cowl vent & frame rail replacement - 66 Mustang coupe

[stangman16]

I have no welding experience, but I know someone who has some.. so I don't know if I should tackle this job, or have a shop do it for me? if a shop..

Can anyone tell me what a decent price, or what to expect, from a local body shop to replace the cowl vent patch panels? I'll order both panels, I know it needs them both, but I was wondering what a decent price would be for that? They'd have to remove the windshield, and also I'd like them to put some POR15 in there to help prevent future rust...

Also, since they'll be in there... how much do you think it would cost to get the driver's side frame rail replaced if I purchase that part too? My drivers fender sits a little high at the top rear towards the windshield... if it makes a difference I can take out the engine, tranny, and possibly the steering column and wiring.

 

[geostang351]

I don't know about the frame rail price, but I do know about the cowl. It costs roughly $1200 for a shop to do. I did mine and its not as bad as you might hear. THe only hard part is the 150 spot welds you need to drill through to remove the "ballon" (top pf cowl).

To get to those welds, you need to remove the windshield, fenders and ALL the body seam sealer that hides the welds. After that, its cut and weld and replace. The panels are $40 each at $80 total, compared to $1200....... I would do it myself.

And while the windshield is out, its a good time to change the headliner if it needs it.

This procedure is easier to do with the motor out so you can sit in the bay and work, but is not necessary.

 

[stangman16]

Thanks for the reply, after seeing the savings there, I think I will tackle that myself... Just don't know about the frame rail. I'm sure I'll take out the engine/tranny and glass to do the cowl vent, and you guessed it right - my headliner needs replacing also Wonder how hard that can be to cut out and replace?

 

[geostang351]

Did the headline myself. Came out ....ok. I could do better the next time, but I guess the only way to get good at something is practice. Tough at rear pillars. Hard to keep nice an tight without wrinkles

 

[gjz30075]

Do as much of the labor as you can, like taking off the cowl. That's just a matter of drilling out 120+ spot welds. Then take it to the welder.

 

[stangman16]

does anyone know how hard it is to change out the frame rail? I think I'm more worried about that - getting it lined up and whatnot to where my fender doesn't stick above the door near the windshield by 1/4-1/2"...