Rocker Panel project

Got to tear into the car some more, trying to get the hard part started. This car, as you have seen, has rust issues. Kind of all over the place including pretty much the lower 5 inches around the entire car.

I got to cut into and remove the entire outer rocker panel assembly. Previously I trimmed the outside, but this time I dug deep and separated them from the inner rocker panels at the spot welds. I think this should be a fun and soul cleansing experience, if I can get it done without screwing something up.

This is the Drivers Side front piece below the door. Notice the damage to the cross member. Not quite sure how to deal with that yet.

This is the Passenger Side front piece. Same issues here.

This is a picture from below. This is one of the cross members that need attention. All in all there are three braces extending across the body.

Home at last…

Well, alot has happened since my last update.

I bought a house and moved in. It has a great big garage and that means I could finally get my car home to work on. Getting it home wasn’t hard, jeff again helped me by towing with his truck and we didn’t run into any problems. But how much fun is that!!

I did find out however that I have a leak from my rear end. The seal for the third member didn’t do a good job - so of course that means that I have to pull the axles, pull the third member out and reseal it. YEAAHH..

Here is a pic of it sitting at home in my new garage. Notice it just fits in the garage without the front clip...my measurements indicate that it won't...so..I will have to figure something out..

Radiator Install

Well, it has been awhile since my last update…man that kinda sounds like an intro to AA.

Anyway, I ordered my new radiator and couldn’t be happier with it. A 1980 dodge truck fits into the stock radiator brace with only some trimming of the side pieces. Took me about 15 min to trim it up and test fit it. I will drill some 1/4 inch holes to mount it tight and work on the lower radiator hose fit but it looks good to me.

This will allow me to fit the inner fenders and front sheetmetal pretty easily and should cool this engine effortlessly.

Here is some more pictures of the side and fitment. Pretty nice I think.

Moonlighting no more…

Well, it is officially a 1 year anniversary. Jeff mentioned this to me and I was shocked that it had been that long. So, Yeah, I got this car about the same time last year and cannot believe it is this far. Today I got the front airbags finally completely installed and plumbed. I also got some steel wheels for the car - but might pick up another two when I get the chance (87 lincoln towncar).

Jeff helped me out a bunch today and I can’t thank him enough. For aesthetics we put on the front fender and rear quarter panel. We also got the alternator issue figured out. It is slow progess on this front end as I have replaced everything. Still have to tighten down those up-right bolts.
Below are a bunch of pictures of the first sun it has seen since the drive home. In the last picture you will see Jeff’s 47 Chevy Coupe.