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**8man** · 10-27-2017, 06:46 PM

Ok, got a little time today in the shop to compare the 48 and the 54. There are some subtle differences, more than just the windshield.

So here is what I have.
The fire wall of the 54

IMG_1791 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
Firewall will clean up nicely, but notice the rust in the lower cab.

Now the 48 firewall

IMG_1790 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
Kinda hacked up, won't clean up as easily.

From inside the 48 cab, looking down at the body right front bolt.

IMG_1789 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
Yes that is a "see through" kick panel seam. Also, I think the "washer" for the body bolt has been replaced since it sits above the floor.

And now the 54 front body bolt

IMG_1783 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
I think that is the way it is supposed to sit, but I doubt it is supposed to be that rusty! I'll know more about what I have when I get the fiberglass removed.

Again, the 54

IMG_1784 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
Yes, that is fiberglass on top of rust. I hope I can replace it with new metal and make it look good.

I thought the 48 was in better shape, but not by much. I'm going to have to do cab corners, some supports and the firewall on both. I still think I'll do both trucks, and I think I'll start on the 48, since I have the parts and I want to practice.

What do you sit the truck on to work on the body steel?

I'm going to try to get a body dolly built next weekend. Is that what you would use? Do you cut panels off while sitting on the dolly or is a rotisserie a better plan?

10-27-2017, 06:46 PM	#31
8man Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Bryan, Texas Posts: 2,275	Re: Wife's 48 Ok, got a little time today in the shop to compare the 48 and the 54. There are some subtle differences, more than just the windshield. So here is what I have. The fire wall of the 54 IMG_1791 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr Firewall will clean up nicely, but notice the rust in the lower cab. Now the 48 firewall IMG_1790 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr Kinda hacked up, won't clean up as easily. From inside the 48 cab, looking down at the body right front bolt. IMG_1789 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr Yes that is a "see through" kick panel seam. Also, I think the "washer" for the body bolt has been replaced since it sits above the floor. And now the 54 front body bolt IMG_1783 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr I think that is the way it is supposed to sit, but I doubt it is supposed to be that rusty! I'll know more about what I have when I get the fiberglass removed. Again, the 54 IMG_1784 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr Yes, that is fiberglass on top of rust. I hope I can replace it with new metal and make it look good. I thought the 48 was in better shape, but not by much. I'm going to have to do cab corners, some supports and the firewall on both. I still think I'll do both trucks, and I think I'll start on the 48, since I have the parts and I want to practice. What do you sit the truck on to work on the body steel? I'm going to try to get a body dolly built next weekend. Is that what you would use? Do you cut panels off while sitting on the dolly or is a rotisserie a better plan?