73 Challenger, going to be a long journey I think.

[Cuda Cody]

Best to keep as much of it together as possible to help keep the structural strength of the frame.  Only take as much off as needed then replace it.   

Thanks guys, I will give it a go. just cut all the old thin metal out and fab up some new. Need to practice on the welding to get some nice joins in there.

My plan is to get the front end sorted then the floor then start on the back end. Or do you think I should just strip the lot and hit it all in one go? Not sure I can get my head around seeing any more rust and bodges though. 

[soundcontrol]

First thing I did with my -73 was to send it to a company for sandblasting and 2k primer, that way it just looks nicer to work with and I know all rust spots are out in the open. It was more than I expected, but at least it looks good as it sits right now. Just looking at a rust bucket can make you overwhelmed.

I think you should fix the firewall, if it's just that one side, and its not a very hard area to replace. And the holes on the passenger side are pretty easy to weld up,  I'm welding up my AC holes on the convertible, since I got a Vintage Air unit to install.

[Premix]

First thing I did with my -73 was to send it to a company for sandblasting and 2k primer, that way it just looks nicer to work with and I know all rust spots are out in the open. It was more than I expected, but at least it looks good as it sits right now. Just looking at a rust bucket can make you overwhelmed.

Thanks Soundcontrol, I've been thinking about doing that but it scares the crap out of me! I'll prob be left with a few buckets of dust knowing my luck 

[torredcuda]

Rather than get too overwhelmed I think your best to finish the front end rebuild and then go to the back unless you go the full sandblast route.

[Husk Challenger]

Hey,

I don't know the differences between b-body and e-body k members, but i remind that some year could fit...

I found this adds on a famous french site : http://www.leboncoin.fr/vi/1097487305.htm

Maybe the guy would accept to ship to uk, i guess shipping cost should be lower than from US.
The item is at 30km south of Paris.




EDIT: Another one ine Germany but more expensive...
https://m.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/1962-74-v8-small-big-block-mopar-b-e-body-k-frame-motor-rahmen/577110961-223-93

[jimynick]

I was in a Polish butcher shop today and they are the local Polimex courier outlet. They ship from  to the UK and it's $3 per kilo for ship and 6-7 weeks or $7 per kilo for air with a $20 delivery charge to your door. I don't know what a K frame weighs, but this sounds better than the $100's for shipping mentioned earlier. What do you think? I'd check out the French and German parts, too. Your call.

[Premix]

Thanks Husk Challenger, I'll ask the guy in France if he'll ship to the UK 

jimynick, I'll ask Polimex for a quote, thanks 

[Premix]

Busy week so only a little progress today, pulled the LH rear footwell and removed the LH frame rail. Bottom LH rear quarter was 1/4" thick filler and rotten behind it, found yet another wasp nest

Some quality welding on the exhaust pipes to, I think the guy must have used the same blind drunk monkey as worked on soundcontrol's cuda 

[Cuda Cody]

You are really going to take that car back to perfect!  It should be super solid when you get done.   

[Premix]

You are really going to take that car back to perfect!  It should be super solid when you get done.   

I really hope so Cody, at the moment it's quite disheartening when you remove rot and find more hidden. I wouldn't mind but it owes me so much more than I will ever get for it before I started and the debt is growing every time I cut stuff off 

Sorry, don't mean to be all doom and gloom just got lots of outgoings at the moment with the house and the car isn't helping.

[rhamson]

That car certainly epitomizes the saying, a little putty, a little paint, makes a body job what it ain't. 

[Cuda Cody]

Hang in there buddy.  Don't look at too much at once.  Just focus on one section and do what you need to fix it.  Then celebrate the accomplishment and move on to the next part.  Before you know it you'll have one of the nicest most solid cars anywhere!  Don't give up and don't get down on yourself.  There are some very bad people out there that will lie and cheat just to make a buck.  You're one of the good guys and we're here to cheer you along.  You can do it man!   

You are really going to take that car back to perfect!  It should be super solid when you get done.   

I really hope so Cody, at the moment it's quite disheartening when you remove rot and find more hidden. I wouldn't mind but it owes me so much more than I will ever get for it before I started and the debt is growing every time I cut stuff off 

Sorry, don't mean to be all doom and gloom just got lots of outgoings at the moment with the house and the car isn't helping.

[RUNCHARGER]

Actually that back end is looking quite a bit better than the front, well so far. At this time I think I wouldn't cut up the rear anymore and get the front squared away (literally in this case). It can be overwhelming if you cut too much up and if you get the front all solid again and see what you have done the rear will come a lot easier.

[Cuda Cody]

   It's best to keep as much metal attached while doing repairs.  That helps keep everything straight.   

[jimynick]

  It's best to keep as much metal attached while doing repairs.  That helps keep everything straight.   

Yep, and don't be afraid to walk away from the damn thing once in a while either. It'll give your mind, conscience and wallet a needed rest. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will be your Barneymobile. I know what it's like to do just as you said and find rust upon rust and you're right, it's demoralizing and you'd be less than human to not feel that way. BUT, it's also like Cody mentioned, learn to compartmentalize it and finish one area before finding more misery and one day, believe it or not, you WILL get there and you'll be able to look back and derive great satisfaction in your considerable accomplishments. Keep the faith laddie, keep the faith and you'll get there one day.