Expert: William Forster - 12/25/2006

Question
I have a 93 Chevy extended cab in dire need of cab corner replacement. Could you tell me where I might find detailed instructions on step by step replacement? I have some experience on body work and painting and a friend who can weld thin gage sheet metal so I think we just need a little expert guidance! Thanks

Answer
Hello Ted! If you go to Year one online, the restoration parts site, pick chevy trucks on the vehicle type selection. Then, look in the online catalog under literature. They have a book called how to restore your Chevy truck, part no. BG 99. It actually covers 67-87 models, but the principals are the same, and the basic construction is the same. It's a little pricey at 31 bucks, but I gotta telly you, it's better than going through this blind. I get a lot of folks wanting me to teach them how to restore a vehicle in an e-mail, and you know enough to know that it just isn't possible to cover all the bases. One suggestion I will make, is figure on the rockers being bad, also. If there is any bubbling whatsoever, it's not paint. It's rust coming through from inside. If I am correct, replace the rockers, and to do this properly, you must  remove the fenders. Its a real bitch, but removing the fenders will give you access to the front part of the rocker , and allow you to leave the door on the vehicle. you need to have the door on to properly align the new rocker and cab corner. Buy the extended rocker, it's the way to go. The short rocker is basically just a cap, not a very good repair. The extended rocker goes all the way forward, and even has the bottom fender hole area. It goes forward about 4 inches past what you can physically see with the rocker on. It also extends up as high as the lower door hinge, and has the part that  goes under, and supports, the cab corner. If the cab corner is rotten, chances are, the end of the rocker is rotted as well. It extends all the way to the back of the cab corner pocket. I also suggest the extended cab corner, and trim to fit. Only replace it as high as the rust goes, but try to stay out of the feature line area, if possible. Thanks, and have a merry Christmas! Bill