Now, those that know me realize that I have never done body work on any car EVER, and to be honest, I never wanted to learn either. But, I bit the bullet and commenced to start the trial by fire (literally and figuratively).
First, in order to replace rusty panels you need to know how to shape sheetmetal and weld, of which I knew nothing of either. Luckily, I have a buddy who does and he taught me enough to make me dangerous so that I may learn the hard way (i.e. make mistakes and fix them) Thanks Russ! (moparguy01). I did alot of the sanding, filling, sheetmetal fab, and welding. *disclaimer, I HAVE NEVER WELDED BEFORE IN MY LIFE* I learned the hard way on how to do this. Granted, it would have been easier if I had a welder with gas, but I did not. So it was flux core for me and a crap load of patience and contorted angles. My ability to weld progressed immensely from each panel to the next and the last one I was actually proud of.
Oh well, this car has not seen its original color (spinnaker white btw) since 1978 so I am happy with it. So, without further adieu, the pictures of what she looked like to what she now looks like. Hope you enjoy it.
Jamey
What she looked like when I first got her:
4 years ago got the trunk and engine bay painted:
AND FINALLY.. AFTER 6 YEARS, SHE IS PAINTED!
prior owners makeshift patch panel.. yes that is pieces of sheetmetal riveted and sealed together
) I will be putting the 400 back in it soon and get her ready for the cruise/show circuit this year.
