Waterlogged Rust Bucket

[blee]

Since my last back-date project was not challenging enough I thought I'd get into something that required a little more work. Well, I might have bit off a little more than I bargained for...

Background info: It's a 1970T, originally from California that has been sitting under a carport in Southern Oregon for the past five years. The car is complete but not running. The tranny is a type 911 4-spd and the motor is still an unknown. I was told by the PO that it's a 2.4, but I was told that it had a 915 also. The color is original and has been repainted in a terrible way - as in thick and cracking. Initial inspections showed rust in the front suspension pan and everything else in fairly good condition. At least that's what I thought.

The original plan was to replace the suspension pan, clean things up, give it a new paint job, with the possibility of throwing in a 3.0 or 3.2 to mate with the 915. That was then. The drivetrain decision has been "pinned to the wall" for a later date and I'll be focusing on getting the body ready.

I was hesitant in doing a thread about the build process, but ultimately decided to post as a means of guidance for my benefit since this is all new to me. I know many of you have already "been there & done that" so any guidance you may feel moved to provide me will be greatly appreciated.

[blee]

Disassembly has begun and moved to it's temporary resting place. The car reaks of moisture... removal of the sound deadening material in the back revealed "standing water "on the parcel shelf, rear seats, and down to the floor. Gravity...
Suspicious signs of fiberglass repair on the parcel shelf. Uh-oh.

[blee]

Fenders off and gas tank out. Twelve gallons of 5-year old gas, nasty.

[Rich Lambert]

So, what's the vision?

[sc_rufctr]

I've got a good feeling about this one...

Will be watching with anticipation.

[blee]

Something resembling this genre without the RSR fenders:
(thanks for the vote of confidence mate (Peter)!)

[sc_rufctr]

I vote for Lime Green... (same stripe)

Sorry I meant Viper Green.

[James Brown]

I see carrera upgrades on the engine, and it look nice! doesen't look like a 2.4

[Rot 911]

Your ducktail looks like it could be fiberglass bonded to a steel lid, is that the case?

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Kurt V

Your ducktail looks like it could be fiberglass bonded to a steel lid, is that the case?

That would be cool.

[sfoster13]

Doesn't look like the typical rust bucket to me. Dash, door panels and mirrors are not correct for a 71. Has a center console. I think you're going to find a bunch of unusual things on this car.

[GaryR]

Originally Posted by sfoster13

Doesn't look like the typical rust bucket to me. Dash, door panels and mirrors are not correct for a 71. Has a center console. I think you're going to find a bunch of unusual things on this car.

And you are an expert on rust buckets!

[blee]

Originally Posted by Kurt V

Your ducktail looks like it could be fiberglass bonded to a steel lid, is that the case?

Good eye. That was my initial thought too, but it turned out to be an early all FG ducktail of unknown manufacture that was built with lots of detail & quality. It's already found a new home with one of our Canadian enthusiasts.

Originally Posted by sfoster13

Doesn't look like the typical rust bucket to me. Dash, door panels and mirrors are not correct for a 71. Has a center console. I think you're going to find a bunch of unusual things on this car.

Yah, like those giant speakers mounted on the front kick-panel . The mirrors are not correct but are OE. Kind of rare to find original drivers & passenger - the mounting holes on the passenger side is factory as well and not a custom job. Did I mention power windows and power seats?

[pksystems]

meh... that's not a rust bucket

I'm replacing damn near all the metal on my '66..... except the vin plate

[w21055]

Originally Posted by pksystems

meh... that's not a rust bucket

I'm replacing damn near all the metal on my '66..... except the vin plate

Amen to that, this car is rust free in about 75% of most sellers mind. Nice project.


Phillip

[dtw]

What an interesting car!! Looks like a fun project. I agree, the rust doesn't look too bad - though we all know what can happen once the grinder comes out.

Looks like a 2.2 based on the black shroud...

[Rich Lambert]

Originally Posted by blee

Something resembling this genre without the RSR fenders:
(thanks for the vote of confidence mate (Peter)!)

That's a good vision! Print that picture out and post it over your workbench.

[blee]

Performed a little exploratory surgery this weekend. Focusing on the rear to start with since I already know the front suspension pan and tank support will have to be replaced. Took a little paint off the rear to start the surgery - this is what I found:
Driver's side


Passenger side


They were going to come out anyway so that I can access the parcel, but I didn't expect the holes and fiberglass.



Removed the FG and dug further




Passenger side:



Dug further:

[blee]

It's a good thing I have one of these, thanks to Johnny Walker:



I was thinking of replacing just the two corners, attempting to replicate C. Nielson's work, but I'm wondering if I should just go ahead and replace the whole shelf? I've started removing the spot welds along the perimeter of the donor shelf:




Cut along this line maybe?



That would be just aft of the weld:



Any thoughts?

[pksystems]

Wait till you get to the rockers

Mine looked great, till I started sandblasting them.

ALL bondo baby.