'56 GMC Project

[Goldengophersax56]

Hi all! Long time reader, first time poster.

I have been rebuilding a '56 GMC for the past few years off and on as money became available.

I am finally at the point where I am able to start replacing rotted parts of the cab and I am not sure where to begin. I would like to start on the front driver side because that part is in the worst shape. Thoughts?

[SCHRUMGMC]

Sheesh you should see my truck

[Richs'55]

Looks just like mine. Inside passenger side kick panel below.
I am starting by removing everything off the cab and taking to get media blasted. That way I can really see the damaged area better. Then I will start with patch panels where needed and maybe whole panels if necessary.

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Looks like the typical damage a lot of these trucks have.
All of it should be available.
As far as order I started with my floor and went from there.
Brace the cab before cutting it apart.
Kim

[Goldengophersax56]

My thought so far was to start with replacing the inner step since it is such a large piece and then do the cab mount/floor piece. Once those are in place, then move to the front cab corner. I also need to do the rear outer cab corner... Is that looking like the right course of action so far?

I plan on going through LMC for replacement panels.

Thanks for the input so far! I plan on throwing some pictures in here of the sub-frame job that I did as well as some of the engine work. Stuff should be popping up over the next few days.

[Lokin4AReason]

welcome to the forum ....

measure twice and cut once =0)

[OrrieG]

Brace the cab and fit the doors as you go. I relearned that welding can pull the panels and had to redo my finish painted sill. If you are up in the window area fit the glass too.

[Goldengophersax56]

Patch panels showed up this week. First step I think will be to fix the floor. After that we will do the lower door pocket and then the inner step. Thoughts? This part has me the most nervous.

[hammerdog57]

what i did was brace the area above lower hinge pocket to other side of cab and replaced lower hinge pocket.(the cab can spred if you dont) then hung door to use as a jig. if the front cab mount is badly rusted the cab has probably sagged and needs to be jacked back up. my drivers side cab mount was still good and was able to measure from frame to cowl to reference bad side.

[ChuckDriver]

Looks like you've got a lot of work in front of you, but it will be worth it in the end!