Well its ready to mount a latch and decklid on now. Today's project is a good example of me just going where an objective leads me. First thing I banged around on the top of the right quarter, straightening warpage. That went fine and I didn't get a pic. Wasn't as bad because it was only brazed, unlike the other side.
So stick your head in the trunk again, here we go... this time you get to pretend you're the fuel cell.
This is the stump of the old trunk floor. I wanted it flat so I started chopping and then got the camera out lol. I like to chop.
Stomped that area flat, welded it up a little and bombed it-
Now heres where I may get a wrist slap from my CAD instructor. Found a good piece of C and had all the right intentions... but it was just easier to scribe my measurements on a piece of 16 gauge hot rolled steel and cut two pieces then make 3 bends with the brake and two tiny pie cuts then a bench vise bend. Follow that? Here we are-
Plug welded the bejeepers outta that 1 x 1 x 14" L-bracket to the flattened stump, made some holes, tacked some nuts, and voila!
I was feelin good about that and it was lunch time. So after chow, I took the brace out and tried the fuel cell. Aha, still a no-go! I mean you can cram it but once theres paint on everything, well...
Any good plan can evolve without major loss so let's just see what I done to solve the problem of the latch area interfering with fuel tank fittings upon installation-
If you look hard enough, it may make sense to you- insert drilling, grinding, zapping, and air ratcheting sounds here.
A little sandblasting and what-not, and there ya go. Removeable latch brace. You guys think that'll work?
Those 1/4" studs at the top are easily reached with an air ratchet, and bumper holes have plenty of room but the support could be drilled for access with a deep socket if need be. Anyway it seems solid to me, at least it should be as strong as what was there originally. There is a little manipulation required to remove / install the piece, it fits nice and tight.