Trunk Resto

[debrujr]

When I purchased my 72 the trunk looked to be solid but once I removed the fuel tank it showed its age and neglect. Only about the back 6-8 inches of it are ruined so I was wondering if I could just replace that portion with steel. The car is not being restored to factory glory so I am not concerned what people see under the carpet but I wanted to check to see if there is any downfall to my approach. Any recommendations on gauge to use? Thanks!

 

[PAUL161]

All I can say is, if your going to all that trouble to cut and weld some tin in there, why not just buy a new bottom and weld it in. But that's just me. :thumbsup:

 

[debrujr]

I have looked at the entire new pans but they are kind of pricey and it would take a while to remove and replace the entire thing. I could whip out a piece of sheet-metal for under $15 and lap it over the good portions of metal and weld/bond it in. New fuel tank and carpet and no one would ever know. The trunk is surprisingly not that bad but there is that one spot of cancer I want to replace. I didn't assume this would degrade the strength of the car but I wanted to get a second opinion.

 

[bob67bgt]

Whatever it takes to get it back on the road and a smile on your face works! I use 20 guage steel but a old Ford/Chevy etc hood would also work!

 

[tony barnhill]

Nah - if you just want a driver, use whatever you have - but cut all the rust out so that you're connecting to solid metal.

 

[debrujr]

Sounds good. That was my plan but this is my first affair with a uni-body. I have owned a few uni-body cars but nothing that I have ever had to repair pans on.

 

[terriphill]

I hear old street signs work well. There's enough construction around here that I bet you could pick up one pretty easy.... LOL :wink:

 

[debrujr]

There is a stop sign just down the road from my house. I'm sure it would work great and make for a little relaxing "entertainment".... Maybe a speed limit sign would work better.

 

[terriphill]

I figure those "men working' signs that aren't attached to anything would be easier to obtain. Particularly since they just lay em on the ground at the end of the shift. No bolts to remove, just toss it in the trunk!

 

[tony barnhill]

You'll be putting 2 different type metals together...might be interesting to do the welding!

 

[debrujr]

Down here in Arkansas a little wire and JB Weld can fix anything. If that fails there is always Duct Tape!

 

[terriphill]

If it moves and you don't want it to...use your duct tape
If it won't move...use your WD40.....