55 bird sharing lessons learned body damage

[HRUVDT564]

I wanted to share my experience with bodywork on my 55 little bird.After purchasing the car and doing some major work I noticed a problem with the rocker and investigated further. An unscrupulous owner had actually glued on a rocker panel with liquid nails over the rust of the underside see photos. Luckily I am working with an extremely good welder who is replacing all rockers floor pans and body braces
The photos attached will show that the car didn’t look too bad until I dug deeper. Just sharing information and get some of your head shaking.

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[Zoopie]

That is really underhanded. My seller told me the overdrive system worked, wasn't even hooked up and I've had to replace 3 out of 4 components including wiring. He said gas and volt gages only needed the voltage regulator, not. I've sold a few cars online, I need to be able to look at myself in the mirror shaving every morning, without looking at a $%@&head!

 

[HRUVDT564]

That is really underhanded. My seller told me the overdrive system worked, wasn't even hooked up and I've had to replace 3 out of 4 components including wiring. He said gas and volt gages only needed the voltage regulator, not. I've sold a few cars online, I need to be able to look at myself in the mirror shaving every morning, without looking at a $%@&head!

I also bought a 1964C 10 stepside which I knew was junk when I bought it and was aware of the work that I needed to do. Going into something with eyes open as one thing but discovering things like this makes you sick in your stomach.
My C 10 is now my daily driver. I actually sold my new truck. I’ll get this little bird in shape also (all in)

 

[Douglemmo]

There is apparently nothing some people won't do to make a buck. I was lucky, both of my cars were bought needing total restorations, but even then there were surprises. I didn't think Liquid Nails would work in this application, but it apparently does. One would think that there would have been tell tail cracks in the paint at the ends of the "new" rocker panel. Bummer because the car looks pretty good in the above picture, but if you blow the picture up, you can see a crack at the front of the "new" rocker panel. I guess the moral of the story is that if an unusual "body seam" is discovered, they should be investigated by a knowledgeable T-Bird person. Sorry you did not catch this defect in time.

 

[mike3121]

I was having a number of updates to my 1957 Colonial white/red int T-Bird. A restorer was replacing the rubber weather stripping on the doors when he found the bottom of the doors on both sides severely rusted. A different restoration shop had done a number of mechanical upgrades (Power 4 wheel power disc brakes, CASCO Improved Handling Kit (gas shocks & sturdy anti sway bars), new exhaust system, start in park and painted and installed 15" steering wheel. The restorer found no rust on the underside of the car, in fact he said it was heavily undercoated. I just ordered some patch panels from Larry's and found a shop to do the welding some 6 to 8 weeks wait.

 

[thessler]

I feel your pain.
I had my 56 for a few months before I realized both rear quarter panels have patch panels pop riveted over the top of the old rusted ones. Looks good from the outside. Next winters project.
Good luck, Tom