Cab construction??

[Telecasterjoey]

Hey, does anyone have a diagram or pictures showing how the cab on my truck ties together? I've got to replace the floor Pan kick plate and rockers on the drivers side but I can't grasp how it goes together because of the rust! I'm really lost as to how the rockers are attached and how the kick plate and the floor tie in. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! I know you guys know your trucks!

Thanks a lot
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[BLE 'BURBAN]

Year make and model would be helpful....

[Telecasterjoey]

Ah, sorry it's an 86 gmc 1500
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[Telecasterjoey]

Mostly wondering how the floor attaches to the kick panel?? Anyone??
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[SeanPaintsFlames]

IIRC, the kick panel should be one long piece that goes all the way to the bottom of the rocker, then the floor flanges are plug welded against it. Are your cab supports gone as well? On the drivers side of mine, I had to replace the cab support, the floor, the inner rocker, outer rocker, make the kick panel, and make the firewall. I say seal up the inner rockers and kick panels first, then drop the floor in. You may have to hammer the flanges out a bit to touch the kick panels all the way. Do you have pics of the progress thus far?

[Telecasterjoey]

Hey sean I finally got some more work done, took the fender off to get a better look at what's going on. The cab mounts look good! which is a bonus. The rockers are actually better than I thought they would be. Here are a few pics.

[Telecasterjoey]

So I got most of my parts in today! So I began cutting off the outer rocker.
I've pretty much figured out how this thing goes together. Here are some pics of my progress. Can anyone tell me if the gusset looking piece in the last pic is actually the bottom of the kick panel? i'm pretty sure it is lol Hey I'm learning as I go!

So glad you guys have so much info on here about this stuff or I would have never had the guts to get this far into it!!

Thanks!

[75sierraclassic]

Thats about exactly what I need to do for my truck. Keep the info and pics coming!

[DetroitIron]

Mine needs the same as well...Great pics and thread so far..Looking forward to warmer weather so I can get started

[vtwinsport]

Way to go man- you learning how to weld on the fly? Keep posting photos, I'm planning the same thing this summer and appreciate the information

[Telecasterjoey]

Naw I've got a bit of welding experience, but I'm learning everything else lol
I'll have more pics soon! Thanks guys!
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[Telecasterjoey]

Here's another update. I've got the floor welded in! Still waiting on my kick panel and inner rocker from lmc. Once the kick panel is in I can get the new inner rocker on, and get the outer rocker lined up! here are some pics. As you can see in picture two I have an enormous shop to work in lol! but I guess it beats working out in a foot of snow..... I'm not the best welder lol The welds look a little cold but they've got good penetration. welding sheet metal is a little trickier than 1/4" stock. I'm not exactly using the easiest welder to operate either. I worked in a welding shop for a year and got to use a nice miller mig, but at home I've only got a little lincoln mig. But its better than paying someone else to do it!

Ps. sorry for the crappy pics... my garage doesn't have the best lighting...

[vtwinsport]

that looks good. did you use a 4" grinder with cutting wheel for removing the sheet metal?

[Telecasterjoey]

Thanks! I've been learning a lot. Yup just used the cut off wheel, lots of sparks lol.
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[vtwinsport]

what type of mig are you using? 140, 180 etc? Also, what were your settings?
thx

[Telecasterjoey]

Hey guys, another update. I'm Still waiting on my kick panel and inner rocker from lmc. While I was bored in the garage I started inspecting the cab underneath the windshield moulding and found that its rotted out! So I removed the windshield, cut out the rotten metal cleaned up the hole and fabricated some new pieces to go in. As for the Type of welder Vtwin. Its a lincoln mig pack 15, it runs off a 220 volt outlet, thats all I know lol it works pretty good for what it is. I run it on either the lowest heat setting with wire feed at 3 or on the second heat setting with wire feed at 3.5 or so.

[Captkaos]

little late but here is some good pics/info on installing the 5 piece kit I sell.

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...p?topic=5661.0

[Telecasterjoey]

Thanks Cap'n Great info!

[craazy22]

Hey buddy your doing a great job. And believe there's guys out there they wish they had a garage like yours at least.. so glad to see you working with what you have. Keep them pictures coming.... subscribed...
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[Telecasterjoey]

Here's another update for those interested. I've got my inner rocker on and all welded up, as well as my outer rocker and kick panel all lined up and tacked on. Here are some more pics!

[mooseknuckles]

good job!

[SeanPaintsFlames]

Looks good! I have pictures almost exactly like that with the truck all smooshed up against the garage wall with barely enough room to weld.
I couldn't see for sure in the pics, but it looks like there are no plug welds through the new floor pan into the frame rail. Am I just missing those? They're quite important...!

[Telecasterjoey]

Hey Sean, the Plug welds are there they are just grinded and painted. Thanks for the compliments!

[CEE1NG_RED]

Any pics of the actual kick panel ordered where the heater vent is located?? My pass. side is rusted out. Any how to's?

[Telecasterjoey]

Actually no I forgot to take a pic of the kick panel I was in a hurry to put it on. but if you have any questions feel free to ask!