Rust repair on my K5 - pix - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

stomper · 12-20-2007, 03:28 PM

I heard it was slow around here so I thought I'd share some pic of Livrat's repair work on my K5. Something to look at.... We were hoping the A pilars would be rust free but alass... no... How does the mud get down in there!?

Gonna cut those off and see what's behind....

71jimmy · 12-20-2007, 04:00 PM

That doesn't look too bad. Mine was a bit worse. I'm just finishing up the passenger side. Have you given any thought on how to fix the area I've circled in your pic below? I don't think anyone makes a patch for this. Any ideas?

Thanks

David Johnson · 12-20-2007, 04:40 PM

I thought GMCPauls offered those.

http://www.gmcpauls.com/Patch_Panels.htm

stomper · 12-20-2007, 05:14 PM

I have the bolt in pieces from GMC Paul's. Livrat, the guy doing the work for me, was in on the development of the bolt-ins. He says there are no patch panels for the area circled - have to fabricate that. Unless someone else can chime in...

**jaros44sr** · 12-20-2007, 06:28 PM

Could you pls. post up some more pics of the area in question, i've never seen one that complete. I have to fab up most of that area and as much information as i can get would be very helpful. That whole area looks real nice, are you just going to get rid of the rust and rehang a rocker?

71jimmy · 12-20-2007, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stomper

He says there are no patch panels for the area circled - have to fabricate that. Unless someone else can chime in...

It's starting to look like my only option is trying to fab that area. Doesn't look like an easy piece to fab up, unless your into doing that kind of stuff and have the proper tooling. I would think that quite a few folks could use that patch. Any chance our friend Livrat could produce several of those for us?

**jaros44sr** · 12-21-2007, 03:22 AM

Just noticed the cutoff tool, looks like it has great accessibility into tight spots. Gotta get one of those.

Great work, nice to see original painted floors with the insulation. Looks like you caught it just in time

jb4short · 12-21-2007, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71jimmy

That doesn't look too bad. Mine was a bit worse. I'm just finishing up the passenger side. Have you given any thought on how to fix the area I've circled in your pic below? I don't think anyone makes a patch for this. Any ideas?

Thanks

Is that panel in there almost a mirror or the lower rear pillar?

**jaros44sr** · 12-21-2007, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tri-ProAutomotive

Is that panel in there almost a mirror or the lower rear pillar?

Yes, are you thinking to take a rt side and turn it into a left?

jb4short · 12-21-2007, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Yes, are you thinking to take a rt side and turn it into a left?

I'm thinking it might work to have a panel to start with

Huck · 12-21-2007, 04:14 AM

The "B" pillar on Blazers are unique to that vehicle. It is not accessable from the outside so that getting any kind of rustproofing into the cavity is nearly impossible. To make matters worse, it captures moisture and then just holds it in there to rust over time. I have a colorado blazer and have seen many from California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona etc with rust in the lower portion of the B pillar and lower leading edge of the rear quarters. Unfortunately you can't just remove or unbolt a section to have total access!! About the best you can do is exactly as pictured--cut out lower section, fab replacement pieces and then just POR15 the hell out of it before reassembly. BUt you really need to get up into the entire B pillar--no easy task. Huck

pound41 · 12-21-2007, 01:28 PM

Most of my B pillar is intact as are the rocker boxes. But most of the floor is gone. Which I am replacing. In looking at mine today I don't think it would be that hard to make. since most of my floorpan and rockers are cut out and the end cap on rocker boxes are out. I have a pretty good view.
The piece circled in the pic follows the body lines. Start with a repo patch of the section in front of rear wheel. Measure the 1-2inch piece that backs the same area as the patch panel. Cut slits top/bottom and maybe cut one in the middle. Hard part of countouring that done. Bend flat. You now have the section that now backs the b pillar it knotches around something and then comes down. The curved part at the bottom matches the lower curve of the body, You have a pattern. The bend that has the bolt holes would require some work. But I think what i came up with in looking at it rather quickly is a place you could start

stomper · 12-21-2007, 04:04 PM

Here's a better shot of both dr and pas side B pillar in circled area. These are already off and will be replaced. Pound41, I can't follow ya - pix?

After cutting the A pillar ends off and looking, I decided to just treat the rust, replace what we've cut off so far and call it good. Maybe I'm dumb, but I like saving as much of the original metal as possible, even if it has some imperfections. The kick panels for example have a little corrosion started at the bottom seam, but you still can't stab an awl thru anywhere. If I replace it all, I might as well have started with a rust bucket.

Kudos to Livrat for being patient and doing just what I asked.

Man, what a shock to see the front sheet metal off! I wanted to start scrubbing the truck with soap and water!

**jaros44sr** · 12-21-2007, 05:41 PM

That's perfect, I see what I needed to see. Thanks for taking the time I apreciate it...

