Unsure What to do with Truck

[hdman90]

My truck is a very solid (can still see original black frame paint), very dependable ride and I love it! The only thing that bothers me are it's "flaws" it was drove into a tree at one point and has some damage to the passenger side front end. The crinkled panels bother me a lot. So this leaves me with two options:

1-Replace all rusted/bent panels on front clip (which I have acquired already), pull/fill any dents and fix any small rust spots in cab and bed, and paint to look like new again.

2-Pull all dented parts and straighten to the best of my ability, patch heavy rust in fenders to the best of my ability (passenger side is pretty bad) and fill, as well as fill any denting that remains to make "straight" again, and then clear entire truck to avoid filler from absorbing moisture and to preserve the character/original paint.

Either will be a lot of work, but I'm so torn. A fresh painted truck looks so sharp, but I can take pride in driving a truck that looks like its been used like a truck...

Thoughts?

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Truck Small 2.jpg

[Delta Bob]

Well, I would tend to the rust because otherwise it will get worse. As for the cosmetic stuff, that is up to you.

[1972hiboy]

pulling the front clip apart on these trucks it easy. if your spare body parts are in good shape thats a good option. if you want to keep your patina fix what you got.

[Madman]

Fix it and paint it, the patina will come back in time

[jzjames]

Just fix the bad rot-out at the rear of the front fenders.

[tsherry]

Fix the rust; blend in the paint, don't worry about the patina. Any structural rust, get that taken care of too. If my '67 hadn't been so thrashed, I would have happily enjoyed the natural patina...but when the patina was only about 5% of what you noticed, it was time for a complete redo...

[hdman90]

So far I'm liking the thoughts... still contemplating, but a little more info. There is no structural rot! Frame, and 90% of the cab is rot free (has a large hole in driver can mount from something blowing through it, so it is starting to rust, and one small pin hole in driver floor pan)! Major fender rot on both sides, and minor rust on the passenger door. All other rust is surface!
Not sure if it would look hokey with faded in paint? Though I know it is possible... but then again I'm not going for a show piece... I'm so torn!

[HIO Silver]

I'd fix the fender rot and leave the surface rust alone... Embrace the patina.

Here's my "Low Buck Bumpside"... ya can't tell it has EFI and Tremec TKO five-speed.



Redid the tailgate like a '70 Mach 1.

[crazyhorse]

It is your truck and you will have to make the decision that you like .

For Me number 1 would be my decision but that does not mean it should be your decision.

Take your time & either decision you make will be the right decision for you.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

[Ren]

Fix what's broke or failing. The rot in the fenders is definitely 'failing'. Leave the rest of it alone. It's expensive to maintain nice things. It's easier to embrace reality and be practical.

[67mann]

Personally like the stance the truck has and the "dings" give it personality Shoot your new fenders into primer and install them...then when you can paint the truck....hell my (or the kid's I mean) 67 was shot with XO rust

[Ranchero50]

I agree with the above, enjoy the truck for what it is, not what you think it should be. Dents and dings are part of life and shiny paint only lasts a couple years unless you keep it garaged all the time and then it's just another Saturday night dinner gitter. Your truck looks great as is and I'd rather have it than a shiny one.

What I would do it use the truck as a great opportunity to learn hammer and dolly work. Most of the damage can be repaired that way.

[ok68crewcab]

If budget allows sounds like you need one of each. One nice and pretty and one with patina.

[hdman90]

Actaully ok68, we are headed to Montana this summer to go pick up a 69 F-100 Explorer for my son to work on with as he grows up!

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[MadJoe]

Maybe I'm weird, but I kinda like the dented front end, it goes with the rest of the petina on the truck perfectly. As for what you should do, that's all up to you. I totally understand the desire to make it as perfect as possible, I have those daydreams about mine too, but I see so much character in yours as is, it might be a shame to lose it for a temporary shine or lifetime of maintenance to keep it looking good.

I know, a lot of help, huh? Best of luck with whatever you decide!