Project "Cherry" 80 SWB Stepside

[Jarhead011]

Hello everyone,
I just got this truck a few weeks ago, iv always wanted to build my own truck so i dove right in and bought this one. I am very green at working on trucks but i have built alot of houses so i know my way around a tool box. im sure i will need some help along the way.

[Jarhead011]

ok heres where im at.
I got the bed off the truck and found this.


What should i do? i plan on patching it.

so far i have every thing off the truck but the front axel, motor, trans, transfer, and cab. the cab is unbolted im just waiting on a few of my friends to help me lift it off, should be any day now. Here in a few weeks ill be getting a new welder so i can start all of my frame repairs and body work.

[babyJay]

Welcome to the forums, nice stepper you have there. According to my uncle, any frame can be repaired. Well, almost any frame. How good are your welding skills?

[Jarhead011]

Originally Posted by babyJay

Welcome to the forums, nice stepper you have there. According to my uncle, any frame can be repaired. Well, almost any frame. How good are your welding skills?

Haha welding skills? i have never welded before in my life. haha. but on the plus side i have worked with tools since i was a teen and im a quick learner. Ill be buyin a Hobart 140 in about two weeks. its good to hear that any frame is fixable cause this truck is a driver and will be treated like it. the plan is to patch the frame in necessary places and box it in in a few places. also im thinking of strengthing the bracing for the 454 im gonna stuff in it.

[Jarhead011]

Lets say i want to remove this section over my transmission and transfer, is it worth it? the PO looks like they caulked it down and screwed it on with wood screws. I bet it will be a PITA to get off. or just leave it and save a butt load of time?

Also, how do i get the shifter for the transfer off? i looked at it and i have no clue how to go about it. what is the best way, because the cab comes off tomorrow wether it goes over the shifter or not.

[Jarhead011]

ok, so im gettin ready to purchase a Welder soon. I found a Hobart 210 with the gas tank for 800$. Ive also been lookin at the hobart 140 used. so i call up to tractor supply to get some quotes on a gas tank and they range from 250 to 350$. I tell the guy that im gonna be weldin on the frame and body of and old truck and he says i just need a Flux core welder with no gas. is this True? From what ive read the welds arent as strong with the flux core and they are more "dirty". also the hobart 210 will weld 3/8 metal and the flux core will only weld 3/16 metal. Which is the best way to go? i realize that the 210 is the best welder but the flux core would save me alot of money that could be used toward my project. and advice would be much appreciated!! thanks.

[propanemudtruck]

GET THE HOBART MIG! GET ANY MIG! THE GAS IS MUCH BETTER THAN FLUXCORE!!!

Nice truck you've got, good luck with the build

[Jarhead011]

Yea, thats the way im leaning. i want the 210 Mig set up because i would like to be able to weld up some DOM tubing down the road somewhere and u never know when u may want to weld some heavier metal. I was Just curious as to wether the Fluxcore was an accepted method for doing body work and frame repairs. for me i want it to be as strong as possible just for my peace of mind.

[Jarhead011]

I went with the Miller 130 xp. Guy threw in the helmet, all for 400$ so not too bad. i should be able to get alot done the next two weeks seeing as its christmas break and all and i dont have to work....

[Jarhead011]

i started welding yesterday, and today i put in my first cab corner. not too bad, had to grind alot and use a lil bondo, but this baby is a driver so im gonna piece it together myself the best i can. all in all i dont think it turned out oo bad....

[scottsdaleowner75]

The r]frame would concern me especially if the rust is that severe by the spring hanger. It makes the already weak frame of these truck even weaker.

[Jarhead011]

Half way there lol. the drivers side is gonna be a completely different story tho.... its gonna look 100 times better than stock tho.

[Jarhead011]

ok so i plan on tryin to get some things in primer soon, basically everything but the cab. so i have a few questions about the process.
its cold and i only have my barn to work in so if i set up a small paint room and use a heater to heat it will that be ok?
and the process for paint should go
1.bare metal
2. bondo
3. block sand
4. epoxy primer
5. wet sand primer
6. paint
i have no clue on the process but from the reading i have done this seems to be an accepted method?
and primer.... if im gonna paint the whole truck red i use a redish primer? but i do want to paint the interior of the cab black so should i just do a gray primer?
thanks, any help is appreciated

[Doug_J]

updates?