Your right about only replacing what has to be dun. J

stomper · 01-06-2008, 03:59 PM

It's going back together. Thanks Livrat!

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-06-2008, 04:06 PM

Very nice work

**jaros44sr** · 01-06-2008, 04:19 PM

Thanks for the pics, they speak volumns. Nice work!!! Appreciate you taking the time... J.

BTW, gotta get some of those clamps

71jimmy · 01-06-2008, 09:47 PM

Very nice job on the B pillar patch. Any chance you could give a detailed run down on how you did it?

Any chance you made some extras to sell?

Thanks

Big Chief · 03-03-2008, 07:07 AM

I took the plunge and cut off my old rockers and bottom quarters. I also need this B pillar. Any advice on replacing this piece? I'm guessing no one is making these yet?

**jaros44sr** · 03-03-2008, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Chief

I took the plunge and cut off my old rockers and bottom quarters. I also need this B pillar. Any advice on replacing this piece? I'm guessing no one is making these yet?

As far as I can tell, you have to make it. Can you start a thread and post up pics. of where you are at in your disassembly? J.

Gillnetter · 03-03-2008, 08:17 AM

Going trough the same repairs.Time consuming but well worth it.

briank · 07-12-2014, 11:52 AM

Gillnetter, pm sent

cleszkie · 07-14-2014, 12:18 PM

That lower B-pilar patch is (or was available). I bought a set from a guy on this board that was making them (about 3 years ago). Nice heavy gauge metal and a good fit. I will try and dig up the source.

Livrat · 07-15-2014, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleszkie

That lower B-pilar patch is (or was available). I bought a set from a guy on this board that was making them (about 3 years ago). Nice heavy gauge metal and a good fit. I will try and dig up the source.

Correct, They were not available in 2007 when I did the work Stomper's Blazer but thanks to Wes at Classicheartbeat they are available now.

http://www.classicheartbeat.com/cata...ar%20Patch.htm

Chulisohombre · 07-20-2014, 10:44 AM

Nice work fixing that rust. I had to build mine up Myself to as there wasn't anything prefabbed to use. I took out the rear seam and made the rocker and quarter panel one piece by welding a patch between them and the b pillar. I never liked the rear seam being there so I deleted it when I repaired that spot. Not perfect but got the rust holes out of it.

12-20-2007, 03:28 PM	#1
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Rust repair on my K5 - pix I heard it was slow around here so I thought I'd share some pic of Livrat's repair work on my K5. Something to look at.... We were hoping the A pilars would be rust free but alass... no... How does the mud get down in there!? Gonna cut those off and see what's behind.... Attached Images __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle

12-20-2007, 04:00 PM	#2
71jimmy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,083	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix That doesn't look too bad. Mine was a bit worse. I'm just finishing up the passenger side. Have you given any thought on how to fix the area I've circled in your pic below? I don't think anyone makes a patch for this. Any ideas? Thanks Attached Images __________________ '71 Jimmy, 350, SM465, NP205, 2in Tuff Country lift, 33s on rallies, TBI, softtop and hardtop "If life was fair you'd be able to afford one of each and a garage large enough to house them all."

12-20-2007, 04:40 PM	#3
David Johnson Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Shawnee, OK Posts: 614	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix I thought GMCPauls offered those. http://www.gmcpauls.com/Patch_Panels.htm Attached Images

12-20-2007, 05:14 PM	#4
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix I have the bolt in pieces from GMC Paul's. Livrat, the guy doing the work for me, was in on the development of the bolt-ins. He says there are no patch panels for the area circled - have to fabricate that. Unless someone else can chime in... __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle Last edited by stomper; 12-20-2007 at 05:17 PM.

12-20-2007, 06:28 PM	#5
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,768	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix Could you pls. post up some more pics of the area in question, i've never seen one that complete. I have to fab up most of that area and as much information as i can get would be very helpful. That whole area looks real nice, are you just going to get rid of the rust and rehang a rocker? __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

12-21-2007, 03:22 AM	#7
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,768	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix Just noticed the cutoff tool, looks like it has great accessibility into tight spots. Gotta get one of those. Great work, nice to see original painted floors with the insulation. Looks like you caught it just in time __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

12-21-2007, 04:14 AM	#11
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix The "B" pillar on Blazers are unique to that vehicle. It is not accessable from the outside so that getting any kind of rustproofing into the cavity is nearly impossible. To make matters worse, it captures moisture and then just holds it in there to rust over time. I have a colorado blazer and have seen many from California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona etc with rust in the lower portion of the B pillar and lower leading edge of the rear quarters. Unfortunately you can't just remove or unbolt a section to have total access!! About the best you can do is exactly as pictured--cut out lower section, fab replacement pieces and then just POR15 the hell out of it before reassembly. BUt you really need to get up into the entire B pillar--no easy task. Huck

