Cowl, Fender Apron, Radiator Support - What order to replace?

[asgraff]

I am in the process of completing some rust repair on my '71 Mach 1. I need to replace the cowl (both upper and lower sections), the passenger front fender apron (with the battery holder), and the radiator support. I have all new replacement panels from Dynacorn. I am wondering how to go about tackling these repairs... Obviously, I will be doing the fender apron and radiator support together, but wondering if I should tackle those before I do the cowl or after? Any other helpful hints on either of these repairs?

[JTS71 Mach1]

I was giving this a few days to see if (Mister 4X4) Eric would see it and reply to it, as he has probably got more experience in rust repairs on a 71 to 73 Mach1, then anyone else. Search 71 Rustang on the site and you'll see what I mean. Try sending him a PM? He usually pops in every so often. I guess "life" is consuming his time, just like it is everyone else's. But he's the guy who knows the answer. Gook Luck.

JTS

[wvayn]

I was giving this a few days to see if (Mister 4X4) Eric would see it and reply to it, as he has probably got more experience in rust repairs on a 71 to 73 Mach1, then anyone else. Search rustang on the site and you'll see what I mean. Try sending him a PM? He usually pops in every so often. I guess "life" is consuming his time, just like it is everyone else's. But he's the guy who knows the answer. Gook Luck.

JTS

I would support the front frame, the frame under the rear torque boxes. Take as many measurements as possible, including cross the engine compartment. Realize you may have to remove complete dash board and windshield, fenders. I would replace cowl assembly first for alignment, then replace fender aprons. I did my 70 and it was a challenge. I did the aprons together. Keep old parts for reference.

[asgraff]

I was giving this a few days to see if (Mister 4X4) Eric would see it and reply to it, as he has probably got more experience in rust repairs on a 71 to 73 Mach1, then anyone else. Search rustang on the site and you'll see what I mean. Try sending him a PM? He usually pops in every so often. I guess "life" is consuming his time, just like it is everyone else's. But he's the guy who knows the answer. Gook Luck.

JTS

I would support the front frame, the frame under the rear torque boxes. Take as many measurements as possible, including cross the engine compartment. Realize you may have to remove complete dash board and windshield, fenders. I would replace cowl assembly first for alignment, then replace fender aprons. I did my 70 and it was a challenge. I did the aprons together. Keep old parts for reference.

Thanks for the input guys! I was thinking the cowl first and it seems like that is in line with others thoughts. I will try and document some of my work on here.
Thanks again!

[asgraff]

Got the old cowl removed earlier today (holy rust!!!) and noticed that the replacement cowl has large circular vent holes on both the drives and passengers side of the lower section, but my old cowl only has a hole on the passenger side (where the heater box mounts). I assume this has something to do with AC vs non-AC but am wondering what I need to do with the drivers side?

[JTS71 Mach1]

Sounds like a call to Dynacorn is in order as they're the ones who made them? Just a thought. 

JTS

[asgraff]

Sounds like a call to Dynacorn is in order as they're the ones who made them? Just a thought. 

JTS

I confirmed my suspicions…. The extra drivers side vent opening is for a non-AC car. Since I have a factory AC car I simply plugged/sealed the vent.

[JTS71 Mach1]

Good deal glad it turned out to be that simple. 

JTS

[asgraff]

Here are some pics from my cowl project:

   
Old cowl before removal


   
Lower section after upper was removed (yikes... more rust than I thought)


   
Fire wall after cowl removal


   
Cowl sections after removal (note that there was only a fresh air opening on the passenger side... if you don't count the rust holes)


   
Fire wall and underdash prepped for new cowl


   
New lower cowl section welded in place. For the non-A/C vent on the drivers side I cut a patch to cover the vent from the top, tacked it into place, then seam sealed the plug from underneath.

[JTS71 Mach1]

So that's what it's suppose to look like. LOL! Nice job it's great they are making panels for that now, cause just a few years ago they didn't, and it was a real bear to repair what was there if anything. It sucks having to rip one down that far to do the necessary repairs, and to do them correctly. Way to go for doing it right the first time. 

JTS