The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Sheet Metal Replacement

OK so this is my first post. Got a 1950 5-Window that's my first project. I've had oldies before but have never tackled anything major. So I need to replace the following:

Cab inners & outers
Rockers
Cowl inners & outers
L&R wheel house

Someone repaired these areas eons ago and didn't exactly use replacement parts. I dug bondo out forever along with all sorts of metal including a pie pan! Got the old stuff out and picked up replacement panels or fabricated otheres that I felt I could make. After reading the opinions here and trying a few different MIGs I decided to bite the bullit. Picked up a Millermatic 175. Great machine so I'm ready to weld. Anyway, I wanted to know if there are diagrams or pictures anywhere of these areas that I can refer too. The cab corners aren't really a problem but the remaining areas are. I've taken plenty of pictures during the disassembly but need to see what a good finished product looks like. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Two suggestions. First is get a factory assembly manual from www.americanclassic.com or www.oldchevytrucks.com. You will be so glad you spent the $30.00. Second is just view the online catalogs of these vendors for patch panels. Not only can you get the panels that will help you do it right, just looking at the pics will give you an idea of what you need to do.

Another tip that has been mentioned many times and is very helpful. Cut the patch panel to fit the damage, do not cut the truck to fit the patch panel. The more undamaged original metal with it curves and fits the better.

Thanks for the info. I also found some pics from another member that revealed quite a bit.

One other question. I noticed that the replacement rocker panels have a couple of holes on the front end of the panel. Are these holes necessary? These areas were so rusted I couldn't tell what they looked like originally. Also the rockers seem longer than the originals in the front, protruding forward. I've been reading that quite often replacement panels aren't exactly like what came on the vehicle. Any ideas? Thanks.

The big hole in the drivers side rocker is for the e-brake shaft. You can put bolts in the small holes to pinch the rocker,floorpan lip and inner to outer cowl together for fit up. The right side rocker has the holes but they do nothing. Must just be easier to stamp a mirror image. I don't know if the original rocker had holes on the right side...mine was rotted away as well. Personally I thought the outer cowl was one pc. that was best to drill out all the spotwelds and replace the entire panel but each situation is different. Good luck and be patient.

Curt B.

Hey guys you know these parts go over seas too, there are a few right hand drive trucks that use some of the holes you didn't think were needed. and one more thing watch out for NON US meatl parts you may have just $bought$ some rust made in your new repair.

jss1956,

From my recent experience when you put in your cowl panels make sure that you measure across the door opening prior to cutting the old ones out. When you weld the new panels back in you need to keep that measurement exact. If you don't your door gaps will be off.

Trust me after all of the work of putting them in you don't want to have to re-do it.

I didn't do this and it looks terrible. :mad: