new guy

[watash]

Hi all,
Been reading for about a month now since I came across this site. Just joined this past friday and now have permission to post.

I have a 1971 chevy Cheyenne. Took it up for inspection in Aug. and it got rejected for the "frame". One trailing arm was rusted thru, coil spring retainers were rusted out and cab to frame bushings were split and falling out.

Well I was going to junk it but just could not do it. I replaced the trailing arm and coil spring retainers. I pressure washed the whole under carriage. I treated all metal parts with a rust converter and them painted with a quality oil base paint.I also installed new shocks with overload springs.

I since have pulled the radiator support, hood and two front fenders and drivers side door. I have pulled the bench seat and all the carpeting and underlayment. The floor pan looks real good but does have some rust, the cowl has some rust but not bad for the trucks age. The door pillars look good but has some rusted out parts at the bottom. Of course the rocker panels are shot and need to be replaced on both sides.The rear cab corners are also bad and need to be replaced.

With all that being said, I have in my life restored a 1966 VW Beetle that I owned for 17 years and then sold it. i restored my daughters 1966 Mustang which she sold and got a pretty penny for. And last I bought and old 1978 Harley FLH, Shovelhead, restored that and still have that, I road harleys in the 70's and 80's.

I talked to the wife about restoring the truck, she said if it makes you happy go for it.We have been married for a few years, 34 to be exact.

I dont plan a sinking a fortune into it but I do want a nice looking truck.

I will do the body work myself. Paint- I want to camo it, Rust-o-leum Deep Forest Green is the color.

I read when replacing panels a mig welder is the best option with 75% argon and 25% co2 shielding gas. I have been looking at the Lincoln 125 or the equal in Miller or Hobart. I believe Miller bought Hobart.

I would appreciate any input on which mig to get. I wont be buying it any time soon I still have to remove rusted panels and fit the new one before I install them.

I will have more questions as I move deeper into this project. Thanks for a great site.

If I posted the question about the mig welder in the wrong section let me know and I will repost in the correct section.