ok body experts, what would you do? [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: ok body experts, what would you do?


jaqazi
Aug 29th, 09, 9:15 PM
I'm Building this 73 Camaro for my daughter. It's a high school daily driver that it turning out to be more work than I hoped. Low rust AZ car. However vinyl top was neglected and water collected in upper quarter panels and rear window channel.

I took the vinyl top off and the rear window out. The upper left quarter panel has a 2 inch hole rusted through right in the window channel area. There is deep pitting on the upper quarter. Naval jelly has removed most of it, but the hole and pitting remain.

On the right side, the window channel is half gone with both layers of steel partially missing due to rust. There is super deep pitting covering about 1 square foot on the upper quarter panel with pin holes that go all the way through in several spots. The left quarter also has the typical "rat hole" rust spot at the bottom behind the right rear wheel.

Question. This is a driver. I only stripped it down because I want to change the color. It is relatively straight and rust free. Mechanically very sound. Would you:

1) Cut out the rusty areas and patch with steel?

2) Spend $800 on new quarters and cut out a large section of upper quarters and the lower right?

3) Spend $800 on new quarters and hire professional to replace both quarters completely?

4) Try to find a donor 70-74 car which is very difficult to do.

Remember this is my daughter's high school driver, but I like to do things right.

BlueSS454
Aug 29th, 09, 9:17 PM
I'd patch it since it's for a daily driver car.

furball8994
Aug 29th, 09, 9:46 PM
I agree with Tom. Cut out the bad spots and replace with patches. De-rust then smooth out the pitted areas with filler and paint...

figbash
Aug 29th, 09, 9:50 PM
Patch it. I did the same thing for my son with a '62 Pontiac Tempest convertible. It was a complete basket case that was given to him by a neighbor. We totally replaced the brake system, exhaust, installed a new top, did a quick patch job, paint job and got it on the road for a little over $1000. He drove it for years and had a blast, then sold it for $4200.

They will always remember their first cars.

Tom

cromedss
Aug 29th, 09, 10:02 PM
I agree. just don't tell the next owner it is rust free! Tell them the truth that you found rust and patched with new metal!