junk just accumulating in those stupid pockets.

Tri5Nerd
11-16-2007, 11:00 PM
instead of making inner cab corners i Just made a flat piece that fit in the space between the cab and the floor and made it a continuation of the floor, that way I dont have water and other junk just accumulating in those stupid pockets.

Too late! ;)
I started the inner corner then my welder decided to start messing up, so I stopped.

I'm a newbie with the welder but I managed to finish one corner and started putting the first coat of rage on. Here are some pics. The inner fenders are treated with POR-15.

GATORBUILT '59
11-17-2007, 07:46 AM
Keep going!!! Your doing GREAT! Here is mine.

Kabwe
11-17-2007, 09:52 AM
looks like you done a good job there pal.

Tri5Nerd
11-17-2007, 12:10 PM
looks like you done a good job there pal.
Thanks for the encouragement.

I'm going to try to finish the inner cab tonight and apply some more mud and sand the other corner.

Will kepp you all posted.

Tri5Nerd
11-17-2007, 10:17 PM
Here are a couple progress pic from the passenger side:
I will finish tacking tomorrow.

Kabwe
11-21-2007, 09:43 AM
Good job man

dwcsr
11-21-2007, 06:17 PM
came out good

Tri5Nerd
11-23-2007, 02:56 PM
Got some issues on the passenger side corner, It appears that I have some high spots from the welds, so I need to use the hammer and dolly to fix that, however I won't be able to get anything behind the outter corner, the inner corner is blocking. I know I'm moving slow but I want to do it right plus I'm not a accomplished welder/body man. Will send more pics once I have it completed.

dwcsr
11-23-2007, 05:31 PM
moving slow is usualy the key to nicely finished work.

Tri5Nerd
11-25-2007, 06:03 PM
Done, I think.

Just need some cleaing up and primer. I think I got all the cancer spots on this cab now now.

Kabwe
11-25-2007, 06:26 PM
Looking good buddy so you did not need me to supervise after all.huh Well done man.