Z rot

[St.stephen]

Well I think I have seen the most extensive rust damage on a Zcar now. Demographically I am on the east coast and there aren't many of these cars over here that have not had to be patched together at some point.

Well, this 78 280 I picked up had been restored about 7 years ago by a friend of mine. The car was partially done right, and then rushed as his parents were leasing a new lazer that was sitting in the driveway all winter so they wanted the car out of garage to shelter the lazer.

it was sold after it was painted and put back together. the kid that bought it never drove it as it developed a problem in the harness and never got it started.

7 years later I bought the car for 200.00 and brought it home. the car is in great shape for the most part. 78 block with a 76 head and intake, swaybars, bushings and basically new everything else.

The previous owner left the battery in the car. Due to a rushed weld job, the already once patched battery tray has now rotted through the firewall, strut tower and the whole floor from the rear of the car to the toe board and from the trans tunnel to the inner rocker (some of that is disintergrated too) and the passenger kick panel is gone. So I need to reconstruct about 20 inches of the firewall, the entire toeboard, part of the inner rocker and kick panel, purchase the floor kit, as well as completely reconstruct the battery well where it ties into the side of the car, the frame rail, and into the strut tower. Yes it;s cheaper to fix it than pick up another shell. I am completely convinced there is not a SOLID shell within the NY, NJ, PA area obtainable for under 500 bucks or isn;t a 10 hour drive away.

Certainly a good project to test my welding skills but a pain in the arse to say the least. Guys, be sure to seal ALL your welds and seams in the car to ensure you keep the water out. Nothing is worse than having all that work just start to rust again.

[St.stephen]

hmsports....any ideas?