I sandblasted underneath last weekend and found much more rust damage than I ever thought was there. The undercoating covered up much.
There are rust-through holes in the all the floors (trunk, front and rear). The rockers have lots of damage.
I already knew about the quarters needing replacement along with the rear window, etc.

My question is should I replace all the metal (probably 50%-60% of the body) or find a better body shell to work with???

My frame, engine and trans are already finished and awaiting being reunited with the body. I have been looking for a better body but can't seem to find much better shell in Maryland/Penn area?

Thank you for any help,

Mark Rapson

Look for a better body.Look in the classifieds on this site or Ebay.My car needed floors,trunk floor,two Quarters,rear window rebuilt,rear body panel and wheelhouses.About a year into it i got very frustrated and started to look for a body.I found some very clean shells for around $1000-$2000.I have more than that in floor pans and quarters.I decided to pass and finish this car up because im over half way done.I'm going on two yeras now,I don't get as much time as i used to to work on it so it's tough.A clean body will cut the time of your restoration down considerably.Dont bother looking lacally,most are as bad as yours.Pay the exta money and have it shipped. or go pick it.

Here's one more vote for getting another body. Even with the cost of a solid rolling shell (~$2000) plus shipping (~$1000), you'll still be ahead both moneywise and car-quailitywise. Good luck.

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Rainer Seitz
Vancouver, WA
Team Chevelle Gold #50
ACES #3784

'68 SS396
'70 LS3 400 Malibu
'70 Malibu convertible 350/300hp


See them all at Rainer's Hot Rod Shop! (http://rseitz.homestead.com/main.html)
rseitz@chevelles.com