Where to cut on tub?

[djdsc]

I need to cut up a SWB ’68 coupe tub and seek guidance for the correct places to cut. I would like to save the rear quarters, parcel shelf, torsion tube and roof clip. I need input on where to separate the inner and outer quarters and where at the “B” pillar/door jamb to cut and so on for each section. Photos or references would be great as well as suggested tools, sawzall, air grinder, air metal saw; I have the tools but need the lines.

Thanks

[techweenie]

The rule is: sacrifice the "lesser" panel. So for a quarter panel, you cut in the panels it attaches to so that the target panel can have the spot welds drilled out and be assembled like a new part. I've done this once (never again!) and used the long Sawzall blades and angle grinder both at various points.

The roof clip should be cut under the rear lip of the engine lid opening and the vertical portion of the front cowl, so that the entire front and rear glass surround is uncut. It's a lot of work, but nobody in my experience has ever done a perfect graft of a cut a or c pillar. And the one roof I cut that way went on to save the life of a 911S rollover.

[Jagshund]

I'm of the opinion that they should be removed the same way the factory put them on. Rain gutter comes off once the lead and steel cap is removed near the decklid and you pry up the inside edge. You can cut the front off near the top of the door frame/quarter window joint and there are spot welds holding it to the latch pillar and quarter window flange.

There are also dozens of spotwelds along the gutter area below the decklid. Sometimes it's actually easier to drill them from underneath if the car is on a rotisserie or you're a contortionist. You shouldn't have to use a sawzall except to cut the joint at the top of the door/quarter window area and the outer rocker. Everything else is drilling/grinding (rain gutter cap).

[1967911s]

What are your plans for the tube?