The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Heavy rust areas

On the Chevy Task Force models, years 55 thru 59, what areas of the truck do you (sheet metal fellow's) normally find the most rust rot, in restoration?

Thanks,
Hal

cab corners, "eyebrow" over windshield, front fenders (over headlights and behind wheel down low), bottom of the doors, hinge pockets, and rockers/steps. that sounds like a big list, but 1) they weren't rustproofed very well back in the day, and 2) all sheet metal for that series is reproduced so repair is straightforward (unless all of these areas are gone and then you should probably start with a better example)

The deal-killer area is under the cowl vent screen section in front of the windshield. Leaves and debris get in there and is supposed to go out to the sides then down just inside of the fenders.
Unfortunately it doesn't, and leads to rust through in an area very difficult to get to with a welder.

As 52Carl said, the deal breaker is rust in the air passage below the windshield AND rust on the inside above the windshield. For the novice restoration guy these areas are killers. That said EVERY panel it takes to build the cab is being reproduced.

If I find a cab with the cowl side air plenum boxes rust free, that's a good quick indicator of how rusty or not rusty the rest of the cab will be. The front and rear corners, steps and floor at the front cab mounts are all given rust areas and anything above that on the cab is a waste of my time and money and I pass.

The very skilled fabrication guys that have all of the right tools (english wheel, bead rollers, metal brakes, stretchers/shrinkers etc.) won't be afraid of anything.

Mike B