Reply to "GT5 flare installation durability question?"

Decklid .. my thoughts were ...looking at other cars you have a valid point with regard to rubber bumpers .. ususally there are at least 3 rubbers on each side ..Pantera only 1 ...

Base of the window my thoughts are possibly reweld existing joint and re do the lead joint .. then on the underside grind off the thin steel and fab a 1/8 plate extending about 6 inches in each direction replacing the existing sheetmetal so its flush.. possibly a good secondary attachment point for a roll cage. next maybe where the fender meets create a expansion joint and fill it with seam sealer and let it expand and contract as necessary ???

The camber bar .. you hit that one on the head .. we had discussed in previuos post about ROLL CAGE fastening points and that area is one of the key reinforcing areas ... exactly you use poly bushings and the car take unnecessary shocks and causes cracks. I feel a plate from the frame all the way up past the camber bar 1/8 steel would be on line.

The bumper area .. I see what your talking about .. below that area there is an expansion seam that seperates the rear panel but doesnt contiue into the tail lights .. I say continue the seam and fill it with seam sealer or weld up the seam and redo the brazed joint and fill it with lead. Yes a little brase from the frame to the outer bolt or tail light is a great idea.

Gary and I have discussed the etching primer and I see your points. 6476 with regular stripper seems to not rust after stripper is removed a residue seems to prevent rust temporarly until I get to the blasting stage. once blasted ... the 2 part etcing primer goes on the car then touching up the areas welded and repaired is a good idea. After that I'm going to shoot the rust inhibitor into the nooks and crannys.

The Pantera is a flexible car that needs reinforcing .. so the discussion is most beneficial even for the most seasoned Pantera guy ... is real life CRACKS that we speak about here ... LOL

Ron