I forgot to mention when I started this thread, that this is NOT a concourse restoration. This is probably not even a "keeper." The '72 hard top on my rotisserie is the one I want to finish and keep. That info will hopefully help y'all give me advice. I definitely do not wish to take it the boat ramp, and see how far it can go before it goes really deep. But these old gals are getting rarer and I'd like to get this one back on the road (in roadworthy condition). All of the mechanicals a great, interior carpet/reupholstering done, brakes, engine, tranny, etc. are all good.
Bumper is off, so a few more shots of the damage below. I am back to using as much original metal as possible, but after digging into the bondo, I will need to go to at least the first ridge and the second will be a little better.
I would almost bet that something will torque after I cut, so I am planning on bracing inside, and using tie down straps outside (around the quarters and over the trunk opening) to make sure everything stays in place. Speaking of trunk opening
... from the top by the rear window it is 52 1/8" - 52 1/4" wide, and most of the way all the way down to the rear lip. After the downturn to the rear bottom opening it is 51 3/4" ... or 1/2" narrower. So I need to take that into consideration as I put the new metal in.
As always advice is welcome ... Next step jack it up and remove the fuel tank ... I have no desire to be cutting close to a fuel tank with gas in it !!
The last pic below is the replacement piece showing how far the "water drip" part should stick out.
Ogre