1971 Firebird build thread - Page 21 - Lateral-g Forums

Rick D · #**201** 11-28-2013, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSSix

Why brace the car before the quarter is pulled off? Like Chris, I thought that was only done when a structural part is removed. Is the quarter more structural than I think it is?

Glad to see you starting back on the car, Chris. Good luck!

Well if he is just changing out the qtrs then yes you would not need to brace it up. But if it was me doing this job I would see what needs to be replaced first, and looking at the pictures it looks like more then just the qtrs? If so I would wack off all the bad metal first, so bracing or body jig would be mandatory for me.

ccm399 · #**202** 11-28-2013, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick D

Well if he is just changing out the qtrs then yes you would not need to brace it up. But if it was me doing this job I would see what needs to be replaced first, and looking at the pictures it looks like more then just the qtrs? If so I would wack off all the bad metal first, so bracing or body jig would be mandatory for me.

It will for SURE be more than just the quarters for sure. I want to get them off so I can see what I am working with though.

Thank you for clearing up what you were meaning. Before I am done the floor and probably most of the firewall will be gone.

The tail panel is SHOT too. The rockers are not great. Inner wheel houses are getting rebuilt either way so that's not an issue.

I am sure before it's all over I will have to brace her up.

I should be able to get some work done on it this weekend.

Chris

Rick D · #**203** 11-29-2013, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccm399

It will for SURE be more than just the quarters for sure. I want to get them off so I can see what I am working with though.

Thank you for clearing up what you were meaning. Before I am done the floor and probably most of the firewall will be gone.

The tail panel is SHOT too. The rockers are not great. Inner wheel houses are getting rebuilt either way so that's not an issue.

I am sure before it's all over I will have to brace her up.

I should be able to get some work done on it this weekend.

Chris

You will need to build one of these then!! Of course for a 2nd gen!!

**WSSix** · #**204** 11-29-2013, 08:05 AM

Thanks for the explanation, Rick. That metal dolly looks sweet.

ccm399 · #**205** 11-29-2013, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick D

You will need to build one of these then!! Of course for a 2nd gen!!

Yeah, there is something like that in my future for sure.

Probably a little close to a chassis type table like RS and the other big boys have. After my car is done I plan to do some chassis work on the side too so it won't be a once and done investment. We'll see though.

My car will be getting a new custom full chassis and new floor, firewall, wheel wheels ETC) so most of the bad metal will be going away by default. I plan to get the 1/4's off her tomorrow. Then I can better plan how to move forward.

Rick, thanks again for your input. It is most helpful!

More soon!

Chris

Vince@Meanstreets · #**206** 11-29-2013, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccm399

Yeah, there is something like that in my future for sure.

Probably a little close to a chassis type table like RS and the other big boys have. After my car is done I plan to do some chassis work on the side too so it won't be a once and done investment. We'll see though.

My car will be getting a new custom full chassis and new floor, firewall, wheel wheels ETC) so most of the bad metal will be going away by default. I plan to get the 1/4's off her tomorrow. Then I can better plan how to move forward.

Rick, thanks again for your input. It is most helpful!

More soon!

Chris

your gonna need a table if you have floors and tail going in. Just a simple twin beam will serve you well too.

ccm399 · #**207** 12-01-2013, 06:39 AM

Thanks Vince. That twin beam idea might be a good one for me... I have a buddy that has a couple lengths of some fairly large I-beams I think I can "barrow".

ccm399 · #**208** 12-01-2013, 06:42 AM

Ok, so the can-of-worms has OFFICIALLY been opened....

Passenger side quarter skin removed:

Drivers side skin and outer wheel house removed:

Nasty stuff...

Good times....

ccm399 · #**209** 12-01-2013, 06:45 AM

Found this little "gem" waiting for me on the passenger side:

It was covering some rocker damage:

The only thing I can figure is someone must have driven over a curb or something like that at some point. Weird damage. It actually looks liked they must have backed over it as the inner rocker structure is pushed up and forward. Oh well that stuff was all going any way.

ccm399 · #**210** 12-01-2013, 02:36 PM

So at this point I am torn....

Plan "a" would be continue cutting until all the metal I don't need is removed giving me access to the reaming metal for blasting and repair.

Plan "b" would be patch and repair a little at a time as I go. Then blast the whole thing (repairs and all) when all the unneeded metal is out of the way.

I am leaning toward plan "a" but any input you guys could give would be helpful.

At this point there are still two unknowns. The biggest unknown is the roof. While nothing *looks* like it would be an issue this car is proving once again that bondo can cover a LOT of ugliness. The other unknown is the doors but again not a huge deal there... Worst case I buy skins or look for replacement doors. The roof and a-pillars are my biggest concern for now.

Thanks guys!

Chris