Evenx82 ... Welcome to our site, BTW. We're glad you came in and asked your question. I hope we can help you get to where you want to be on your project. I hope you aren't feeling oppressed or attacked here ...
I started this site 26 years ago. I've seen a lot of projects roll across these "pages." Also, as I scan the user names above, all of whom I've known now for years, I see easily two centuries of experience (maybe 3 ... ?) messing with these old trucks including extensive body work. A *lot* of "been there, done that" in the words above.
Unfortunately, we have seen a lot of projects get abandoned or sold off after the owner proceeded down a path the greybeards recommended against. We're just trying to help you avoid that by gently pointing out that what one may think or want to be so, may not actually be.
To be blunt, and to repeat the words above, while it may seem like it makes more financial sense to work with what you have, we are telling you (based on the approximately 3 centuries worth of experience dealing with these projects) that it isn't. a year from now, you will find that even buying a whole truck just for the cab and having it shipped, is a far better investment of time and money than getting yourself into a quagmire of autobody work that even the experts here wouldn't attempt, and that based on my experience dealing with people on this site, will most likely end in frustration and failure.
We don't want to see that happen. Again.
Every one here is telling you that proceeding with your preferred plan is not a good plan. Maybe that should tell you something? So please ask yourself if you are truly seeking advice and guidance, or just validation of your own preferred path... I ask this with all the brotherly compassion I can muster. We're not ganging up on you, just trying to help. If you decide to proceed with the parts you have on hand, then that will be that and we will support you all the way. But there may be only so much we can do.
Thanks for listening. We hope we can be of further assistance.
Regards,
John
