1970 A-66 Challenger Convertible

[budascuda]

Looking good.....
Spot welds can pop by a sudden shock (sometimes!), so you would see stitch welds here and there to keep the cab from falling apart in case of a bad accident, The stitch weld on the bracket is a kind of safety overkill to prevent the spare tire getting launched out of the trunk like a UFO!

 

[340challconvert]

I also added some stitch welds where the new trunk floor and trunk extensions meet. These were places where I noted factory stitch welds where the trunk floor extension tab overlapped the main floor. Original welds looked very sloppy under the body seam sealer!

 

[340challconvert]

Picture of the left side original welds after removal of seam sealer

 

[budascuda]

They are heart warming to a novice welder.

 

[340challconvert]

Original welds above; pic of the new trunk floor welded to the original trunk extension (same side)
I added a few intermittent welds to be covered with seam sealer.
Also put some spot welds underneath on the L edge lip,
More neat IMO

 

[fasjac]

Original welds above; pic of the new trunk floor welded to the original trunk extension (same side)

View attachment 77092

There ya go! Nice job

 

[340challconvert]

Installed the right side wheel well patch and ready to attach the new trunk extension to the new trunk floor.
(I still need better welding skills! )

Have to watch the blow through when welding new metal to the original metal when stitch welding)

 

[moparlee]

Heck Phil, you are doing great and will only get better yet as you keep laying down those welds.

 

[340challconvert]

Installation of rt side new trunk extension to the new trunk floor.
Had to bend the L lip on the back of the extension to slip it under the tail panel. A lot of patience needed to get this to fit properly (aligning with wheel well lip, trunk floor lip and rear cross member end tab)

 

[340challconvert]

I have different sets (brands) of spark plugs already for my A66; I went looking for original Champion N9Y's for Mopar 340's and picked up 4 of them. I know they now have N9YC, but wanted to have set of original Champions. Paid $7.00 each. I know there are many "modern" well designed plugs available today. Just want a set, almost for nostalgia sake

 

[fasjac]

I run champion in my bb now.

 

[Torqueflite]

I run champion in my bb now.

Factory guys put a lot of scary looking welds on the AAR I'm doing also. Up on the front frame rails cowl area ect..

 

[fasjac]

Can you share those with us? Just curious exactly where.

 

[340challconvert]

I thought the factory welds on my left side trunk floor to extension were pretty sloppy; after I scraped off the seam sealer. (pic above)
Right side trunk floor and extension is new AMD.
Just partially spot welded the right side extension; not fully welded and ground down yet.
Next step; welding the lower quarter patch panels

 

[340challconvert]

Interesting spark plug purchase; I picked up a set of 10 original Champion N9Y Plugs with original Mopar part number 2642493. Wonder if Champion or Mopar would honor the warranty?

 

[340challconvert]

Wheel well rust repair
Looking at what type of patch I will need to make to repair this?

(Cleaned out a large amount of installation material; looks like mice made my sill area a home while the car was in storage over the last 35years)

 

[Torqueflite]

Can you share those with us? Just curious exactly where.

I would but it's mostly cut into little pieces, I'll see if I have any pics on my phone.

 

[340challconvert]

Debating on how to properly patch this area.
I cut off the "tag" that was welded to underlying wheel well metal (area shown by blue marker)
I have a triangle shaped piece already cut and could weld it directly over the entire existing area.
Or cut a smaller triangle piece and weld over only the open hole area, then weld a 1/2 in strip over the right side angle to mimic the original.

Seems like a lot of extra work, especially since the wheel well will be covered with undercoat and not really visible.

 

[moparlee]

Debating on how to properly patch this area.
I cut off the "tag" that was welded to underlying wheel well metal (area shown by blue marker)
I have a triangle shaped piece already cut and could weld it directly over the entire existing area.
Or cut a smaller triangle piece and weld over only the open hole area, then weld a 1/2 in strip over the right side angle to mimic the original.

Seems like a lot of extra work, especially since the wheel well will be covered with undercoat and not really visible.

View attachment 79011

How's the drivers side Phil? I guess if the drivers side doesn't need any repair work, I would try to make this side look as close to factory as you can.
You can do it

 

[fasjac]

Debating on how to properly patch this area.
I cut off the "tag" that was welded to underlying wheel well metal (area shown by blue marker)
I have a triangle shaped piece already cut and could weld it directly over the entire existing area.
Or cut a smaller triangle piece and weld over only the open hole area, then weld a 1/2 in strip over the right side angle to mimic the original.

Seems like a lot of extra work, especially since the wheel well will be covered with undercoat and not really visible.

View attachment 79011

I’m not a welder but, it looks like cutting the area out (blue mark) and making your patch from there may be better. I’m not sure about easier though. I am sure it will look good when you’re finished, either way you go. I’ve seen your work.