Need suggestions B pillar repair

[gswest]

I'm not sure on the name of this section of the door frame area, but by the picture you can see it needs replacing with new metal. I was hoping they made a repair piece for this section that I could weld in, but I haven't seen one on any of the regular places (CCOT, Spectors,etc). If any one has a suggestion, I'd appreciate the help.

 

[Southeast Overland]

Are you planning on doing the fab and welding yourself? First I would pull the top (if you can) and find the true extent of the rust and post up pics.

 

[gswest]

I'm planning to remove the top next

That was the next question, how do I safely remove the top. I'm working on some other rust areas and fear the repair expertiese (sic) needed for the pictured issue is above my level. I'll attach a picture or two of the other rust issues I'm dealing with. This truck deserves a thoughtful resto and I'm doing all i can do to do it myself. I bought a decent Migwelder (Hobart 140 Handler). I even took a welding class at the local college. I'm 50 yrs old, so I was the odd man out in the welding class, but it was great.
And yes, there is some porosity noted in the welds, I know!!!!!

 

[Southeast Overland]

You're doing a good job so far.

I don't have any advise about pulling the top (I have a 55).

 

[Gusb]

Feedback based on my limited experience/knowledge...

Removing the top should not be a big deal. Just get a few friends together when it's ready to come off, and have a place ready to store it when it's off. I made a simple "storage/work table" with casters that holds the hardtop and allows me to move it around the garage a bit. Some hang them from the ceiling for storage, etc. Factory roll-bar/hardtop off and suddenly access is really improved for evaluation, clamping, welding, grinding, hammer/dolly work, etc.

IMHO I would take a few steps back and evaluate things, and get the top off before doing a lot of cutting. Those patched areas look pretty serious but your tub looks pretty good (lot nicer than mine )? More pictures would be helpful.

I've only heard good things about the Hobart 140. Wish I could find a welding class around here - and enjoy 50 - that sounds pretty youthful to some people .

That was the next question, how do I safely remove the top. I'm working on some other rust areas and fear the repair expertiese (sic) needed for the pictured issue is above my level. I'll attach a picture or two of the other rust issues I'm dealing with. This truck deserves a thoughtful resto and I'm doing all i can do to do it myself. I bought a decent Migwelder (Hobart 140 Handler). I even took a welding class at the local college. I'm 50 yrs old, so I was the odd man out in the welding class, but it was great.
And yes, there is some porosity noted in the welds, I know!!!!!

 

[gswest]

More pics of the rusted areas

I'm going to make some room in my garage to store the top, even considered putting it on my pool table for lack of space in the garage. The other rust areas are the left floor board which I already bought the repacement piece for. The cowl has rust showing through the paint. I'll show that in a picture. Also there's a spot near the ambulance doors that needs new metal.
Ignore the humongous feet.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

The top shouldn't be bad. How is the rain gutter? If that's bad you might want to remove it from the sides and it will be easier to store this way. These things start becoming a can of worms so to speak. Once you unleash the grinder things will appear as they truely are.

 

[gswest]

I know I've opened a huge can of worms. But now that I've commited to doing as much of the rust removal myself, I can take my time and hope patience wins the day. My welding is improving and once I get the top and sides off it will become easier for sure. Thanks for the input.