Rusted Cab Corners

[Phishin]

Anyone with an older Chevy truck knows about this problem.

This is just an update. 2.5 years ago, I cut the rust out with tin snips and hack saw blade. Treated with phosphoric acid/zinc oxide solution, and two coats POR-15.

But now I had GAPING holes in body about 2' x 3'!! I cut some aluminum sheets to size, and used two part epoxy to secure them to the body. Yes, epoxy. Truck has been through 2 winters. Panels still holding tight.

Last night I went over rocker areas again with Rustoleum truck bed liner...just to freshen her up a bit.

Doesn't look too bad for a 24 year old 3/4 ton 4x4 $2000 truck, huh?

She just got new shoes, new shocks, and front end completely rebuilt.

 

[supton]

Looks pretty good!

I tried JB Weld on my car, and I don't think it's holding up. UV issues I think, although it could be user error too. Maybe a different epoxy next time, or at least painting over it.

 

[zzyzzx]

We need details of the fixed areas to really know how good of a job you did.

 

[mrsilv04]

How do you like the Mastercraft tires?

Aren't those 1/2 ton wheels?

 

[Phishin]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
We need details of the fixed areas to really know how good of a job you did.


Cool. I'll take some pics when I get home from work. I didn't do the best job smoothing the overlapping seam....but at least you can see what I did. I show people my patch work all the time, and they never noticed it until I pointed it out. But I didn't do a good job trying to hide it at all. Just looking for function (stopping the cancer).

 

[Bryankkkk]

Looks good, all these body styles by me are rusted to [censored]. Mines only seen a handful of winters in its 20 years so shes pretty mint.

 

[Phishin]

Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
How do you like the Mastercraft tires?

Aren't those 1/2 ton wheels?


Yep, they are from a 1995 truck I believe. My truck isn't really a 3/4 ton....or a 1/2 ton either.

It's a fairly rare "heavy 1/2" option. 14-Bolt rear end and heavy leafs in the rear. Factory oil and transmission coolers. And the best part, it's got the 4-bolt main 350....which is rare and usually only found in cargo vans (G20's) and such.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

You could sell a nice looking truck like that for $6K easily here ...

 

[The_Jeff]

My FIL lets me have discarded "aluma trim coil" from flashing house windows. I patch rockers etc with the stuff.

I always worry about galvanic corrosion or the aluminum expanding and contracting at different rates due to heat.

But it works out fine.

I slap a little silicone between the two surfaces to make it more water tight and go at it with self tapping screws. If I want to be fancy I unzip the screws and put pop_rivets in-- the heads don't stick up as much.

 

[Phishin]

Here are some pics from this morning....as I fill her up with fuel.

Not the best job.... But it turned out decent. Don't ya think? The best news is, the epoxy is holding after 2 brutal, salty Northern Indiana winters.

Port Side:

Starboard Side:

 

[IndyIan]

Especially after 2 winters, it looks great to me, what a truck body repair should look like.

 

[Phishin]

Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
How do you like the Mastercraft tires?


I've got about 2k miles so far on the new Mastercraft's. I like them.

Here's why:
1.) I can go 80mph down the highway, no road noise.
2.) They got the old school look of meaty tires that I wanted for my truck
3.) I haven't had a chance to run them in snow or mud yet, but they look like they would get the job done. Pretty aggressive tread.

 

[caravanmike]

is this truck stored outside now and was it its whole life? if so very good shape for indiana winters.

 

[Phishin]

Originally Posted By: caravanmike
is this truck stored outside now and was it its whole life? if so very good shape for indiana winters.


Truck spent first 8 years in Minnesota. I am 3rd owner.

I think its been resprayed. Hood and top of cab are missing all of clear coat and a small amount of paint. I'm thinking about using Plasti-Dip's car sprayer and product on her..... Just for fun.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Phishin
Originally Posted By: caravanmike
is this truck stored outside now and was it its whole life? if so very good shape for indiana winters.


Truck spent first 8 years in Minnesota. I am 3rd owner.

I think its been resprayed. Hood and top of cab are missing all of clear coat and a small amount of paint. I'm thinking about using Plasti-Dip's car sprayer and product on her..... Just for fun.


I heard in Minn. its so cold nothing rusts (or moves)!!