What a PITA, getting all the wires, hoses, pipes, etc. disconnected.

Bad news is the trans shifter selector attachment stud snapped off while trying to unhook the shift linkage, even after generous soaking with penetrant, due to rust.

And, found inner fender rust on the pockets perhaps 7"-8" below the top shock mounts, at least with the motor out i can cut the bad metal out and weld new stuff in. Wasn't visible from up top, with the motor in place. That wasn't part of the plan, but rebuilding the front suspension was part of the plan, so the metal replacement isn't a huge deal. The trans is another story, as taking that apart wasn't in the cards.

Doug

 

First pic shows the through rust and cracks on one tower, second pic shows the bypassed PS cooling coil,and its replacement cooling loop. Not sure what the story on that mod was.

Doug

 

That is a very common rust trap, and often cars are far worse than that. As you say, it is invisible if the engine is in place; but an owner can slide a hand down that panel and if it is rusty it can be felt. Water gets behind the shock strengthener in the wheelwell and rots through that metal from the outside.

Once cleaned up and the rust cut out, I suèggest that you thoroughly clean behind the shock strengthener before welding new metal in. Then after welding, treat the metal all round and behind the strengthner with suitable antirust stuff, then seal the join between the inner wing and the strengthener with suitable mastic to keep the water out. I used AquaSteel and mastic called Stixall.

Shock strengthener, important to treat and seal all round where it is against the inner wing metal



Welded up rust after treatment