1997 SCLB Rust repair

[elrodalexander73]

Ok, I have a question on what's more time consuming and cost effective, I have a quite a bit of cab corner rot on my 1997 F350 Single cab, typical rust from years of muddy boots and being a slightly lifted work truck. Truck has the Rare XLT package with power windows, locks, and lumbar with Vinyl floor.. I've just got done building my trans to John Woods specs, and would like to fix the rust and paint it hopefully this year, is it easier to repair what rust is on the cab vs a cab swap, my worry is finding cab that everything will fit onto, I'd like to take my time once I get a chance to really take it down, repair the A.C ect, while I'm there I will be adding a T4 mount, I need front fenders, I replaced the core support with a solid used one from Elora TN, sand blasted, sealed, primed painted ect.. The bed on it is a Texas rust free XL I scored for $200 no kidding.. I just want this old horse to look like it did almost 8 years ago when I bought it. Any input is greatly appreciated before I tackle this, thank you everyone.

 

[co04cobra]

No ? if you want it the "best" it can be, do a cab swap.

 

[Bugman]

The only way to get rid of the rust is to cut out all the way to good metal then put in a patch panel. Any rust that is left will start to eat the new metal as soon as it comes into contact with it.

 

[elrodalexander73]

No ? if you want it the "best" it can be, do a cab swap.

This is the thing, I can buy a cab shell from a place called "Butlers Garage" in Pulaski Tn, take a second to google it I mean it, for 200 bucks, Zero rust... But to make a clean perfect swap what kinda things will I run into.. Are there differences in cabs with different options ect.. I want to get my A.C working 100% and have every option work like a charm. People will call me crazy, the ole girl has 460,000 miles on her but I feel if a truck can last 400k+ with a lift and 35s it deserves a 2nd life imo.

 

[co04cobra]

It doesn't matter what other people might think. It's how you feel about it and want to do. There are really no differences in the cabs with different options etc....

Change over is just a little time consuming. There is no reason you can't make everything 100%. How is your radiator support ? That's one difference you may run into depending on if the donor cab is from a gas truck or not.

IMO the easiest way to do it is if you have 2 lifts. If you want a price quote on our shop doing the work shoot me a PM.

 

[gnxtc2]

IMHO...a cab swap is gonna snow ball into frame off restoration.

It's really up to you on how much work and money you're willing $pend.

Billy T.
[email protected]

 

[elrodalexander73]

IMHO...a cab swap is gonna snow ball into frame off restoration.

It's really up to you on how much work and money you're willing $pend.

Billy T.
[email protected]

I have a gut feeling this is gonna turn into a build thread once I make up my mind... Either way the truck has a ton of new parts already installed and it does run and drive really good for what it is.