Don's 1969 Charger Restoration

[mopar4don]

Comming along nicely Don. Every time I see something new like that rocker support I run outside to see if I have that piece and what condition it's in. Thanks for posting.

Thanks BB61, This is another item AMD needs to make! I'm not sure if anyone else makes these supports of not?

 

[mopar4don]

Seam sealer between the cowl question

Going back through my pics I found a couple to share
Here are 2 of the 4 cowls that I have (getting ready for the blaster)


I found this stamping on the underside of one of the cowls and thought it was kinda interesting





Here is a picture that shows all of the seam sealer they put on.



This raises a question.
When I go to attach the cowl back on, and I apply seam sealer between the panels (like the factory did) will this work? Seems to me that when I plug weld, it would burn off the seam sealer between the panels.
So what is the best way to do this?

 

[CHARGERSTEVEN]

Don when i did this i welded the lower cowl in first than postioned the upper piece in place n lined it up marking all the spot weld holes that lined up to the lower cowl. i placed a small piece off dowel in the holes that lined up n applied a thin layer off seam sealer n clamp the pieces together being generous with vise crips. I let is cure for a couple days n than went to work on plug welding holes n made sure i had a supply off frozen small towels to wrap area to cool it quickly. it seem to work as did not notice to much seepage n no fires.

 

[eldubb440]

Don........ be very careful blasting in and around those cowl vents........ they warp VERY easily....... I ruined a nice piece back in the day

I plan on using a combination of panel bond adhesive and (fewer) welds to secure my next cowl

 

[Propwash]

Don........ be very careful blasting in and around those cowl vents........ they warp VERY easily....... I ruined a nice piece back in the day

I plan on using a combination of panel bond adhesive and (fewer) welds to secure my next cowl

That's what Detmatt did on his bird, used panel adhesive that is. Worked out pretty slick. I used a weld through urethane based seam sealer like 3M's. Wasn't 3M's but worked out the same. Welds had to go in quick and hot. I'll let you know if I can dig up the receipt/name. Keep up the good work Don!

[video=youtube;fKu32jqP1fc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKu32jqP1fc[/video]

 

[mopar4don]

Don when i did this i welded the lower cowl in first than postioned the upper piece in place n lined it up marking all the spot weld holes that lined up to the lower cowl. i placed a small piece off dowel in the holes that lined up n applied a thin layer off seam sealer n clamp the pieces together being generous with vise crips. I let is cure for a couple days n than went to work on plug welding holes n made sure i had a supply off frozen small towels to wrap area to cool it quickly. it seem to work as did not notice to much seepage n no fires.

Thanks Steve. I like the idea of using dowels to keep the sealer from oozing into the plug weld area and making a mess! What brand seam sealer did you use?

Don........ be very careful blasting in and around those cowl vents........ they warp VERY easily....... I ruined a nice piece back in the day

I plan on using a combination of panel bond adhesive and (fewer) welds to secure my next cowl

Thanks eldubb440, good advice

That's what Detmatt did on his bird, used panel adhesive that is. Worked out pretty slick. I used a weld through urethane based seam sealer like 3M's. Wasn't 3M's but worked out the same. Welds had to go in quick and hot. I'll let you know if I can dig up the receipt/name. Keep up the good work Don!

Thanks Prop, and if you can find the name of the product let me know.

 

[showard]

Keep it up Don. You keep me motivated. I realize that my car wasn't so bad after all.:icon_thumleft: You are doing a great job.

 

[mopar4don]

Keep it up Don. You keep me motivated. I realize that my car wasn't so bad after all.:icon_thumleft: You are doing a great job.

Hey showard, Glad to keep you moving! And I don't think anyone's car is as bad as mine!

- - - Updated - - -

Those quarters I bought back at Christmas time..... here they are being test fit on the thing that might someday be a car!












Over all, I am happy with the way they fit!

 

[Riverdawg]

Looking good. Here's some inspiration for you, not that you need any. Your making good progress.

 

[mopar4don]

Ooooooow, It's got a HEMI!
Yup, I'll take it!

Thanks Riverdawg

 

[conv67bdere]

Boy it that a sight for sore eyes . . . sure is starting to look like a Charger ! ! !

Better get my butt in gear, you're catching up to me ! !

Great work - as always there Don . . . keep it up !

 

[pat1969charger]

Hey showard, Glad to keep you moving! And I don't think anyone's car is as bad as mine!

mines worse! :sad:

on another note, I see a charger blooming!!!!! Keep the updates comin!

 

[747mopar]

Boy it that a sight for sore eyes . . . sure is starting to look like a Charger ! ! !

Better get my butt in gear, you're catching up to me ! !

Great work - as always there Don . . . keep it up !

I second that, I suppose a door fit is next before hanging the quarter?

 

[mopar4don]

Boy it that a sight for sore eyes . . . sure is starting to look like a Charger ! ! !
Better get my butt in gear, you're catching up to me ! !
Great work - as always there Don . . . keep it up !

Thanks Kahn :buffer:

mines worse! :sad:
on another note, I see a charger blooming!!!!! Keep the updates comin!

I doubt it pat, And believe me I felt the same way you do, not all that long ago.
Makes a HUGE difference not having to work with rusty nastiness!

I second that, I suppose a door fit is next before hanging the quarter?

Yup, My plan is to fit everything together using screws.

- - - Updated - - -

UPDATE:
Here are a few pics of some misc parts in the booth getting some epoxy applied.

 

[roadrunner69440]

man, I thought my car was bad! you got some serious patience and nerves of steel not to mention persistence. nice job,great thread as I am at the cowl myself . thanks

 

[mopar4don]

Tail panel fix

On to the next fix, the tail panel.
My original was really bad but I picked this one up this past fall. I really thought this would be good. Until I blasted it!
Before blasting


After blasting








It had some issues... but luckily I had a few extra pieces were I could grab some patches.
This is the original tail panel that I used to patch the RT side.





Here is the RT side patch and how I fixed it.






I really like to get my patches to fit with no gaps if possible. (I get less blow through when welding a tight patch)




This shows good weld penetration from the back side.





I didn't get a fully completed pic, but these last two show it real close to being done.

 

[747mopar]

I didn't see your post about the cowl and even debated on replying since my solution was a complete PITA but it did work. I wondered the same thing and figured seam sealer would contaminate the weld so I just shot it with a couple good coats of weld thru primer, welded it all on then proceeded to seal it from the inside going threw the vent holes and drain holes using brush on seam sealer. I used a combination of sawed off paint brushes, paint brushes taped to sticks and what worked the best was latex gloves and your good ol fingers. If I was to do it again knowing what a pain it was I'd no question about it leave access holes above the drains where the fenders cover it.

 

[Propwash]

Well son of a gun...just when a fella thinks he can cut a break, more rust! Keep up the fight Don. Sun is on the horizon!

 

[showard]

I am always amazed by how well you make those patches look.

 

[mopar4don]

Tail panel fix

The left side required some help.
You can see how its a bit out of shape compared to the patch (in front)













I did try to hammer and dolly it, but it didn't take long to figure out my best bet would be to section this in.
Here you can see I drilled out the spot welds around the bucket


Then sectioned the two pieces




Then weld/grind/file repeat, weld/grind/file repeat
Yes I use a file to finish. I find that I get myself in trouble really fast with grinding disk.
I prefer to add a few weld dots, then file them in!