It looks like I need to replace the lower windshield metal piece in my 66, but I have a few questions...

I'd really like to handle this myself, but I have never replaced panels before (or even welded for that matter). I need to replace a few areas in the trunk and on the lower fenders, so I will probably start there... I want to learn to weld and was thinking about a small MIG welder, would this be a good idea?

How would I go about removing this piece? Do I cut spot welds? How else is it attached to the lower panels?

If I only have rust in one spot on the cowl, should I just patch/splice that spot only, or is it easier/better to replace the whole panel?

I have seen aftermarket/repro cowl panels (I actually have one here), but are the contours/fit good?

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"Once you go RAT, you never go back..."
TC #1366
Tony
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Have experience with this panel. Will reply later. Am VERY familiar with panel and process. Karl

Tony,
If what you have is the real deal l-78 SS take it to a professional.I saying this because if you have never welded before you can surely make a mess out of the car QUICK.If your intent on doing it yourself ,get ahold of a buddy that knows how to weld to walk you through it.Plazma cutting out the rusted area is the easiest. But remember how to measure rust----if you see a dime size,underneath its the size of a quarter. Quarter sized its a 50 cent peice and so on.
GOOD LUCK and BB CHEVYS RULE

One a skill level of 1 thru 10, 10 being the highest, this is probably and 8 "eight" Easy parts: remove hood, fenders and cowl vent grille. Next: remove windshield and mldgs, wiper arms and transmissions. Next: remove upper dash guage cluster, radio speaker, and dash pad. Cover all remaining glass and flammable interior parts. That is the easy part. Now remove windshield pillar caps (and stainless drip mldg. extns.) on each side. Be careful, as they are bedded in caulk and have to be gently pried off after stainless drip mouldings (three screws) and all attaching screws have been removed. They are thin metal and bend very easily. I believe there are seven screws each, holding these caps on. Two under rear edge fender, one at lower corner of L shaped w/s mldg, one at upper corner of L mldg., three under stainless mldg, that you have already removed. All are phillips head, be sure to use correct size screwdriver and tap firmly with hammer to clean phillips fitting and break loose, then carefully try to turn screw out. Four are pan heads, three are countersunk. These are skill level 2 or 3 operations. Now you are ready to remove old panel. Do you want to continue? I am not trying to be a smart a$$. The replacement of this panel can test the patience of an experienced body technician. Karl

I just went through this on my 67 which I think is the same as your 66. No offense,but it's not a job for the inexperienced. This is a critical piece and must be done correctly. What Karl said is the easy part. Not only MUST it be welded in right but must also be sealed right or you will have major water leaks coming inside the firewall.

well, I wanna hear how it's done so someone keep posting!!!

Are you talking about the lower windsheild channel? If you are I can email you a pic of what it looks like welded in on my 65.

If you mean the filler piece between the window channel and the cowl vent,it would take several paragraphs to try and explain it's R&R. It is really a pain.