I do find it quite discerning that the repair panels made in China and Taiwan don`t fit properly. That/they probably should not be imported. IDK what else to do with the truck but if I am fighting an uphill battle, thats difficult with my expertise level. If all this fails, I guess my alternative would be to turn it into a fleet/step side? Hopefully the frame is not much different than either of those. Would just need a cab.
Last edited by Guitplayer; Fri Apr 15 2022 11:28 AM.
BD
1958 3100 Apache Step side 1/2 ton 327 engine 1958 3100 Apache Panel 1/2 ton 235 engine 1959 3100 Apache Panel 1/2 ton 327 engine In Project Journals
Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums
The patch panels from offshore can definitely be problematic, but they're just metal. You can make them fit with some massaging. Front clip parts may be another issue, but everything can be fixed, given enough time and patience. I think you're cab floor can be successfully repaired. You just have to be sure the dimensions are right. It would be a shame to just replace the body with a pickup cab/bed. Everyone has one of those. Hang in there. You'll be an expert when you're finished.
Kevin Newest Project - 51 Chevy 3100 work truck. Photos [flickr.com] #2 - '29 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. First car '29 Ford Special Coupe Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Hey thanks man! Great news. I guess. I raised the floor where I thought it should go and placed the lower rear pillar patch panels and both fit perfect. One thing concerns me is the cross sill originally had a body frame mount bolt there. The new floor does not look that heavy duty of a sill. I do have something in mind though.
BD
1958 3100 Apache Step side 1/2 ton 327 engine 1958 3100 Apache Panel 1/2 ton 235 engine 1959 3100 Apache Panel 1/2 ton 327 engine In Project Journals
Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums
Looks good so far, but there's fitting and fitting perfectly. Before you commit with welding anything, MEASURE, MEASURE, AND MEASURE AGAIN.
On the body mount hole, there may be a reinforcement piece available. Definitely look into that. Do you still have the original floor to compare?
Kevin Newest Project - 51 Chevy 3100 work truck. Photos [flickr.com] #2 - '29 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. First car '29 Ford Special Coupe Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
I do have the original. What I have will work. Its a cut down cross sill 50 inches. I can mount it behind the back of the new floor. And use one of or drill a new hole there for the skid strips. I can tie that in with the new floor. The doors look good. My plan current is to tack weld the doors to the top of frame door and back of opening , after floor is in place ...somewhat. I wont commit to it till after the doors are in. But so far is looks good. Even whats left of the hump over the transmission at the front of the truck,lines up with the new floor. But the left driver side front pillar I can visual see is off. the right side looks true and straight. lucky to find this rear cross sill for the very back. Mine was way shot. I will install it and cross sills ,paint underneath and be ready soon to set on a readied frame.
Last edited by Guitplayer; Sat Apr 16 2022 08:25 PM.
BD
1958 3100 Apache Step side 1/2 ton 327 engine 1958 3100 Apache Panel 1/2 ton 235 engine 1959 3100 Apache Panel 1/2 ton 327 engine In Project Journals
Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums
Looks like you've thought it out.
Kevin Newest Project - 51 Chevy 3100 work truck. Photos [flickr.com] #2 - '29 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. First car '29 Ford Special Coupe Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
