74 jimmy. What to start

[HotRodScottsdale]

Just got a 1974 jimmy with the 350 and a th350 with a shift kit,it's really rough and passenger side floor is rusted threw and cab mounts are flakey. Thing had no coolants hen I got it for 3 km till it read hot and I realized and filled it to get it home. Once home it blew coolant everywhere and I haven't started it since *2 days ago* I was planning on a new rad, water pump, thermostat and housing but how can I fix the floor and mounts and should I keep the th350 or switch to the 700r4. Also has any one tried those composite fibre panels over bad body rot? Found a good deal on some but never heard or seen them before.

[68Timber]

On the cooling system, I wouldn't necessarily replace all those items. Since it's been neglected, getting the radiator rodded out and rebuilt is probably a good idea and it's a good time to replace the hoses and thermostat, then see if it cools properly before going for the water pump.

On the cab floors, just me, but I'd get replacement floor pans and replace just the spots that need it.

[Irish1941]

Floors are not easy to do on '73-'75. I'm sure the entire rocker box is rotten as well if the floor is gone. That means cab mounts as well. Those yrs were recycled steel and they rust just looking at them.
Take the roof off as is and the doors won't close.
Take your time in figuring what you need to do. I could write it up a how-to but it'd take me a day. I will tell you this before you start:
Make a bar that goes from 1/4 to 1/4 behind the front seats and ties the sides together and make for both door jambs as well.
start cutting without and nothing will line up again. If you have a body shop friend, good time to ask how to proceed.

[HotRodScottsdale]

I hate going into a job twice so I put the new pump and all that in anyways.no leaks and runs cooler now but what do you mean by a bar from 1/4 to 1/4? The doors don't close as it but I figured it was just **** doors

[Irish1941]

You need to weld up a bar that bolts in or weld right to 1/4s from inside to keep body straight. Seeing doors don't close as is tells me body is already fubar'd with rust.
You need to start puling and pushing until body is straight.
See the photos...you'll need to do both at same time with true measurements.
If it's to be a bush truck, slam fiberglass on the holes and be done.

and doors...

[IIGW]

A new radiator is 100-200 depending on where you are at.
A new cab sounds like the easiest way to go.
You rove it for 3k with no water, I’d do a compression check before you spend anything on any cooling parts.
Rust is rust, you can’t hide it with a bandaid. Cut it out and replace the panel. Or in your case the cab.

[HotRodScottsdale]

Well with the new cooling system it seems to run smoother but still needs a oil change and fluids all changed over. All fluids are getting drained and replaced tomarrow

[motornut]

cool,another one saved

[HotRodScottsdale]

Now I have no experience welding or doing big body work. If I am to post pics of all the bad stuff what's the chance I can get a quote on how many hours it would take so when I go to a shop I will know if they are bull****ting me to get more money.