The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop newbie at body work - '61 truck

okay, so today is the day we start tackling some body repairs on the ol' gal. ...

I ordered in more than the necessary patch kits (floor panels, rocker panels, cab corners, mud corners, rear cab support, and the sloping piece that goes in between the floor panel and the rocker panel). wheww! After looking it all over, we just aren't sure where to start. ???

So, here's the question. I'm thinking we just start cutting out the bad and welding in the good. But, my husband is thinking we need to take all the bolts out, see what loosens up, and figure out how it all went together. ... He is obviously more careful than I, and he is also usually correct. So, we both decided to ask the experts before we proceed.

Is there a step 1,2,3...?? Where to start?

driver side rear cab support area
driver side cab corner

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

You win this one! (conditionally)
If you check all the current measurements and if it's all square and happy then start with the piece at a time plan.
But first as to the steps
1. start reading the tech forums here.
2. read up on the archives of this section.
3If your asking for steps how much experience do you have?
you'll learn a lot while you get your 'system' together by just getting one patch in and protected.

nice pic's

Thanks for the advice, CASO. My husband is a journeyman carpenter by trade, so he is very good at measuring, cutting, and fitting. He also certified at welding, but that was quite a few years back (and was more stick welding). Me? Well, I'm studying, watching, diving in, and learning as I go.

We got the driver's side cab corner, rocker panel, and part of the floor pan cut out last night. Then we patched in the cab support. While I've been tending the store, my husband has fitted in the patch for the floor pan and the rear cab floor. Tomorrow we will finish welding that up, and continue working outward.

Things are progressing nicely. It's not the prettiest job of welding (for my part), but she's an old work truck not a show truck. Just working at getting her more solid and enclosed. lol

btw, welding is fun