I'm starting work on my recently acquired 1979 D100 stepside. I'm looking for any tips and pointers from someone who has taken on all or some of what I'm going to be doing. Looking for any advice of what works well, or what doesn't work, or specific things to look out for. I will be cutting out old metal, and MIG welding in new replacement panels for these areas:

• front floorboards on both passenger and driver's side
• rear floorboards on both sides
• cab support on rear driver's side, passenger side looks ok
• rocker panels on both sides
• lower door skin on passenger side door
• replacing both front fenders with new

Any gotchas" waiting for me?? I can see the fuel tank will need to come out, don't think I want to be cutting/welding right above it for the rear floorpans and cab support.

I'll post up some pics of what I'm starting out with. I could seriously do a Fred Flintstone imitation with my floorpans the way they are!!

 

If you can check out some books at the library about autobody repair. Also check out www.autobody101.com good luck

 

Thanks tooltime, yeah I know, lots of places to get help on general auto body tips and methods. I guess I was looking for something Dodge D100 specific. Like "watch out for the wiring harness that's attached to the bottom of the floorpan on the driver's side" or similar.

I started cutting out old rusty metal today, the rust on the driver's side floorpan is so extensive that the repair panel isn't big enough. I'm going to have to fabricate a section between the new repair panel and the firewall.