The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks cab underside

Hey guys, I was under my 61 Apache today changing the oil, and noticed that although the cab looks pretty good from the sides and top, underneath it looked pretty scary. Obviously it'll need new floors, but the part that concerned me most was the "support braces" or whatever they are. I guess what I mean is the bracing under the floor, or it's more like part of the floor, as it all appears welded together Some of it is pretty much gone, the rust got the better of it. Almost has me wondering if the cab is about to fall onto the frame, because the front cab mounts are connected right to where it's rusted out. Dont really want to see my cab mounts pop through the floor someday. Is this common on these trucks? What's the solution to fix it? I'm guessing I need to find a pretty talented welder!!

yes, you'll be needing some welding, that rot is common on the 60-66 trucks - Scotts in Penhold should have the parts you need, cab supports and mounts

Bill

Thanks Red

Pretty much the trucks from 60-72 all face this issue. It happens over the course of time. Just think how much grime and road salt the underside of that cab has seen, it's rather mind boggling if you think about it. But, learning to weld in new parts is all part of the fun of dealing with these ol' gals.

Ha ha, yeah, if I knew how to weld!! Do I need to remove the cab from the frame to have the floorboards and the cab supports welded in, or can it be done with the entire truck intact and driveable (like it is now, I drive it regularily)

Adam,

Removal of the cab will depend on the extent of the sheet metal you'll be putting in. I have removed my cab for this same "overhaul". Look at the bright side, if you need to learn how to weld, the floors/supports are the best place to do it.

You could be doing door skins on your first welding job!!!!

It needs the front corners of the floor, and all four floor supports. And obviously new cab mounts. Probably gonna get rid of the truck anyway, it's a bit much.

Adam61,

Don't throw the towel in too quickly on your truck. I'm in the throws of a full frame off restoration and I've never done one before. Learn as you go, visit this site often and ask plenty of questions. If you do decide to tackle this job, remember, you have a whole family of Stovebolters here to assist.!!!!

Adam,
The satisfaction that comes with accomplishing a job like this is priceless, especially if you need to educate yourself along the way. The confidence and skills gained will stay with you forever. The whole experience deepening your understanding of your truck in particular and the world in general, thus allowing a fuller life in the end.
However, it also could end up going the other way... costing way more effort and money than you ever imagined. The whole frustrating waste of time only serving to break your sense self worth and put you in the poor house.
Considering the quantity of these trucks produced, and the fact that there are still plenty of rust free examples out west for fairly cheap, you may just want to dump the one you have and start on a solid one.
I'm just messing with you... Either way, remember to have fun!

he's right there are alot of rust free cabs out here, they come up on craigs list all the time, if I had the cash and the economy was good I would buy them up, but--------

CA is little ways from Alberta Canada or Maine, so rust free cabs aren't nearly as cheap once you get em home!

Yeah that's what I heard. Which is why I bought a local truck....they are pretty uncommon here, and aren't cheap...

they all aint rust free on the west coast.

Get'r done Adam! or move to Cali! LOL

Yeah, gonna git 'er dun eventually, ha ha, looking for someone to weld it up right now. I see you have a 61 like me...any pics? Mine's in the gallery if you care to take a look.

Adam,

Don't give up. A year ago I found myself saying....if I just knew how to weld! I have learned to weld(self taught) and have replaced most of my floor and rockers. Buy a good quality wire welder and read a book, then start practicing. I also rented a cab repair dvd from a company(will have to acccess my memory cells)before starting. The video is available for purchase....google EBFabman

You can be welding in no time

Well, i was talking to my uncle today, and between him and you guys, I'm almost convinced to do the welding myself. My uncle said if I go out to see him in BC, he'll show me, and I can borrow the welder. Now, here's what I need to know. As you guys know, my truck needs all four floor supports, a few small patches of flooring (on the front, right where the cab mounts come through), all four mounts (I assume those are basically just bolts with rubber bushings??) and will also need new rockers and one cab corner. The rockers look not bad right now, but I'm sure they're mostly bondo. Now, is it possible to weld in the floor supports and mounts, but leave the rockers for later? Or does it all have to be done at once? Reason why I'm asking is because the floor and mounts need to be sturdy so it's safe to drive...but I don't want to replace the rockers and the cab corner until I actually do all the body work and painting, which could be a year or two from now. I'd like to have the truck safe to continue driving it. Any input and/or tips would be greatly appreciated!