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Advice required on panel beating
Kafer Lover - February 14th, 2003 at 09:54 PM

My poor '55 is overdue to be fixed up. But as you will see from the photos, its been hit from behind. This had the added bonus of pushing it into a car in front.
Now, what's recommended? I guess at the rear the easiest(?) is to cut off and re-weld a good rear (from below vents). Or do you reckon this can be fixed?
The front isn't too bad, but you can see when a guard is placed next to it, its a bit out of shape, I'd rather not have to cut the front off as well.
Anyone know of a good rear end of an oval, cheap, Geelong/Melbourne?:(

Kafer Lover - February 14th, 2003 at 09:56 PM

second shot of rear:

Kafer Lover - February 14th, 2003 at 09:57 PM

Shot of front:

geodon - February 15th, 2003 at 04:48 AM

I don't think you have a canditate for a "cut & shut" here. Why not find a panel shop that has a hydraulic puller & jig set up. Provided the body is sound, they may be able to pull it out using tension & some heat at key spots. It will cost nothing much to take some photos & show them to a few places before you start cutting!

Herbie Down Under - February 15th, 2003 at 07:41 PM

Hey Kafer
My Ragtop was in a simular situation a few months back. Just spent the last few months welding a new front and rear onto it. Eaxtly the same situation as you mate. Now the panel beaters who are doing my car could fix your and they know what to do now since they have had practice on mine. The place I go to is in breakwater really close to our homes. I am not sure what it would cost to do as I have done most of the work myself and have yet paid for any work. If you like I could show you how to prepare the sections or you can just get it done at the panel beaters. Not too hard to line it up just need to get the panel shop to weld and fill the body and paint. U2U me for more info.

Herbie Down Under - February 15th, 2003 at 07:43 PM

By the way any 55 - 67 rear section should be ok. The are all the smae I think. Someone let me know if I am wrong.

I would pull the front out. I cut my front off cause I wanted to weld a panel that was perfect so the car didn't show signs of an accident. Yours doesn't look to bad at all.

matt - February 15th, 2003 at 08:21 PM

I agree with Geodon on this one. Not much damage a portapower should make light work of it!

Grey 57 - February 15th, 2003 at 09:15 PM

The front and rear panels on ovals are slightly different than the big window models. Especially after the 36hp engine.
Theres a member selling an oval shell on here, what swapping everything over to a good body shell.