The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk My First Project

Hey guys, If you haven't seen my first few post, I'm new to the forum. Here's a few pictures of my truck.

http://s1021.photobucket.com/user/cjreyna02/library/My%20Apache

Nice. That's a good looking "My First Project". We are here to help. Have fun.

...and let the fun begin. As Drew says, we're here to help.

As far as the rust in the cab goes, how hard is that to get patched up? Im sure the floors and steps aren't too hard. Im more worried about the rust just above the windshield. The bed I may have to replace as far as my knowledge goes.

Yep, the cab leading roof edge looks to be your most serious problem. Are you a skilled or semi-skilled welder and/or metal man? If not, it might be worth it to at least get a shop estimate as to cost. In the long run it may save you money and certainly time. The mistake that cost me both on my first project was removing too much bad metal at one time. That will really throw the cab into all kinds of distortion unless it is properly braced inside.
So, think it through and take your time. And search through the body forum on this site for helpful advice.

The biggest issue with replacing a lot of rust on a cab (I can't currently view your pics so I don't know the extent of it) is ensuring that the cab doesn't move around and lose its "square" when you're cutting out and replacing rust. I'm referring mostly to floors, cab corners, and rockers. Make sure it is well braced and can't move before you do any cutting, and you'll save a lot of frustration.

I think the body is definitely gonna be a challenge seeing that I have zero welding/metal working skills. I may have to take it to a shop for bodywork for this first one. In the mean time try to acquire the skills I need.

Well, don't get discouraged. I gave my first cab away after struggling with it for one summer and finally found a better one.
There is always something to do to keep your interest like engine
tune up or rebuild or frame painting, brakes. I'm sure you get the idea.

Scour the search feature of this site, and go for it! You can't learn how to do it right without first doing it wrong.

As drewp said , just keep a eye out. I see cabs with doors for like 200 all the time on Craig's . Drive it while you put parts away. If body work was gonna cost me 2000 I'd buy a whole other truck right?