Rust through frunk gutter at cowel, 74 coupe

[chrismorse]

Had to free up rack for a brake job and rolled the 74 outside. A few showers and I’ve got water on the passenger side floor. This appears to be coming from a frunk gutter rust through.
Pulled the weatherstrip and wire wheeled the old adhesive out of the gutter and it has some big holes.
Is the best plan to pull the windshield and replace the entire cowel panel?.
I’ve seen mostly poor reviews of the available windshield gaskets. Any recommendations.
Am I likely to ruin either or both the windshield and or trim.
What is a prudent course?
I’ve got a good friend with body/paint experience that will help, but I’d like to get the needed stuff here ASAP.

Thanks,
chris

[drcoastline]

Chris,

Pics would help. Why replace the entire cowl? From your description not sure the windshield needs to come out. Fab up some pieces and weld them in. That being said no reason you should ruin either the windshield or trim if removed properly and carefully. You may even have some rust in the corners at the pillars that should be taken care of. Caution the slippery slope.

[chrismorse]

Originally Posted by drcoastline

Chris,

Pics would help. Why replace the entire cowl? From your description not sure the windshield needs to come out. Fab up some pieces and weld them in. That being said no reason you should ruin either the windshield or trim if removed properly and carefully. You may even have some rust in the corners at the pillars that should be taken care of. Caution the slippery slope.

Thanks Dr,

I’ll upload some photos tomorrow. Going by the old rule of thumb, that rust is 4-5—10 times worse than what you can see, I would welcome a smaller, but “right” repair. There is some rust at the very rear of the drivers front fender and significant rot in the bottom of the drivers door. My dad had the passenger door replaced and the car has been off the road for 7 years, while I raced down the slope... full suspension, steering and brake overhaul/upgrade, pedal cluster, major trans upgrade, recovered sport seats, light flywheel and clutch, Rennshifter, stomsky coupler M&K sport muff, PMO ITBs EDIS crank fire ignition AND now the Tin Worm.

I hope to drive dad’s car before my “use by date” arrives.

Thanks for the glimmer off hope
:-)
chris

[chrismorse]

So this is what needs fixing.

[drcoastline]

Is the rust just those few holes? If so de-rust the area, chemical, wire brush what ever means necessary. Fab up a few replacement lengths. Trim back to good steel and cut out the damage. Fit in the replacements and weld up. Again, hard to tell exactly what is going on with the entire area due to the close ups. but if that is it. That's an easy peasy repair.

[chrismorse]

Thanks, Doc
I’ve got an old shear/ brake and think I can bend up some gutter pieces. If the rot gets more. Pervasive, I will buy a panel and section it out.
Thanks for putting this in perspective.
chris

[Marwil]

I think you can buy the entire outer length from our host at about $100

[chrismorse]

I didn’t see it I will give it another good look.
Chris

[Marwil]

Had to dig again but here it is: Part number SIC-502-026-00 https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/0791/POR_0791_BDYBMP_pg10.htm

[drcoastline]

$100.00 for that gutter? Seems pricey for something you can make out of a piece of scrap in a few minutes?