Topic: 1976 T/A opinions please

[T/A Kid]

Some have already seen this car posted in the general forum, good news bad news the car has no cowl tag but a good title and VIN, the trunk was locked no key when I bought it I got it open and bad rust in the hinge area, some good news though the motor started up great after I replace the fan plus I have a donor car for sheet metal. Now I need to decide if it's worth the trouble the trunk rust is the worst the other will not be too bad to fix what do you think?

[RENOVATIONS]

It's not repairable...send me your address and I'll come get it tomorrow  (j/k)

Hard to tell too much from the pix....but you could get the hinge section from a parts car if you don't mind some welding.

Where are the trunk hinges?
Was that area fiberglassed?

[T/A Kid]

No It looked like a piece of aluminum with bondo great recipe huh, I took the lid and hinges off they look ok but I think I'll use the donor car hinges. I don't mind the welding I think I'm even looking forward to the challenge I may get sick of it before it's over with. I not looking for a perfect car I'm going to do the body work and paint on this one and hopefully have a decent driver.

[myfirst80TA]

  If that is how they patched the trunk then you may have some more surprises ahead, but hopefully not.

[T/A Kid]

I think you're probably right 

[myfirst80TA]

regardless keep us posted and throw some more pics up! 

[RENOVATIONS]

I thought I could see some mesg screen sticking out in the pic...some people shouldn't own cars if that's their idea of a fix 

Were the hinges even welded in (doesn't appear so)?

[T/A Kid]

No they weren't , I don't know why they do that it has some other repair areas I don't know how bad they did but it will be hard to top the trunk area. I'll have my 79 back soon I hope so I can drive it some and take my time with this one.

[4SPEED]

if needed , I have this part cut from a donor already.  you are welcome to it.  + the shipping. 

[T/A Kid]

Thanks if I mess mine up I might take you up on that, I'm going to try to get started next week and see how it goes. I was thinking of using an air hacksaw or a cutoff wheel do you have a recommendation? 

[Nexus]

Drill the spot welds and use a cutoff saw to try and remove only the part you need to replace.

Large sections: a jigsaw and saws-all works fast,

[T/A Kid]

I've got those tools Thanks

[Nexus]

I forgot to mention to take your time and be patient, plan out your cuts based on the donar peice rather than willy nilly cutting metal out all over and then finding out you cut the wrong thing or your donar car isn't as good as you thought.

Make sure before you cut!!

[4SPEED]

here is what I have.  I cut the hole thing out so the next guy could use from it what he needed.   I can get better pics tomorrow if needed.  



when I cut it out , I was saving the quarters. so you would need to stay about 1/2" or so from the OE panel splice . 
I would get the piece your going to use, clean it up. then cut yours out from the center out both ways until you new fix fits

[T/A Kid]

Thanks 4 Speed that was just what I was looking for, I'll get to work cutting.