68 coupe body work

[Jeffrey C.]

I've got the chassis and drivetrain done so now I'm starting on the body and I've got alot of questions, so here goes; Whats the best process for stripping the undercoating? My car was previously stripped (in a prior life) and someone primered it wandomly. What's the best chemical to strip the primer and paint they missed and what's the process? I've got rust in the birdcage in several places. Obtained a windshield pillar assembly from the firewall thru the T-top structure so I plan to cut out the old one and weld in the new. However, the lower corners (parts 3930343 & 3922438) are beyound recovery. Where can I obtain these parts? Also, my VIN tag is rusted badly, is there a source for reproduction tags? My sill plate channels are rusted badly under the plugs and at the rear body mount areas. Any tips on how to remove these channels without taking the body completely apart? On one side at the support(part 3935501-2), the rust has come thru the lock pillar to the inside. I know these parts are spot welded together, but can these welds be broke with an air chisel from beneath or am I better off to cut away some fiberglass, drill the spotwelds, fix the rust and patch back in the fiberglass piece? I know some of you will tell me to take it to an experienced bodyshop but there isn't any close and I'm doing this myself (just a glutton for punishment I guess)! Any advice would be appreciated!!!!!!

[Chuck R.]

Re: 68 coupe body work

My old 68 chassis was the same way, with everything from the windshield pillars to sills being gone gone gone.

After pricing out the replacenment parts, figuring just how much glass was going to be affected by cutting out around these affected areas, and the labor (mine) to put Humpty Dumpty back together again, I went for another body.

The replacement body clip came from Colorado and was virtually rust free

With shipping, I got out of it for around $900.00

When your really honest with yourself and put your numbers together, I'll bet you will find that a replacement isn't that unreasonable.

Of course there's the other side, and that is that you are bent on keeping THIS body with THIS frame and time and money are not the issue, then chop away my friend.

I myself am one not to give up on things and it was tough to put the old body to the side for another, but now I'm glad I did. My project's time frames just got shortened up by a good six months working nights and weekends.

Just my humble observations and comments.

There ARE vendors out there who offer replacement vin tags, but cannot remember just who.

I will take a look around in my magazines unless someone comes up with a resourse for you sooner.

Good luck on your quest,

Chuck 32205

[Jeffrey C.]

Re: 68 coupe body work

Chuck; Thanks for the advice. The problem is that I've already spent the $$$ for the windshield pillars and the center support. Got any suggestions as to paint stripper and undercoating stripper?? Also, will be in need of the left & right frame corners (3930343 & 3922438). Sure need some help on these two items.