- Joined
- Nov 15, 2016
- Messages
- 652
- Reaction score
- 15
- Location
- Australia
- My Car
- 1972 Mustang Coupe 302 Auto RHD
Was just getting to the last of the body shell work thinking I was over the major repairs after replacing all floors and a couple of quarter patches.
Stripped the roof and quarters which weren't bad but when I started to strip the panel between the rear window and trunk lid I was shocked at the amount of body filler I had to get through. How it got damaged like this is a mystery maybe something dropped on it?
Once I discovered the mountain range below with its highs and lows I had a go at shrinking some of it with a MAPP torch, wet rag at the same time jacking the panel up a little and although I succeeded in getting the panel to sit up a little better my efforts at shrinking, although bringing down some high spots ,managed to create some rather large creases as in the picture below. Not pretty!
One problem is apart from my lack of skill is there is virtually no access below to use a dolly.
Wondering if anyone has tackled this panel before or can offer advice.
The way I see it I have a few options but obviously not the shrink, hammer & dolly option
1. Buy shares in a Bondo company as the share price will surely rise if I go the Bondo route - not a good option as over half inch deep in spots
2. Weld in a flat rectangular patch near the perimeter rather than replace the entire panel(no repop available) - lot of welding/grinding which I'm used to by now but risk of buckling if not careful - perhaps weld some reinforcement underneath?
3. Remove entire panel and find someone who can fold up a new one - probably best option if I can find someone to do it
One last request from any coupe owner - as you can see the ruler in the photo showing the ravine below can someone be so good as to let me know if a good panel is flat all the way across or if not what is the depth in the center?
Thanks in advance
Mick
Stripped the roof and quarters which weren't bad but when I started to strip the panel between the rear window and trunk lid I was shocked at the amount of body filler I had to get through. How it got damaged like this is a mystery maybe something dropped on it?
Once I discovered the mountain range below with its highs and lows I had a go at shrinking some of it with a MAPP torch, wet rag at the same time jacking the panel up a little and although I succeeded in getting the panel to sit up a little better my efforts at shrinking, although bringing down some high spots ,managed to create some rather large creases as in the picture below. Not pretty!
One problem is apart from my lack of skill is there is virtually no access below to use a dolly.
Wondering if anyone has tackled this panel before or can offer advice.
The way I see it I have a few options but obviously not the shrink, hammer & dolly option
1. Buy shares in a Bondo company as the share price will surely rise if I go the Bondo route - not a good option as over half inch deep in spots
2. Weld in a flat rectangular patch near the perimeter rather than replace the entire panel(no repop available) - lot of welding/grinding which I'm used to by now but risk of buckling if not careful - perhaps weld some reinforcement underneath?
3. Remove entire panel and find someone who can fold up a new one - probably best option if I can find someone to do it
One last request from any coupe owner - as you can see the ruler in the photo showing the ravine below can someone be so good as to let me know if a good panel is flat all the way across or if not what is the depth in the center?
Thanks in advance
Mick