How Do I Tackle This...

[MK1_Oz]

I have just cut out some pin holes of rust from my Mk1 Escort fuel tank well. After cutting it out it is obvious that the spot welded flange between the rear quarter panel and the inner boot/well panel has rust along its length. This is probably normal on any 40 year old car (even an Aussie one ).



When restoring your cars would you unspot the entire length of that panel and clean up the surface rust or would you just leave it be? I do not intend to replace the whole panel but only the section I have cut out.

Comments??

ALSO, I have jusy ordered repair panels for the LHS spare wheel well (both inner and outer). When putting these in is it best to;

1. cut one old one out, replace it, then cut and replace the other
2. cut both out at the same time then replace one by one
3. cut both out but spot weld the new panels together then replace as a single piece?

[flick5848]

Personally I would replace one side at a time to ensure everything lines up correctly and replace or clean any rust I can see. Sometimes its like opening up a real big can of worms but worth it in the long run and makes the difference between a quality job or a bodge job.

Here is what I have just done to mine

[IMG][/IMG]

[exboyracer]

I'd definitely undo all the spot welds and clean that rust out. It's like bloody cancer, if you don't get it all it will come back to haunt you!

When doing the spare wheel well, do one side first, then the other, it helps make sure the alignment is right.