I didn't SEE a body shop

rpmcarter · 06-07-2008

link???

I'm about to embark on a restore of a 66 convertible. the "A" pillars are not in good condition.

I will not do this myself .....it's a MAN"s job. LOL! But I like to be educated BEFORE spending my money. I will most likely hire them to do that work and then send it back to me for all the rest.

What parts should be used and why "donor"? new metal?
What should I watch out for?
What tricks are used out there I should watch for the bad?
What tricks are used ...the GOOD???
What donors are useful and can I use coupe stuff?
Any comments are helpful.

rodbender · 06-07-2008

Hey I have one of those! The reason for donor cars is that the A-pillar isn't reproduced...yet.

rpmcarter · 06-07-2008

Hey Rodbender. Any suggestions? I just want to make sure I (aka pay someone) do this right.

rodbender · 06-08-2008

What is wrong with your A-pillars? Usually they don't rust.

rpmcarter · 06-08-2008

it wasn't treated with love before....I got it.

andrewmp6 · 06-08-2008

Id talk to your local mustang club see what shops they trust to use.Most body shops will give your car the back burner for newer wrecked cars that are more money.Id look more for a car restoration place they will do it right and not take a long time to do it.Also before using any shop see what cars they have there and check again in a week then 2 if the same cars sit there a long time there slow move on.

rpmcarter · 06-08-2008

Good points Andrew, but there really isn't a lot of help around this area for some odd reason. When I lived in the Dallas area you could almost find a car club in every corner and swap meets all the time. In this area it isn't connected very well. The closest club to me is 80miles away.

I agree with you on the shop selection, but I don't go to the "insurance" style car shops for certain. This however is a problem I've not encountered before on any of my former toys and I want to get some education before visiting a shop. You can imagine, most shops don't like educated customers either.

LOL I took my wifes truck in for a miss and I didn't have time to fix it myself.This cat has classic car stuff all over the place...talked a good game, when it came time to tell me his evaluation I caught him red handed ....although I was NOT happy I had to laugh because he didn't want to do the work after I told him what he was "attempting to do". He didn't like me much then.

So that is why I want to learn about this repair first before I go shopping for shops.

andrewmp6 · 06-08-2008

Theres two ways to fix a rusted out a pillar patch it or replace the whole thing either way is always fun.Just make sure they do it right and just not fill the holes with body filler or fiberglass like most places do.

flash-1295 · 06-09-2008

How about some pictures of the problem area. Are you talking about the outside of the A pillars?

67ragtopStang · 06-09-2008

A friend had to replace his on hs '68 Fastback. He bought the whole cowl area and half way up the pillars in one piece from a rust free wreck in CA. That might be the way to go if the cowl is rusted too.

Icerat · 06-09-2008

I have seen alot of coupes that had vinyl tops with rusted out a-pillars due to the water collecting at the base of the vinyl but never a convertible. I am interested to see your damage area.

rpmcarter · 06-10-2008

I'll see if I can get some pic's on here....replacement of some metal will be the only thing to make me happy.

rodbender · 06-10-2008

....I think we can help you fix it.