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Like many of us, my Pantera has body cancer (rust) and at places extensive. I have reached a point where the rusted sections (mainly, the left side of underbody) must be removed and replaced. I would like to take the entire car apart, i.e., down to the frame. I'm mechanically handy, howerver, this would all be new to me. Are the body panels all welded together or can some be unbolted? Saving money is obvioulsy a big factor. Frankly, I cannot afford a complete body off professional restoration with two kids in College. I must do it myself. Please, advise will be appreciated.
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You'll have to remove the engine and trasaxle, then the gas tank to do a proper job. There are no removeable body panels, since the Pantera relies on a rigid welded body to stiffen the light frame extensions. Be aware that, for instance, the rocker panels are three-piece (welded sides with a center divider, plus cross-braces, into a triangular, internally braced structure), and the area behind the drivers door and the gas tank, is a complex weldment that often rusts severely. I suggest you buy a copy of the Pantera Chassis and Body Master Parts Catalogue (orange) that shows in exploded view how the car was originally assembled. P.I's books for sale has such. If, after studying the pages, you still want to tackle this monumental job, be aware that most of the parts are available as reproductions, and most will not drop-in, as all the cars are a little different and most have 'settled' in various directions, so some cutting/trimming etc will be required. I also advise not being 'innovative' in your repairs, as the original design by Dallara is a known entity but modifications are not. You may very well wind up with a satisfactorily repaired car that will be unsellable in later years if the fixes are too different-looking. This is a MAJOR undertaking- good luck.
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