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Alignment Problem
After I positioned
the left wheel well, I noticed that the body mount could not
line up. After close examination, I have to conclude that the
body mount was spotwelded into the wrong position by the manufacturer.
It appears to be easier to have a spacer made to make things
right than to reposition the mount.
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New Panel
Experience really
does seem to be on my side. I easily positioned this fender panel
in about an hour. I still have much of the wiring in position,
but it will all be coming out soon when the bodywork begins.
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Inside Joint
This particular replacement
part fit in very nicely. I know you see lots of rust under here,
but the metal underneath is fairly solid. I'll take the wire
brush and sandblaster to it later. I'm sure it will come up nice
and clean.
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Driver
Side Rear Panel
Learning from the
other side, I decided it weas best to use as much of the original
sheet metal as possible. I did some preliminary cutting and cleaning
before removing the entire panel. The original factory creases
and bends are much nicer than on the replacement parts.
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Solid Metal
I took the wire brush
to the inner wheel well to check the metal. Once all the paint
and crap was removed, I was pleased to find nice solid steel
beneath. This steel is easily thick enough to weld to, so the
first hurdle has been cleared.
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Tight Quarters
When I switch from
one side to the other, I actually move the car against the opposite
wall to give me some work room. Since the car rolls and the weather
is nice, I can push the car outside and reposition it by myself.
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Lower Panel
The metal on the drivers
side is in pretty good shape. I decided it would be easier to
keep the replacement panel as small as possible for later body
work.
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On the Inside
The inner metal was
completely rusted away. I will have to completely rebuild it
in order to strengthen the side of the car. Hopefully the repairs
will be under carpeting because I know right now it won't be
pretty.
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First Steps
I start the reconstruction
slowly and carefully. I am using the passengers side as a pattern
and I think everything will be fine once I get the welder going.
The first few pieces were the hardest, everything else should
be fairly straight forward.
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