how bad is it?

[fonfixer]

bad.JPG

How bad do ya''ll think that is? Is a full floor pan and supports available? I'd hate to fall back on my original plan and part the truck out. I've spent the better part of the day searching internet for a full floor pan and full supports!

[68RGR]

I replaced the floor pans in an old Dodge truck years ago but they weren't nearly as far gone as that.

Almost anything can be repaired. The question is - Is it worth it?

How's the rest of the truck rust-wise? If you fix the damage shown in the photo, is that the end of the rust issues?

Just curious - Any idea on what led to this condition? I mean, were the windows out, door off or something else?

[fonfixer]

The rest of the truck is pretty good, doors shut good and tight, it's complete except for few minor things.
Rust is the big issue here. Time and money aren't a problem, like most people I do what I can when I can.
I was told the truck will never run again, I'm out to prove them wrong.

[68RGR]

OK, go for it!

I bought a rental house once that had a garage apartment behind it.

Sorta like your truck, a neighbor (who didn't know a hammer from a nail) asked why I didn't just tear down the apartment. She had no vision.

A couple of months later, after I had a new roof and gutters installed, replaced a little siding, refinished the hardwood floors, painted it inside and out, repaired the stairs, etc., etc., it was easy to rent. That was 1991. I sold it in 2003 . . . It was still there last time I checked in 2012. Must have been a Ford!

If you are committed to making your truck work again, get started!

[chad67]

I found a rust-free cab for mine for $200. Once you figure both floor pans, cab mounts (I figure they are bad given the picture), rockers, fab work for areas not covered by any repair panels plus supplies and labor-you may be better off looking for a cab.

[68RGR]

Yep, a nice cab swap would probably be easier and cheaper (at $200 anyway!) and stands to give you a better result.

BUT, it kinda, sorta wouldn't be the same truck. And, that could be a big deal given the implied goal:

"I was told the truck will never run again, I'm out to prove them wrong."

As always, you gotta weigh the options and decide which one works best for you.

[thejunkman]

bad.JPG

How bad do ya''ll think that is? Is a full floor pan and supports available? I'd hate to fall back on my original plan and part the truck out. I've spent the better part of the day searching internet for a full floor pan and full supports!

It's bad. I have not seen a full floor available. I have seen supports. I replaced my pans and cab mounts (with repro parts) and repaired my rear cab supports, but I had to fabricate my seat pedestal sections, and some other areas out of raw sheet metal. Not terrible, even with little experience, however I can't tell in that pic how far the rust goes back. You need something decent to weld to. I don't see anything that a weld is going to stick to. Anything can be fixed, and if you are committed then do it. But you would be a braver soul than most for sure.

*edit* I might add, I see places where you are going to have to stretch, and shrink metal. Mainly where the rockers meet the floor towards the rear of the door opening. Consider those tools in your expenses. Maybe find a good junkyard cab, cut the floor out and graft it into yours if you are insistent on preserving THIS cab.

[fonfixer]

I'm thinking about a junkyard cab about now, especially if I can find one not rusted out. Anything would be better then what I have now. I pulled the seat and the vinyl floor mat out today and whats in the pic I posted earlier is the worst of it. There is rust on the drivers side but not near as bad. On the upside of things, when I pulled the floor mat out I found the missing plug for the dash and it looked almost perfect except for one small blemish.

found plug.JPG

Oh and I pulled hell of a rats nest out of the dash. I got the seat, floor mat, doors, and front and back glass removed.

No Glass.JPG

[Mr-Dyslexic]

It might sound cliche but time is money. So save yourself some time and money and get a better cab. That's my vote, best of luck!

[fonfixer]

Thought I already posted this but I guess not. I did find a new cab for $200. I'm trying to clean up my shop before I get the cab in there to start anything. Moving forward.