Alloy Decklid Repair

[KALLGREN]

I have an early 911 alloy decklid in need of R+R. The skin on this is in very good condition, however there are a few cracks which need attention.

I have a few questions and seek the wisdom of the web.

#1 What is the best way to strip the old paint without damage?

#2 Is DIY repair feasible for the cracks? My MIG welder offers a kit to convert it to aluminum welding but I am skeptical that this will be a suitable solution.

#3 What are these things worth anyway? It seemed a bit expensive at $50 given the condition of my wallet. I have checked the used parts section and it doesn't seem they come up for sale often.

Here are a couple of shots showing the damaged areas. The first is the big crack near the latch.



And from a different angle.


This join looks like it has already been repaired, or do they all look like this?

[jpahemi]

If this lid is a real aluminum lid, it's worth quite a bit; repairs should be done by a pro in aluminum repair. The thin gauge will warp very easily if not done properly. This is by NO means a DIY project unless you're well versed in aluminum repair. $50 is for what? To repair this lid correctly it will be a few hundred $'s.
j.p.

[70SATMan]

Someone has added a new latch plate over the top of your originallatch plate.

$50 for repair is too cheap. Find an aircraft fabricator. Go to your local county airport and talk to the mechanics for references. Those guys are usually the best of the best at thin gauge aluminum repair just like your lid. Give them a steel lid to use as a guide. They are built the same.

[randywebb]

$50 is a good price for a _steel_ decklid, used.

I agree with everyone above that said your Al one is worth more and should be repaired...

[KALLGREN]

I payed fifty for the decklid as is.

[jpahemi]

I'll give you $60 if you want.
j.p.

[GeorgeK]

It can be repaired, no question. Mine was far more damaged when I got it. It needed a large section of the skin *and* frame replaced.

Try and find a bodyshop that deals in Land Rovers, and Aston-Martins. They will know how to deal with this lid. I pulled an elderly gentleman out of retirement ofr mine, and then had a few details corrected by my rim repair guy. Not perfect, as it is almost impossible to un-warp it completely, but very good nonetheless.

[real550A]

I'll give you $75, and send you a picture of it, after it's repaired!

[jpahemi]

Ok, I'll go $90, but that's my last offer.
j.p.

[KALLGREN]

Try and find a bodyshop that deals in Land Rovers, and Aston-Martins.

Hmm. I wouldn't have thought of that. There aren't too many astons around NH, but plenty of rovers. This will likely be better than Anger Welding and Truck Repair.

Still any suggestions on stripping the old paint? Will the "aircraft" stripper be OK on alloy or do I need to be concerned about any chemical reaction.

Also I seem to recall reading somewhere (I think it was in text on restoring an MGA) that alloy bodypanels require a special primer prior to paint. This would have been a number of years ago.

BK

[techweenie]

It has to be paint stripped by being rubbed on the naked thighs of young Latino virgins.

Everyone who can weld aluminun this thin is now deceased.

Really, everything about this decklid is too expensive and difficult to contemplate.

I'll pay you $100 to take it off your hands.

[jpahemi]

I'll pay $125

[KALLGREN]

It has to be paint stripped by being rubbed on the naked thighs of young Latino virgins.

That sounds like it should be a full weekend project. Too bad I didn't know the secret recipe to stripping the paint last weekend when my wife was away.

Happy St. Patties day to you all.

[RLJ]

Do yourself a favor. Don't learn how to weld AL on this project!

Take it to someone who can TIG weld it and "knows" how, you can strip it and repaint it on the cheap, but please let a pro weld it. Fair?

The repair of the latch plate looks like it was gas welded with AL stick, it is ugly compared to TIG.

Best luck,
Randy Jones
1971 911 'Iris"

[911pcars]

Aircraft stripper? Aircraft, most of them made since WWI, have aluminum bodies, same as your decklid. Will also work on a SR71 (ti), but you'd need a few hundred gallons if it were painted. Test on a small area to establish confidence.

I would suggest finding a good radiator repair shop who can dip and strip the paint w/o melting it. After this, you'll see previous attempts at dent and crack repair (bondo, etc.), then as suggested by others, locate a good al. body person who can repair this.

Sherwood

[fryardds]

You asked about value. In spite of what our helpful Pelicans have offered for the lid you should hang on to and have it repaired. They usually sell for a low of $600 to as much as $1000 for a pristine example.