Topic: Rust repair

[zworld]

Hi all,

I have a 65 fastback in need of some rust repair. I want to do a mid resto. I do not weld or do body work, I can bolt on new parts, but thats not going to fix holes in the floor or rear quarters. What do you think it would cost to have new floor pans replaced and rear quarters replaced. I have researched the parts, I know that tha is small in price compared to the labor involved with all the cutting and welding, not to mention smoothing out the new body parts. Just trying to look at what I'm up against with getting this car looking decent, not full frame off. It's a 65 fastback GT 289 4 speed, looks all original. Thanks

[Soaring]

It would well be worth your time to purchase a mig welder and learn how to weld.  Guys who do that for a living will charge you around $100 an hour.  There is no frame, so you can't take off the body parts from the frame anyway.  If the rear quarters aren't too rusty, new metal can be added to the good metal, and the whole quarter won't have to come off.  The floor pans come out rather easily, but don't take them out before getting the car to a shop in case you go that route, otherwise you will weaken the uni-body construction and warp something. 

[Thierry]

I agree, Santa Claus brought me a MIG welder last Christmas. I never welded before and I am far from being a handy person but after some training on three junk cars, I am getting pretty good at it and there is nothing better than having the job accomplished by yourself.
You can also check this forum for good tips about welding and body work:
http://www.autobody101.com/forums/

[Soaring]

I have a free welding course listed in the FAQ in the classic section. 

[66 restomod]

 We bought a 110 Volt wire flux mig welder (no gas $125) and a 4 inch cut off angle grinder ($29) from Harbor Freight . It will take a couple of hours welding on scrap metal to get the feel and everything dialed in.
  Go to an auto body shop and get some old fenders from the junk pile for free and then practice. The best part is the angle grinder will make ugly welds look good! Use a copper bar behind the sheet metal to help prevent burning a hole in the metal.
  Lots of people have learned welding doing the floor pans and so can you!

 Good Luck!
     Ron
http://chris66dad.tripod.com/
A code 66 coupe
289 4v, Roller Rockers, Electric fan
Performer & 650 Edelbrock
MSD ignition
Tri Y into 2.25 Shelby side exhaust
T5 conversion
Hydraulic clutch
Granada Disks

[Soaring]

See, there are lots of success stories out there.  Tell Mama you want a welder for Christmas.   

[rmodel65]

for small patches in the 1/4 panel fenders etc you might be intrested in panel bonding adhesive. (yes some new cars are glued together ) its a great repair theres no heat involved and its  is very corrosion resistant and just as strong as a weld. i dont know if youve ever seen a chevy APV van they are composite panels glued together.

https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/p-11230-13700.aspx

[Don A]

Insofar as floorpans are concerned they are out of sight--I fixed mine with 1/4 inch x 1/4 long flat head bolts with square nuts--The heads were wide and not very thick--Insofar as the quarter panels are concerned pop rivits body putty and support on the back side did a very good job--They look good and only I know the secret