Hey everyone, need some help! I'm fixing up my '81 SC and while on a creeper figuring out how to take off the front valance and bumper I ran into some rust. The undercoating looked a little funny so I started poking it and my finger went right through. It's an Arizona car for all but the last 8 or so years so I was quite surprised to see it - quite bummed.
After searching the forums for a while it seems likely that it had a battery leak at some point in the past - for several years it's had an Optima Red Top which looks to be bone dry so who knows how long this rot has been there.
I don't have the skills, a welder or the time to do it myself so I'll have to find a shop to take it on unfortunately. I spent over an hour tonight rolling around jabbing at the rest of the car with a screw driver and I can't find anything else remotely soft - so that's the silver lining I guess...
Questions:
- Is the corner in the wheel well (under the battery tray) the "gas tank lateral support"?
- The car has A/C that I plan to retain - I noticed most kits like "D1" from Restoration Design do not have the A/C cut out - is it the same part that you just have to cut out later? Or do I need to find a part with this cut out?
- Anyone have a shop near St. Louis MO they'd recommend for this? I've heard good things about Klaus at Lindbergh Motorsports.
- It seems the go-to place to order the panels is Restoration Design but there are lots of threads saying they are not-responsive - is this still true? Anyone with recent experience?
- What should I expect to pay for this repair? Looks like the parts are under $400 - am I crazy to hope for $1Kish in labor?
Thank you!
