Procedure Question for the Resto Guys

crashtech

crashtech

Combo Man & Mod
I'm going to be working on the cab of a '72 Chevy P/U that was started by another shop. Basically we are going to take it back down to the metal and redo it all. We noted that the other shop welded in a left outer rocker but "forgot" to put in the inner rocker, so that side is rather fragile right now. Also, all four cab mounts are going to need replacing. I'm trying to get a plan in my mind as to how to mount this sucker on the rotisserie so we can get it all done, but the underbody work is so extensive and in the normal mount points. There must be a good way to do this but my brain is feeling a little fried. Any help?
 
your going to have to do the repairs on the frame unless your rotisserie is solid like mine. rotisserie.jpg
 
It's not a problem for us to put square tubing on the rotisserie. Maybe we will do that and carefully remove one mount at a time to do the cab mounts with maybe a tacked in brace to give stability.
 
mine is pretty stiff. heavy wall tubing . i have mounts made for different cars or trucks. works well for replacing floors and stuff.ready to blast.jpg
 
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I just made a similar cradle as shines for a cab, made this one adjustable so I can mount beds or other cabs to it.
 
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I am all for the rotisserie, however, another thought you may want to consider is laying the cab on its back on a cart to do the work on the bottom and then put it on a cart or rotisserie for the rest. You can R&R everything on the bottom easily with nothing in your way. Just one more way of doing things that someone may find helpful.

Kelly
 
I have seen brackets made to go across door opening that had the pivot in the middle of the door opening. Down side IMO was you can't have door installed to check gaps..
 
MP&C;41183 said:
I have seen brackets made to go across door opening that had the pivot in the middle of the door opening. Down side IMO was you can't have door installed to check gaps..
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I was thinking the same thing might work also, would give you unobstructed access to the underside. You could even fab up some removable jigs before you tear it apart so the new body mounts can be located correctly.
 
I think I would put a cab on its back on a padded surface, but that would present a fire hazard with the materials available.

I'm thinking we will go ahead and mount it in the conventional way on the cab mounts, and then run some square tubing through the cab at the bottoms of the door openings to act as bracing when we remove the mounts one by one to replace them. Sure appreciate all the responses, maybe we'll post some pics of the setup when we get it going.
 
shine;41187 said:
laying a cab on it's back is never a good idea .
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Why not Shine? I have done it once to replace floor pans and things worked out fine. I laid it back on a two post lift and used bracing inside to keep everything square and stable of course, but it turned out well. What are your concerns or problems that it can cause? I am always looking to learn, just because it worked, doesn't mean I should do it again or recommend it lol.

Kelly
 
would you set it on the roof ? the rear of a cab is pretty fragile . you would be better off setting it on the firewall .
 
The back of this '72 cab is pretty flat and fairly sturdy, I don't think it would move under it's own weight, especially since it will be just a shell. But then again I have never tried it, also I really need mobility.
 
shine;41204 said:
would you set it on the roof ? the rear of a cab is pretty fragile . you would be better off setting it on the firewall .
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I can see that as a valid point on some, maybe most cabs. I done it on a 67 Ford cab and it worked out fine, but I can see how making sure the structure was strong enough to hold its weight would be a good practice, as well as using bracing inside before hand would be wise. I wasn't trying to argue, just wasn't thinking of the general problems one could cause I guess. Thanks for the information.....

Kelly
 
I will have a similar situation as Crash OP described. One side needs both rockers and the floor pans are terrible. It on a 79 Chevy pickup. Of course the mounts are in need of replacement. Can someone please describe with what and how one should I brace the cab so I can remove it for frame and cab sandblasting. Most panels amd cab corners are getting replaced.
Thanks
Dave
 
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