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General Site Info => General Discussion => Topic started by: popsthebuilder on June 20, 2013, 10:08:46 pm

Title: 72
Post by: popsthebuilder on June 20, 2013, 10:08:46 pm

Well finally got 72 c20 lwb stepside delivered today. Definitely going to be a big undertaking. Lots of rust... lots. So what would be the first step dealing with the body. Is it better to remove all body panels and attempt to repair them or should I leave them on  to make sure everything goes back  together ok? What type of welder will I need for patches? Frame seems to be ok. If bondo is looked down upon then what/ how do you hide lines/ seams from patches? Is there a portable sandblaster that would be useful or should that be left to a metal shop with a real blaster. Thanks for any input. 

Title: Re: 72
Post by: flips87c30 on June 21, 2013, 09:08:06 am

First off cool project, would like to see pics of the process. You need a mig welder for patches. I would go with a name brand, Its worth it in the long run. I have an old portable sandblaster that works great. for the size of your project it might be worth it to get ahold of one. IMO bondo has its purpose as long as you mix it right and use it sparingly. Actually, Blazin is the man to ask about bodywork.

Title: Re: 72
Post by: Captkaos on June 21, 2013, 11:25:23 am

by remove are you talking about fender and doors or the sections in the body with rust issues?  If you are removing anything around the doors on the cab, I would recommend mounting the door as solidly as possible (new pins and bushings and align it with the body and then replace the rust.  If you are talking about a hold randomly somewhere just cut it out.  If it is a support section keep this in mind when replacing.

If you are getting a welder, mig will do all the bodywork you need done.

Bondo can be used but no thicker than 1/4".  Get most of the dents out prior.

Title: Re: 72
Post by: popsthebuilder on June 21, 2013, 10:55:07 pm

Here's a few pics. Thanks for the insight so far.

Title: Re: 72
Post by: popsthebuilder on June 22, 2013, 06:35:50 pm

Does someone know of a link or site to determine what engine this is. Think it's a 350 but has been rebuilt. 3970020. Thanks

Title: Re: 72
Post by: Irish_Alley on June 22, 2013, 11:22:02 pm

http://outintheshop.com/faq/casting/castings2.html
69-73

307

car & Truck 2-bolt

Title: Re: 72
Post by: popsthebuilder on June 23, 2013, 12:21:29 am

Cool, thanks. Looked over motor a little. Supposedly was rebuilt about a year ago. Oil looked good and at correct level. No visible leaks. Maybe it was rebuilt. First good news so far about this truck.