The Stovebolt Site Forums Project Journals Project Journals 1953 Chevy 3100 - Restoring the Basketcase

Hi Everyone,

Gray Ghost here. Not new to the forums, but new to the project journals section. After a good discussion in a thread that I started in the paint and body shop section, I decided to start a project journal dedicated to my attempts to fix the cab of my 1953 3100. For those interested in the back story the link is here.

My plan for the journal is to be brutally honest in everything that I do. The hope is that I can help someone else down the line. In that light, I plan to post as many pics as possible and thorough descriptions of each.

So, starting things off with my brutal honesty, I'll have to admit that I'm learning this as I go. I was never exposed to metal working growing up. I took woodshop in junior high and have been a woodworker ever since. I'm comfortable with those tools and processes. Metal working skills are something that I'm hoping to develop "on the side" as I try to mock up the replacement metal panels on my truck. Specifically, I need to learn how to weld. I've purchased some sheet metal stock from the local home stores and have begun practicing on that metal. My initial impressions are that it is not an intuitive skill set. Watching videos online to get an idea and then practicing in the garage are how I'm going about learning. We'll see how that all goes.

My first actions regarding the cab are to document exactly what I've got when I'm starting. This documentation will consist of both photos and measurements. The discussion in the referenced link centered around preserving the dimensions of the door opening, referred to as "the ring of death." A somewhat ominous name, but I get it. If the cab shifts during my deconstruction or reconstruction, the door won't fit properly. Same goes for how the front sheet metal fits to the cab.

My initial plan for bracing the cab failed as soon as I took the doors off.... All 4 door hinge mounts were damaged beyond use. The plan had been to use the lower hinge bolts to secure a brace from side to side. Since the hidden hinge mounts weren't usable, I can't brace using them. Also, those parts are not reproduced, so I'll have to make them myself. Fortunately, they appear to be sheet metal that is bent to a specific shape and weld nuts installed for the hinges to bolt into. I already have replacement bolts and weld nuts, so it's a matter of drawing out the dimensions of the hinge bracing, making the appropriate bends in the metal, drilling the correct size holes in the correct locations and welding the weld nuts in place. Then those hinge mounts can be welded into the hinge pillars.

My next entry should be about documenting the current state of the cab. Attached are a few pics showing what I'm dealing with.

As you read through my journal, please feel free to offer advise, suggestions and/or criticisms. I'm going to need all the support that I can get to be successful in this undertaking.

Thanks,