Radiation Theropy for '85Z

[wrightz28]

I would post this in the "Non Performance" section but it seems a little dead there so here it goes:

Now that my Z28 starts and runs like Bin laden from a Navy S.E.A.L. team once again, it's going to need some dire attention. Since it's been so nice here weather wise all week, it's given me an opportunity to spend a little more time outside instead of couped up inside remodeling my house.

There in lies the problem. The battered, rusted, wreck that formerly was a cause of fighting amongst myself and other half as to who would drive it the majority of the time. Due to rising gas prices, I obviously lost.

The fender and door that were "re-arranged" for me are not of concern, a simple trip to pick n pull will take care of that. The big concern is the typical cancer that plagues all thrid gens of the area. The A-pillars have that pattented water collection spot near the base of the windsheild, tho previously 'patched' have obviously allowed water to work it's way into the subframe leaving the floor directly under the driver's seat rotted away.

I have located new floor pans through the Paddock, and 1/4 panels through another source. Now I started off in body work the some 16 years ago and have started some basic welding in recent years, exhaust mostly. My big concern is the floor pans, and body gurus out the re have any advice or tips on setting them straight?

[1986Z28]

not a body guru, but take you time, when cutting them leave to much, its easier to cut more off than it is to replace it, if your removing a large section of the floor pan, probaly wouldnt be a bad idea to stress up the body with some tubing or something

[wrightz28]

yep that's the thing, the whole pan is a seamed piece from the firwall to the trunk, looks like it's going to be a PITA to save.

[1986Z28]

i dont really see a problem with cutting out the bad parts and just patching it, just stiffen up the body, you dont want it shifting around on you, hows the other stuff, like rocker, quarters, doorjams, cowl, trunk and stuff like that

[wrightz28]

1/4 panels are coming off as well but the rockers are surprisingly clean. IF, I do salvage it I do plan on subframe connectors going in prior to starting the floor. The main problem with the floor is that there's a support for the front seats that runs form the rocker over and that is heavily rotted out.

[1986Z28]

hmm, sounds like the average rust bucket