'70 Vert - waited long enough...

[gzig5]

At some point I'm going to have to deal with rust in this area. I'm hoping I don't need to remove that but if that's what it takes, so be it.

View attachment 133496

If anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it.

Looks like most of it is in decent enough shape from the small picture and if it's hidden, I would just stabilize it and move on. If it is too thin or holey for comfort, I attack areas like that a little bit at a time. Try and cut out small areas at a time and fab the replacement to stitch weld back in if you can't source a full or partial replacement part. Again, if it is hidden under an interior panel get it close. The final shape isn't that important unless you are OCD or doing a high end concours rebuild. I understand wanting it to be all original but if it's a support panel or something hidden under headliner or trim, I move on to bigger fish.

 

[Cuda416]

Looks like most of it is in decent enough shape from the small picture and if it's hidden, I would just stabilize it and move on. If it is too thin or holey for comfort, I attack areas like that a little bit at a time. Try and cut out small areas at a time and fab the replacement to stitch weld back in if you can't source a full or partial replacement part. Again, if it is hidden under an interior panel get it close. The final shape isn't that important unless you are OCD or doing a high end concours rebuild. I understand wanting it to be all original but if it's a support panel or something hidden under headliner or trim, I move on to bigger fish.

Thanks, unfortunately it's a vert only part that makes up the rain well and mounting point for the convertible top base. Basically, it's where the tack strip goes. There is "gutter" attached as well. No concourse here, and it appears to be surface rust but I'm worried about what's on the other side. This car sat in a single car garage for over 30 years rotting away from ambient moisture so it's likely there is corrosion on the other side and/or between it and what it's connected to. I'll know more when I dig into it.

 

[Cuda_mark]

Just taking a look at your thread and I wanted to let you know 2 things that I found when my 70 vert. First, the AMD floors had the wrong size seat belt bolt threads on the 2 inner holes. They were one size too big. No big deal but I couldn't use original seat belt bolts. Also, make sure you switch over the spare tire bracket to the vert only style. The one you showed in the link has a hardtop style.

 

[Cuda416]

Just taking a look at your thread and I wanted to let you know 2 things that I found when my 70 vert. First, the AMD floors had the wrong size seat belt bolt threads on the 2 inner holes. They were one size too big. No big deal but I couldn't use original seat belt bolts. Also, make sure you switch over the spare tire bracket to the vert only style. The one you showed in the link has a hardtop style.

Thanks for the heads up @Cuda_mark , I was aware of the spare hold down, but not the seat belt holes. That's good to know. Is it possible the case where they are larger on a 71? I know the floor changed, but maybe the bolts are stronger on 71+ cars? Just spitballing an idea.