How rusty is too rusty?

I like the look of some rust, but when is it too much? Going to look at a IH cab today and its rusted through the outside skin of the cab above the back glass. Pretty much all the way a cross. I think the inside of cab is solid, gotta see in person. Just want an opinion. Thanks[S

Depends on what you want to do with it.
If it's too bad, cut the top off, leave the windshield (maybe cut 3" out of the windshield) and make a topless truck

RUST?

Well all depends on the area that needs replaced.
How hard is it going to be to repair that "BAD" area?
Is that area a double walled area?
Is it a structural area?
Is the repaired area going to be accessible for a grinder to make it look good!

And most of all HOW MUCH DO YOU LIKE TO WELD ?[
That's my $.02

I rebuilt this one.. had a lot of ROT.. but was pretty straight...



After I cut all the rot out this is what was left of the floor!



This one you can see where I cut the whole back panel out and replaced it.. i replaced both the cab corners and the lower cowel as well





Anyway... after rebuilding and chopping this cab... i feel much more confident in my body work skills.. so I will be that much better for the next one

Good luck.. !

It also depends on how ratty you want it lto look in the end. If it's non-structural stuff, you could just patch it with something interesting like copper sheet or license plates.

Anything metal can be saved if you really want to. Do you really want to?

Flipper_1938 said:

Anything metal can be saved if you really want to. Do you really want to?

Click to expand...

!!!!!!!!!!!!![

Well, I seen it in person, now more confused than ever. Comes with a good SWB S10 frame, good useable bedsides and tailgate, but the cab is rougher than I originally thought. And the price is probably right. I just need to decide exactly how rusty (or ratty) that I can stand. I like the patina and this truck is all matching patina.[S

Like the guys said... it all depends on if you think it's kool & wanna save it. As Corpo's post shows... a lil metal, a lil welding & off ya go! Got any pictures?!

BoB

It has perfect matching patina and I'm not building a show truck. Just really confused as what to do. I know its just metal and it can be replaced, but I like the look of original, matching patina as well as a show paint job.[S

I am fairly new here and I want to see you build it, just do it man!

Some pics of 56 IH

That is perfect rat rod material. I wouldn't even worry about the rust around the rear window. Looks good to me as long as the price is right! Like you said, you're not building a show truck and the bed's worth good money too!

Beercan

$400

You can have fun with that, I will have to look and see how far Cadiz is from Shelbyville. I am only blessed with a carport and driveway to work in so If I get that T frame tomorrow I have to hide it from the wife til the other repairs are completed. Yeah build that truck, there is a lot to work with.

Shelbyville is a pretty good hop from Cadiz. I've been there with our pulling tractors before. I'm trying to figure out how I can get it loaded.

Good luck with it!

low down

After going to look at the truck I made an offer to the BOY when I got home, $300. He said if I come get it tomorrow, its a deal. 5 minutes ago I get a text from him backing out. Says his dad "bought" it from him because he didn't want him to sell it so cheap. Oh well, the search goes on.

Look on Craig's List, I see cabs on there all the time for $200-$300.

Toad

Dude, the S series is RARE. Build it. BUILD IT! BUILD IT!!!!!!!!!!!