68 Convertible body work

[lastrequest68]

Hey, Very new to this forum. Am in the process of tearing down a 68 Lemans Convertible that my wife has owned since she was a teenager. Car has been sitting covered for the last 8 years now and it needs a restore. Its not an original car. I need to replace the rear quarters because they had some big dents in them at one point and someone cut in new sections of metal and filled the crap out of the quarter with bondo. So my thoughts are to just cut them off and hang new ones. the only other real metal work that needs to be done is the upper and lower windshield cowl. It's rotted pretty bad. Was wondering if anyone had any experience with panel bonding a new cowl in place. I know the stuff is great on panels but wasn't sure with this application. Being a convertible I don't think the cowl plays much of a role structurally but really need to hear what others have to say. Thanks in advance

 

[EaOutlaw]

I am guessing you do not have a mig welder.

Panel bonding is a decent way to go if you have enough contact area.

I have never used the stuff myself but I would if my back would allow this type of work any longer.

 

[lastrequest68]

EaOutlaw, that is correct, I do not have a mig welder. I have a buddy who is good with welding and such but i was reading up about the panel bonding and guy say it is great stuff and sometimes stronger than spot welds because it covers entire area where metal seams together. Also no chance for warping metal with over heating the metal or burning through when the the panels are slightly different thickness. I couldn't find anything on Lemans cowls as far as their role in the rigidity of the vehicle. Other place on the net said with certain other cars that the cowl played a key part in the structure and not to use it. But being a full frame car i wouldn't see any of the weight load being passed through that section. Thanks for the input, I'm sure I will be posting like crazy throughout this whole process for ideas and input on this build.