Driver's Side Rocker Panel Repair Complete!

So glad to finally be working on something other than the trunk!  I'm hoping to get the momentum going again so I can wrap up the metal work.  After that there are plenty of other things to repair, replace and reassemble.  But, first I have to make everything safe and strong.

The front inner rocker panels are both pretty rusted... I believe some water must have been sitting in the car at some point.  Looks pretty nasty.  So, I cut out all the rust, cleaned everything up.  Next, a small replacement piece was formed to fill in there area where the rocker panel meets the wheel well.  It was a deceptively tricky piece to shape, but Stuart was up for the challenge and amazed me again.  Thanks Stu!  There was one very small pinhole in the outer rocker, about in the middle of the picture.  Due to its small size and location I will repair that from the outside later.

Next everything got a coat of Eastwood rust killing/sealing zinc epoxy frame coating.  After that all that was left was to cut a panel to seal up the rocker panel again and make it nice and strong. After welding it in we moved the jack stand from the frame rail to the jack support on the rocker panel. Good news is, it seems very sturdy.  Now, I'm ready to tackle the floor pan and frame rail since they are no longer supporting the weight of the car.

Looks very nasty....

You can see the area at the front that looks like swiss cheese.

Front part replaced, treated with rust killer.

All finished and supporting the car!  

Trunk Repair Complete

Well, it's been a very busy summer so far and that means less time to work on the car.  I've also been helping friends with their car projects quite a bit.  It's all been fun though and I expected my progress over the summer to be a little on the slow side.  Perhaps I'm avoiding the enormity of my project and enjoying helping a friend with one we can finish in a day.

I haven't been entirely unsuccessful, however.  The trunk is now complete!  Well, it sill needs to be repainted, but the metalwork and repairs are complete.  FINALLY!  I couldn't have done it without my friend Stuart who is great at helping with metal shaping.

Next.... move on to the passenger comapartment.

Ready for finish work!  All holes patched.