1973 Front End Replacement. I Hate Rust

J

JLB3

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Dec 8, 2014

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Mar 10, 2015

#1

• Mar 10, 2015

• #1

I have had my 73 coupe for about 7 years (first car at 15). Of course I had a beater which was a 97 merc sable. Rott box as well. But anyways I'm going to attatch a few pics of what I am dealing with. The fender aprons are just about shot along with the front of the frame rails where the bumper attachment is. I'm not sure how successful it would be to weld patches in or just replace both sections completely. Never going to get rid of the car so resale isn't my concern.

 

J

JLB3

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Dec 8, 2014

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Mar 10, 2015

#2

• Mar 10, 2015

• #2

 

J

JLB3

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Dec 8, 2014

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Mar 10, 2015

#3

• Mar 10, 2015

• #3

A few years back my father and I rebuilt the motor and trans. Drove it for a summer and has been parked and torn apart for about 5 out of 7 years I have owned it. BTW I personally can only weld with a MIG. Have thought about swapping to a clean fastback but this coupe does have sentimental value

 

horse sence

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Nov 29, 1999

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Mar 10, 2015

#4

• Mar 10, 2015

• #4

If you can weld it would not be that big of a problem ,i am just not sure what pieces are available new .Dynacorn has some new panels for 71-73 .I would make a list of exactly what needs to be repaired / replaced and see what is available first ,Check with Mustangs Unlimited or National Parts Depot .The repairs would not be that much different than 65-70 .

 

J

JLB3

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Dec 8, 2014

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Mar 10, 2015

#5

• Mar 10, 2015

• #5

horse sence said:

If you can weld it would not be that big of a problem ,i am just not sure what pieces are available new .Dynacorn has some new panels for 71-73 .I would make a list of exactly what needs to be repaired / replaced and see what is available first ,Check with Mustangs Unlimited or National Parts Depot .The repairs would not be that much different than 65-70 .

Click to expand...

I see dynacorn has full apron and frame assemblies. I was just going to get the 4 piece apron kit and patch other spots but patching frame rails doesn't sound like it would be very sound. Do plan on throwing in a 429 bbf in the future

 

horse sence

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Nov 29, 1999

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Mar 10, 2015

#6

• Mar 10, 2015

• #6

Frame rails will be a bit more difficult ,did you notice if they have the complete rail with tower with apron? That would be the best way to do it .

 

horse sence

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Mar 10, 2015

#7

• Mar 10, 2015

• #7

Oh i see you did .oops

 

horse sence

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Nov 29, 1999

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Mar 10, 2015

#8

• Mar 10, 2015

• #8

I know the complete frame rail assembly will cost more but the savings in work alone ,it is worth it .

 

J

JLB3

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Dec 8, 2014

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Mar 10, 2015

#9

• Mar 10, 2015

• #9

That's kind of what I'm figuring. Anyone know of a good way to do this? Maybe measuring points? I work in a body shop as a painter. Doing frame replacement is not my specialty but there is a first for everything.

 

horse sence

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Mar 11, 2015

#10

• Mar 11, 2015

• #10

I would take a lot of measurements before you remove anything .Take some pics to look at as well .
I can get measurements for 65-70 but i don't have any thing for 71-73.

 

jbojo

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Dec 30, 2014

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Mar 16, 2015

#11

• Mar 16, 2015

• #11

Does this help?

 

J

JLB3

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Dec 8, 2014

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Mar 24, 2015

#12

• Mar 24, 2015

• #12

Yes thank you.

 

J

JLB3

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Dec 8, 2014

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Mar 24, 2015

#13

• Mar 24, 2015

• #13

This is the front section I'm worried about and the 3rd pic is what looks to be a hole in the rail that's beneath the upper control arm. Both side have that issue. I know the passenger side needs replaced because after further inspection there is a baseball size hole where the the shock tower and frame meet in the back. If I decide to replace both should I do one at a time using the cross member as a reference?

 

horse sence

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Mar 24, 2015

#14

• Mar 24, 2015

• #14

I think i would do it one rail at a time ,although i usually do the front clip and slide it in place on the older years .I have a jig for the older years 65-70 .It is easier to build a front clip out of the car and keep it square .

 

J

JLB3

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Dec 8, 2014

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Mar 24, 2015

#15

• Mar 24, 2015

• #15

Yea I wish I could do that. That would be nice. I need to get the car over to my house so I can start the work. I'll have to do one at a time. Maybe start a thread on it as I can't find one on it. Car hasn't been on the road since 08 when the new motor and rebuilt trans was dropped in. All suspension needs rebuilt. Rear diff needs rebuilt along with new driveshaft (dented and seemed unbalanced). Rear floors need done. Thinking of doing quarter panel exhaust exits too.