Shock Tower Tops

One of the main reasons I decided to replace the engine compartment panels was nasty rust where the panels overlap the shock tower tops. I really did not want to replace the shock tower tops, so I used copper behind the holes and welded and ground until I got it all filled in. It worked!

 

Cowl Top Reinstallation

Now that the cowl hat was complete, the cowl top can be reinstalled. I didn't remove the entire cowl top, just a section... so more butt welding! But I still think that was easier than removing the whole thing.

 Panel stuck back in place with other new panels for test fit

 I think that is enough clamps!

 Lined up pretty well with the old holes where the spot welds were removed.

Cowl Repair

I couldn't find a cowl 'hat' specifially for a '70, so I used a patch panel from an older model. I really did not want to take the entire cowl panel out, so I just cut out a section, cut the patch to fit and installed it, then welded the top part back on. Fortunately on the '70 this is all under another panel anyway!

 Old cowl hat removed and new patch in place

Using butt-weld clamps to line up the edges with the right spacing

 Tacked in place

 My welding skills leave a lot to be desired, good thing I am good with a grinder! :)

Cowl hat completed! Coated with POR-15 and seam sealer. Ready to put the top back on.

Floor Pans

As mentioned, the floor pans are already done. I have them coated with POR-15. The passenger side has seam sealer already as well, but not the other side. Here are a few pictures. That POR-15 sure is shiny when first applied!

Catching up!

Wow how time flies. I started this blog a long time ago with the intention of chronicling the Mach restoration. There are two problems with that. One, I have made very little progress on the car in the last 7 years since my daughter was born and two, I haven't blogged about the things that I have accomplished on it. So, here's a catchup.

Things that have been completed

1. Both full floor pans (except the trans tunnel weld, more on that later)
2. Both torque boxes
3. Both front subframe extensions. I had to patch the end of the front frame rails using the convertible reinforcement brace to have metal to weld the extensions to! I will get some pictures of that later
4. Subframe connectors with X-brace. Those are pretty sweet!
5. Cowl repair (will post pictures)
6. Passenger's side engine compartment panels

Things that need to be done

1. Passenger's side engine compartment brace
2. Install new front crossmember and radiator support (already stuck in place)
3. Driver's side engine compartment panels
4. Complete trans tunnel (installing a Tremec, so I may need to lift it)
5. Both rear quarter panels, outer wheelhouses (yes, ouch!)
6. Taillight panel, trunk brace, trunk floors
7. Passenger side rear frame patch

That should keep me busy for a while still!