rocker question and cab question

[larryd]

I have read the other rocker threads on this subject but I still have a issue. My inner & outer rocker does not have a solid connection at the top. When I have the outer clamped onto the truck the inner lays in the bottom of the outer fine and get that idea where I need to weld that section. The inner rocker swings back and forth at the top. I know I have to attach the inner rocker to the cab raised seat area and the floor section but it looks like I will need to fabricate a piece of metal that runs the length of the top were the inner and out meet at the top.
To cunfuse things I found a 82 cab for 300.00. Its in really good shape. I am thinking I would be saving a ton of time getting the cab. On top of both sides to repair on the 78 cab I have a dent on the top of the roof at the back ridge.

[thirsty]

I would go with the 82 cab if there is less rust. Do you have a picture of the issue that you are having with the 78 rocker panel?

If you go with the 82 cab then you will have to use the 81-87 front clip or make some modifications to the cab for the 78 front clip.

[Captkaos]

Putting the 73-80 front clip on a 81-87 cab doesnt require any changes but bolting it up, unless you want to fill the open holes for the 81-87 hinge holes.
If it has less rust it will probably be worth it.

[larryd]

Thanks for the quick relpies. I did speak to a couple of 73-87 knowledgeble gents and both said the 78 dog house would bolt up to the 82 cab fine, except I would either have to modify a hole for the wiper arms and use the 78 wiper hardware. Comparing the two wiper assy. the 82 seems to have a longer stem coming out of the cowl.

I will try to get a picture of my two pieces of rocker sheet metal and post it. What I can tell you is that if I have the left side outer rocker on the floor with the outside of it on the ground I can take the inner rocker and place the bottom of the inner rocker in the pressed channel at the bottom of the outer and the upper part of the inner rocker that should attach to the cab floor / seat arae , it falls against the outer rockers weather strip ridge.I have  maybe a 1/8" gap between the two pieces at the top.

[Captkaos]

Yes you will need to drill the holes in the cowl to mount the shorter 73-80 wipers, the 81-87's won't allow the hood to close.. 

[larryd]

Thanks for your help guys. I got the OK from the boss to get the 82 cab. I am assuming what dash parts that are usable in the 78 cab, instrument panel, heater /air controls, etc. will work in the 82?. The 82 looks to have been setup for AC. Not sure if I want to go with AC in the truck. Not a big fan of it and it being a 82 I am pretty sure I will be dealing with the coolant issue of flushing out the out dated coolant and fill it with the new approved one.