The Ragtop Express

[tpb_karl]

Early update this week!

The inner panel fit about as expected, so I'm trying to replace as little as possible.





The rear floor section edge needed replacing, just like on the passenger side.








Then trim the piece to fit, and weld it in place. I struggled with the TIG for some reason, but in the end, it was welded.









Work continues next week. Have a great weekend!

[tpb_karl]

A small mid-week update showing something other than rust repairs..
The BRMs are in rubber. Decided on Michelin all around. XWX 205/70-15 rear and XZX 145-R15 front.




Howerver they were a bit brown and still had grease from mounting so i used some rubber cleaner and "satin" tire dressing. They look alot better now! The wheels needs a coating to protect them from dirt aswell.






(After / Before)

[Steve67]

sheet metal work looks very good as always.  :)The Michelin tires are awesome!!
Will be looking ace on the car...

[tpb_karl]

sheet metal work looks very good as always.  :)The Michelin tires are awesome!!
Will be looking ace on the car...

Thank you Steve! They better considering what they cost 

Early update this week again. I’ve finished the reinforcement plate and the body mount.








Then some holes in the fender mounting area that needed fixing.








I pulled out the dent and welded up the hole where someone had used a drywall screw to hold the fender in place...







Next bit was another section of the fender mount and part of the inner fender.





I masked off the area with tape and marked out where the bends would go. After some beading rolling, stretching and English wheeling, the sheet metal started to take shape.







Trimmed the sheet and cut out the happiest hole I’ve ever seen.






Slow and methodical TIG welding, since I can’t reach the outer welds from the inside to straighten the panel.







If I haven’t missed anything, all that’s left of the rust repair is the rear bumper mount section and the apron! 
I’ll take care of those next week. Take care!

[tpb_karl]

Time for an update, finally!
I’ve taken care of that last corner and fully freed up the rear apron.




A bit of test fitting the piece..



Also folded up the bottom of the panel..




Cut out and cleaned up the area for the seam



A bit of primer on the backside of the panel, then it was just a matter of welding it in and grinding it down. With a bit of work with a hammer and dolly, of course..





With that done, the apron needed some love before I could call rust repair finished.






With the sun out, I got a bit inspired so the fenders and running boards went back on to the body. Also tossed the cardboard that had been covering the windows. Feels good!







Great feeling! Been thinking a bit about what the next step should be, but I think building the beam will be the next job on the list.

[richie]

If only everyone repaired them to this level, real nice work 

cheers Richie