bkrantz

Here's the front corner, all stitched in place. Needs a few more tweaks, and finishing the inner fender butt weld. Feels very solid!

bkrantz

Meanwhile, getting started on the rear. Here's the floor piece trimmed and test-fit.



And with the rear panel also rough fit.

bkrantz

Got the back end mostly fitted, and the fender cut for a butt joint--a bit more adjustment and it will be ready to start welding.

bkrantz

And...the last (that I know about) previous dodgy repair. Another lap joint on the left side of the front panel.

bkrantz

Only a half-day off for xmas, since I am taking advantage of my son's visit. Starting work on the front splice screw-up, by cutting through the center of the splice overlap.

bkrantz

And another test fit of all the rear pieces. Alignment looks pretty good.

skl

Nice work- impressed with your welding skills! Hope to make your yearly concours next summer if we rent a place around Durango and see the progress in person.

bkrantz

So far, my son has done all the welding on this project. And please let me know if you get to Durango.

bkrantz

Welding on the rear about half done today. Got the rear panel seams done, and the outer fender mostly done.



Had to bend some thin strips to patch the gaps in the raised section on the left and right. Looks a bit crude now, but should be fine after grinding down the welds.

bkrantz

Front panel prepared for a tidy butt joint. The gap looks bigger since the panel has bowed out a bit.

dr914

you may as a precaution want to fit the tail light bodies and lenses

bkrantz

Yes--did that several times to get things lined up. Once I clean up the openings, I will check again.

bkrantz

Welding up the front seam and horizontal brace (that needs a patch to bridge the gap in the center).

bkrantz

Here are pieces I made for the rear: heavy gauge L-braces for the bumper mount holes below the floor, light gauge for the holes above, and reinforcing plates for the floor above the sway bar brackets.

bkrantz

Trunk panel is plug welded all around. And done with the various braces and reinforcements.