How far is far enough?

[John Dettori]

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jbonina@nectech.com wrote:
> 
> [.] an experienced body man preview my '67 convetible for floor rot
> repair. There are holes that make the road visible. [...] at what point 
> should the undercarriage metal be replaced? The cars is 30+ years-old 
> so some rust is expected. But, when is some rust too much rust? And, 
> when is a certain amount of rust acceptable? [...]

I say go for it, especially if you like the car.  Welding in a new floor
is not that bad.  Of course, cost is the deciding factor; some are better 
off to buy a better car than pour thousands into a needy one.  Don't 
forget that in the North East where swiss cheese floors are the norm,
some cars are better than others, but they all have some rust.

I am mid-restoration of a 67 GT convertible that many would pass up as a
basket case.  But I am in love with this particular A-code, 67, 4-speed,
GT convertible sporting a rare competition handeling option.  I also decided
that I want to write Mustang articles and be an MCA judge.  For me, restoring
a basket case was a "rite of passage".  And helped me learn many of the things
I needed to know.

I partnered with a Mustang restoration shop owner who recently closed his
doors.  He and I worked in his garage and my garage.  This man knows how to
weld better than anyone I've ever met.  We did the cowl, torque boxes, full
floors on both sides, firewall to floor, inner rockers, door post on one side,
trunk drop-offs and outer wheel house, and welded on full rear quarters (NOS).

My chasis is now perfect.  Some might not believe this much work is warranted,
but I do.  The car will be a combination show car and occassional driver. I was
able to barter my way to get what I needed done.  And learn a whole lot in the
process.  I spent $1,000 in materials and traded a 66 Coupe that I bought for 
$100 (he painted it and sold it for $5,000).  One day you will see this car in 
one of the Mustang Magazines or at a national show - then you can tell me if it
was worth it!

-- 
================================================================================
 John Dettori                                           86 SVO  (2.3l IC Turbo)
 Sr. Principal, Technology Solutions Corp.              70 Mach I     (351C-4V)
 800 759 2250 mailbox# 2447                             67 GT Convert  (289-4V)
 jdettori@earthlink.net                                 <reserved for 67 GT500>
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