So here is todays update...

To patch the upper roof and quarter panel the lead had to be melted out so i could take measurements from the reference points i used...



Once it was cut out i need to removed the panel from the backside...



Here it is out and laid into place, still have lots of trimming to do, i cut it much larger than needed just in case because there is no room for error here...




Also Finished welding the other sides up. It just needs some grinding. This will be a huge pain




Also blasted the hump to see the full extent of damages to it, not to bad but still needs attention...



Greg hit the inner roof area with some rust bullet...



Ryan started to strip paint from the cowl...



And thats all for today...

For any followers, i am just curious what you think a body shop would have charged for the amount of metal work done so for, just in labor

Hey Guys,Damn,thats really one rusty car you got there dudes! I'm from New Englans,and have fixed many a rusty car,but that thing was even more rotted,than what I'm used to seeing up here! I thought that a rust free floor pan in our area was too goood to be true! great work guys!

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For any followers, i am just curious what you think a body shop would have charged for the amount of metal work done so for, just in labor

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Well you haven't posted your hours. But figure $35 - $50 an hour.

$5k - $7500 range?

wow! that is a lot of rust! i just read through this whole thread - wow. nice work guys!

Thanks guys! I was think a very large amount. I know i paid close to $3500 for my quarters, trunk extensions and dutchman panel to be installed on my challenger. You figure almost everyhthing has been replaced so its got to be up there

Got some more done tonight...

Finished triming up the inner structure to the roof and drip rail after clamping it in...



Primed it up...




Tacked it in, if you cant tell this is a very complex piece to do...

Then i mocked up the actual drip rail to see how it fit, well its still needs a lot more body work before, i butchered it bad when taking it off because of how hard they are to remove...



Here is some of the damage...




Then i have the roof/quarter piece fully trimmed and its ready for some tacking, will have to do it later...



Ryan keep going on striping the front end, its looking nice and clean





Thanks all for tonight guys!

I dont think a body shop would have touched it looking good tho, alot of work but will be nice in the end!

Hey Guys, You are really kickin azz, on those rust issues,that keep plagueing you! I got out in the garage tonight my self,and started on another Charger convertible,that i'm fabing up for a fellow Moparts member. Its really good getting back out in the shop,since I shattered my heel building the shop two years ago! I got a pretty good night in,considering,that I didn't get out of work until 7:30 PM. I got the nose and doors on the car,and they are necessary to properly align the rear clip of the Charger,on the Coronet convertible body! The work that you guys are getting done,has lit the fire under my old lazy azz! As long as I have enough liquid pain reliever,form our good friends at Anhuser Busch,then I can mak some progress! Keep up the good work guys,If you have enough welding wire,then sooner or later there will be no more rust left to weld!

After the experience of this car, the next one not being as rusty you guys will be excellent metal men Im impressed with your skills.

pnypwr Thanks! we have countless hours into this thing and seeing it coming back together is awesome, its drives us more to get it in color! Kinda funny you say that because that is most likely true at most shops

chargervert Thats awesome, glad we could help! Although what your doing is awesome, i have seen yours and its one sweet ride!

DJE Thanks! We are already talking about the next project we want to do! So when this is done stay tuned for another!

So we got a little bit done tonight...


First off what to cut out the floor for the hump. Traced the hump and that used 3/4inch tape as a cutting line...





Then here it is fully trimmed(referenced the car next to it) and striped for some primer...



Then had to concentrate on the humps rust. Made a new piece from scrap...






After welding the inner roof back on Greg threw some rust bullet on, it looks good



Then tacked the roof/quarter piece on, the thing fit flawlessly...

Hey Guys,I feel your pain,I did my 71 Challenger convert,and it was kinda like what you guys are doing. That car was rotted,and smashed really hard in the nose. I put both front frame rails in,the tortion bar cross member,the radiator support,both inner fender wells,3/4 0f the cowl,the lower cowl sides,rocker panels,all the floor pans,rear quarter panels,lower door skins,wheelwells,trunk floor pan,trunk extensions,frame rail ends,and bumper support panel. I also replaced both fenders,the hood,and both valences. The trunk lid,also needed the underside back edge replaced. I was like you guys,I thought I never get to hang up the welder! Hang in ther dudes,cause it was worth every bit of it when I ride around with the roof down! You'll be curising in the barrelbee soon!

to start off i can relate to you guys...im 17...but i doubt i will take my charger to prom...the girls really dont dig it lol....and im jealous, my garage is in the middle of woods with a leaky roof but hey its a garage. I also got a little more lucky too, i bought a survivor charger with no rust. You guys are awesome and I like to relate

Having done that kinda work, I know how daunting it can be. Its all worth it in the end though. have you posted a list of stuff needed yet, a buddy of mine is unloading his charger and im cleaning out my extra b body stuff so if we got what u need wed donate...beats tossing it!

chargervert Thanks your kind words are great! Are you going to carlisle? If so we will have to get together there...

ixelerate Sounds like a good find! I got lucky with my challenger being in the same condition, this on the other hand "belongs in the junkyard" Well at least thats what the cop said when he pulled us over bring it home

pnypwr Thanks! The end of sheet metal work is in site! But i do have a list for parts i need, hope the mods are okay with this...

I cant post the stuff i need for the project on this forum so if you do have any b-body parts, let me know and i will PM you what i need. Just send me your price etc, it would be a great help!

Thanks,

Steve