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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,036 Posts1,055,450 Members48,422 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 272 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 272 | I am pondering way in advance what not to do regarding my patch panels.
What did you screw up, then have to redo and screw up again?
What will you differently next time?
What part was a total nightmare?
I know some of you can do this stuff in your sleep but I was hoping everyone could tell about someting they learned that they had not read somewhere else.
Thanks,
Sean
An example I keep seeing in my head.
The cab mounts dont line up after floor replacement or something like that and how do you fix. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 | Trial fit everything and spot weld everything together first. Take your time, especially when welding and grinding sheet metal. Measure a hundred times, cut several times.
Scott | | | | | | Anonymous Unregistered | | Anonymous Unregistered | I can't say I have made any serious errors in doing the 16 or so different patch panels on my 54 AD but the tools and the technique are the key. You definitely need a right angle grinder with a good grinding disc and also metal cutoff discs. A wire feed welder is also a requirement and I found that the klecko klips were a great asset to have when fitting panels together. I got my set at Harbor Freight and look forward to the next time I can use them (not really).
Another key is to fit the panels in place and adjust until they fit just right. Patience is a definate requirement.
Also, do not be afraid to cut a panel, reshape itand reweld it to make it work for you. I had to do this to the inner-to-outer panel on one side as it just would not work. Do not worry too much about how a panel or your welds will look to others as we will be in awe of your talent regardless.
And another thing is to be patient when welding or you will warp it although body putty does wonders in hiding such things.
Do a little at a time and it will get done eventually. | | | | | | Anonymous Unregistered | | Anonymous Unregistered | The Chuck the Truck has helped me several times during my project. It is a great resource and I thank you for keeping it out there. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 154 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 154 | Brace and support every way possible BEFORE cutting anything lose that would allow any racking of the cab. Especially the cowl panels, rockers and cab corners. Zeke
The Amish Connection
51 Chevy 1/2 ton 5 window,Vortec hotrod, no horse
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | Yes, the Chuck the truck website really got me going on my project. It is probably the best material on this that I have seen. And to boot, that pretty truck is not a trailer queen, but a daily driver! | | | | | | Anonymous Unregistered | | Anonymous Unregistered | I did learn a valuable lesson over the weekend while trying to refit the doors to the cab. The lesson is to always prefit either cowl or cab corner panels in place with the doors mounted in place.
Oh well, so much for thinking I was done with the darn cab. | | |
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