So I bought a rust bucket

I made the mistake of buying of ebay without seeing the vehicle before hand. I was disappointed at first but then got over it and decided to take this opportunity to practice working with metal. I had never really done it before. I was able to buy all the cab parts except for the rear door posts so I had to make em. Here's a few pics of the progress. Anybody have any tips or advice?

 

Looks like a real good start!!!

Tom T.

 

get a sheet metal brake, practice, practice, practice. Use as little filler as possible, keep it clean.

 

Welcome to the club! I learned a ton about metalwork from the projects I've done on mine. Just search wealth of knowledge on this forum and make pals with some other car guys in your area. A good MIG welder, like the Lincoln 135SP, is indispensable. You can get by without most of the expensive metalworking tools, but get a hammer and dolly set and the book "The Key to Metalwork". Mostly, just dig in and try it. That's when you learn the most.

 

Been there done that

 

The bad news is you bought a rust bucket. The good news is your going to pick up metalworking skills. I would bet my house you'll never buy a car or truck again without looking it over real good! This has happened to most of us at one time or another. If, in the future, you do buy something that needs a LITTLE rust repair, you will know how to tackle it. Buying and repairing this will be a learning expierience for you, and learning is a good thing. Looks like your doing great so far, just try not to get discouraged, and burned out. Take a break once in a while. Who knows- this could end up being one of the best/coolest rides you ever had! Hope so, good luck. - Bernie

 

The one thing I didn't cheap out on is the welder. I got the Lincoln 135T. Thing works great. I got a cheap hammer and dolly set that's doing the job as of now. We'll see how long until they break. I'll look into getting that book and definitely will pick up a small sheet metal brake. Thanks for the input

 

Not sure what sheet metal brake most guys are using but what gauge can these do and how much are you guys spending on one? Don't mean to steal your post Harkins just curious.
By the way, what year and make cab is it?

 

What car/truck is it? Cab we see some overall pics? Glad to hear you're keen to pick up metalworking skills. I'm happiest fabbing panels for **** cars that most guys run away from.

 

I have a shear/press brake / roller I bought years ago at Harbor Freight. Their add says it will handle 18 gauge steel which it will but it lokes 20 gauge better. I called them on the telephone and negotiated 20% the price in addition to free delivery. It weighs over 400 pounds.

I broke the lower table a couple of years ago on a piece of stainless that was supposedly annealed and HF had the replacement part to me in days. I wouldn't want it as my main tool if I had a commercial shop but it has paid for itself several times over in my shop at home.

 

It's a 47 ford 1/2 ton. Here are a few pics of the cab and some progress. So far I've replace the door hinge posts and one rocker panel. And that's when I realized I'd have to replace the rear posts also.

 

oh and this is what made me decide to replace the door posts. This is the drivers side

 

JUst take you time and do it right. If you do it right the rest of your project should fall in place...

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of rust repair! HRP

 

I did the same thing - only instead of e-bay, I went & looked at the thing in the dark without a flashlight and did an impulse buy. Total p.o.s. it was.

BUT, I learned a lot from fixing all the rust and I do not regret it.

Be proud that you are bringing something back from the dead!

 

I guess weve all been there at some point.Looks like your doing a great job bringing it back so keep at it. Tell the reaper to scratch another one off his list...................

 

Looks like you're doing a damn good job for not really having any experience before. Keep it up.

 

Harkins,
Seems your coming along just fine so far, take your time and don't overheat any welds. Warping a *****..... I took a basket case '41 Ford convertible from rust bucket to a top 100 in the nation as seen in Rod & Custom Magazine 2001. You can do it.........Good Luck and lets see more pictures as you progress.

Cruiser

 

That's pretty much the way I look at it since all the project cars I can afford are already pre-rusted for my convenience.

You look like you're doing a nice job, keep at it!

 

I had that same cab, even that same color, in even worse shape. I had to replace the entire floor, both rockers, six inches up all the way across the back, the front fender attachment areas, the cowl vent gutter, the hindge posts and of course the back of the door posts, the bottom of the doors and about ten inches up on the doors. Luckily the roof was just badly dented... It is a good way to learn some metal skills, wether you want to or not. Where'd you get the rocker? I couldn't find them aftermarket so i had to make comething close.

 

This is a picture of a shoebox that just had a little rust in the quarters...
At least yours doesn't look like it needs as much work as his...

 

I got them from northern cl***ic truck. It was the only company I could find that did pre 48 ford trucks. They're a little pricey but they are definitely quality parts

 

I bought a rust bucket once on purpose, just to force myself to learn how to weld. This is an opportunity to learn.

 

think of your truck as your teacher,you'll either learn or be laughed at,its an easy choice.

 

Sometimes you learn the most from a rust bucket. Looks like you are doing a great job with that pickup cab, and acquiring a lot of skills. My rust bucket is now used on the street everyday. It just takes time and patience.

 

rust is no fun but it looks like your getting the hang of fixing it pretty quick.

 

I think we have all had our traumas with oxidation. (can't even bring myself to say the "R" word anymore) From the looks of things tho you have a really good plan of attack going on there. It'll all be worth it when it is done and painted. Good Job!!!

 

thanks for all the positive comments. I'm definitely over being intimidated by it. Just going to have at it and learn from my screw ups.

 

Finished the p***enger side last night. Starting the driver's tonight. This one should go a little quicker.

 

Little update.. Finished the door posts and welded on both front cab corners. The first one I did is a little off and the door isn't flush with the cab corner. I think it because the hinge post is kicked out a little bit from when I put it in. The second front cab corner came out a lot better and is flush. I got the front cab mounts bolted on and the cab is channeled about 5 to 6 inches. I'm waiting to mount the rear of the cab until I have the truck sitting at ride height. I just received my new front end and am in the process of installing it. I just need to do some more research on installing the suicide front axle. Here are a few before and after pics.