12-21-2007, 01:28 PM	#12
pound41 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,268	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix Most of my B pillar is intact as are the rocker boxes. But most of the floor is gone. Which I am replacing. In looking at mine today I don't think it would be that hard to make. since most of my floorpan and rockers are cut out and the end cap on rocker boxes are out. I have a pretty good view. The piece circled in the pic follows the body lines. Start with a repo patch of the section in front of rear wheel. Measure the 1-2inch piece that backs the same area as the patch panel. Cut slits top/bottom and maybe cut one in the middle. Hard part of countouring that done. Bend flat. You now have the section that now backs the b pillar it knotches around something and then comes down. The curved part at the bottom matches the lower curve of the body, You have a pattern. The bend that has the bolt holes would require some work. But I think what i came up with in looking at it rather quickly is a place you could start

12-21-2007, 04:04 PM	#13
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix Here's a better shot of both dr and pas side B pillar in circled area. These are already off and will be replaced. Pound41, I can't follow ya - pix? After cutting the A pillar ends off and looking, I decided to just treat the rust, replace what we've cut off so far and call it good. Maybe I'm dumb, but I like saving as much of the original metal as possible, even if it has some imperfections. The kick panels for example have a little corrosion started at the bottom seam, but you still can't stab an awl thru anywhere. If I replace it all, I might as well have started with a rust bucket. Kudos to Livrat for being patient and doing just what I asked. Man, what a shock to see the front sheet metal off! I wanted to start scrubbing the truck with soap and water! Attached Images __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle Last edited by stomper; 12-22-2007 at 06:22 AM.

12-21-2007, 05:41 PM	#14
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,768	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix That's perfect, I see what I needed to see. Thanks for taking the time I apreciate it... Your right about only replacing what has to be dun. J __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim Last edited by jaros44sr; 12-21-2007 at 05:42 PM.

01-06-2008, 03:59 PM	#15
stomper Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,701	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix It's going back together. Thanks Livrat! Attached Images __________________ "I was patina when patina wasn't cool." 1973 Cheyenne SWB Sunset Gold / Frost White / Saddle

01-06-2008, 04:06 PM	#16
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix Very nice work __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

01-06-2008, 04:19 PM	#17
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,768	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix Thanks for the pics, they speak volumns. Nice work!!! Appreciate you taking the time... J. BTW, gotta get some of those clamps __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim Last edited by jaros44sr; 01-06-2008 at 04:21 PM.

01-06-2008, 09:47 PM	#18
71jimmy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,083	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix Very nice job on the B pillar patch. Any chance you could give a detailed run down on how you did it? Any chance you made some extras to sell? Thanks __________________ '71 Jimmy, 350, SM465, NP205, 2in Tuff Country lift, 33s on rallies, TBI, softtop and hardtop "If life was fair you'd be able to afford one of each and a garage large enough to house them all."

03-03-2008, 07:07 AM	#19
Big Chief Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Richmond VA Posts: 59	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix I took the plunge and cut off my old rockers and bottom quarters. I also need this B pillar. Any advice on replacing this piece? I'm guessing no one is making these yet?



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03-03-2008, 08:17 AM	#21
Gillnetter Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Vancouver B.C. Posts: 286	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix Going trough the same repairs.Time consuming but well worth it. Attached Images __________________ 1972 Blazer CST Dark Olive, am/fm, tilt, tow hooks, tach dash 1972 SWB C-10 Highlander Blue/White 1972 Canadian 2wd Jimmy light olive 1970 SWB 4x4 4 speed 307

07-12-2014, 11:52 AM	#22
briank Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Leland, Il Posts: 1,503	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix Gillnetter, pm sent

07-14-2014, 12:18 PM	#23
cleszkie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 2,191	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix That lower B-pilar patch is (or was available). I bought a set from a guy on this board that was making them (about 3 years ago). Nice heavy gauge metal and a good fit. I will try and dig up the source.

07-20-2014, 10:44 AM	#25
Chulisohombre Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Bangor pa Posts: 1,223	Re: Rust repair on my K5 - pix Nice work fixing that rust. I had to build mine up Myself to as there wasn't anything prefabbed to use. I took out the rear seam and made the rocker and quarter panel one piece by welding a patch between them and the b pillar. I never liked the rear seam being there so I deleted it when I repaired that spot. Not perfect but got the rust holes out of it. __________________ 72 3/4 ton blazer. 5 inch lift on 35 inch tires. 355 corvette engine with crane roller rockers, rv cam, edelbrock carb and intake with one inch spacer. Thrush Headers with flowmaster 40 duels. 4speed sm465 manual. 4 wheel disk brakes with Inboarded rear shock prerunner style mounts and shocks.

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