You won't want to hear this but :
Ignore everything else, carry on investigating the body to fully understand what you have. Those repairs are horrendous so what else lies hidden.
I’m with Rob on this. Go over the whole shell and dig deep before getting carried away on the grand plan. Those doglegs and sills are nasty and such tendencies for bodging bode ill. The rear valance and lower rear corners scream filler and bodging too.
Thanks for all of the input guys especially on the body work etc. I have planned to sand it down to see exactly whats hiding under the primer/paintwork. I certainly don't plan on tackling any welding on the body work myself, that will done by body shop.
On the engine side of things, the Haltech ECU arrived the other day.
Looking back at the first page, I’d also recommend a laser-like focus on what’s gone on with the rad support panel. It’s got plates welded onto it on both sides (there should be three holes either side of the red opening, not two) and there’s signs of deformation (top hole, left hand side). The fact it’s covered with a thick layer of underseal should set off alarm bells. It’s possibly had extensive rust damage and/or a front end whack. Something non-factory is being hidden
The two patches on the rear lower quarters, behind the wheels, look like they filled in the bumper recesses.
They are possibly still there if you want to fit a rear bumper.
Real nice job cleaning up the engine bay! Did you just use that MBX tool? Not something I’ve come across before
Most of the engine bay was done with a 115mm diameter wire wheel on an angle grinder. The MBX tool is a great tool, and was used in the engine bay, but is better suited to removing under seal.
These polycarbide discs are a worthwhile addition to the tool box, and make light work of most painted areas.
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