Body condition/repair thoughts

Josh Rutter

Josh Rutter

I just wanted peoples thoughts on how bad of shape these areas are on and under my hearse. I know they are bad but was wondering if they are as bad as think or worse/better and also what I could due to help/repair them. Keep in mind I will not be able to afford taking it to a body shop or anything for quite some time. For now it is in a garage and has been for years but would like to make sure I havent been working towards fixing something that is too far gone.

Here are some pics I COULD get as there isnt alot of wiggle room in there...

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Windshield needs reinstalled (and properly)

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Underbody and frame

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Rear door bottom...I figure the whole door probably needs replaced then
 
I don't see anything to alarming. The rust around the windshield is a common issue with older vehicles. I've dealt with it numerous times. As well as around back windows. The rear load door is probly salvageable. Then again anythings salvageable with enough time and metal. But a door for your coach should be pretty easy to find. Before sinking hours of metal work into repairing it, you would be better off to just find a solid one. Floor pans are too easy. The sides near the landau bars just need a THIN skim coat to cover the seam and alot of block sanding. Cant see alot as i use my phone for web browsing. If i didn't address something or you have a ??? just let me know!

Paul
 
Josh: Maybe if we could a see a couple of pictures of the total car (including a brief run down on it's mechanical needs) we collectively could give you a better evaluation if it's worth taking on the challenge? MM
 
I've started with worse. What about the rest of the car? Is it the '77 (?) M&M? The front windshield is an easy fix but will require pulling the windshield. Go to Lowe's and get a piece of angle iron. Cut out the bad spot and weld the angle in. The front actually is a lot better than what I started with on my '86 Buick. The underbody, spend a couple weekends grinding, priming and undercoating. And just replace your rear door. It will need to be rebuilt and reskinned on the bottom it looks to me.
 
I have a couple pictures of it from over the years in the Photos section. Mechanically it has just over 67k original. It runs (last started probably 2 years ago) and drove fine last time I drove it (probabaly six years ago). Interior is fine. Currently leaking trans fluid and will need gas tank emptied. But other than that the body and underbody was what I wasnt sure about. Also the rear side doors are sagging or...bubbling out bigger than the lines of the car, along the bottom. Forgot to take pics of that.
 
Stop the rust from getting worse

Josh- I just looked at a spray can of Rustoleum rust converter. You wouldn't be able to get behind the rust everywhere, but I would at least be concerned with preventing its progress. Let's see what others say....
 
Sounds like the rear doors just need adjusted inwards at the hinges. Should be an adjuster on them. I could be wrong. But it sounds like they should be brought in. If it hasn't been started in two years you may want to hook up a fuel can to the carb a run it a little while. If the seals haven't already dried out you may be in for a rebuild. Trans shaft seal sounds like its bad. Before I put my '31 Chevy into storage I spent about $40 on 2 wire wheels, primer and Rustoleum Satin black for the frame. Now you'd never know it's been in a field since 1952.
 
Depending on your skills, and how much you value your time will determine if you should try to bring this one back. I would have to have a very strong emotional attachment to want to try to restore this car to even driver condition, since the rust is so severe. If it were me, I would want to start with one that didn't have rust issues, since fighting rust is a never ending battle, unless you make all new panels, and fix those that you don't replace. If it were a one of a kind, it would be worth saving, no matter what. Since there were other examples of this year and model built, I would look for one that didn't have this much of a rust problem. It is a lot easier to fix mechanical issues, than it is to repair rust issues.
 
your looking at a older repair gone bad because all it was was a quick cover up. it was done some years ago also. can it be fixed yes. is it worth doing that depends on you. you not driving it for a reason. if money is the problem let it go. it's a money pit. you looking at 5 grand to have a drivable car sitting there today. may be less. about 5 times that to get this one to the condition your can buy one in. so this one hasn't spun a wheel in 2 years I think you answered your own question.
 
Mike McDonald said:
Josh: Maybe if we could a see a couple of pictures of the total car (including a brief run down on it's mechanical needs) we collectively could give you a better evaluation if it's worth taking on the challenge? MM
Click to expand...

Kevin Lynch said:
Josh- I just looked at a spray can of Rustoleum rust converter. You wouldn't be able to get behind the rust everywhere, but I would at least be concerned with preventing its progress. Let's see what others say....
Click to expand...

Paul Steinberg said:
Depending on your skills, and how much you value your time will determine if you should try to bring this one back. I would have to have a very strong emotional attachment to want to try to restore this car to even driver condition, since the rust is so severe. If it were me, I would want to start with one that didn't have rust issues, since fighting rust is a never ending battle, unless you make all new panels, and fix those that you don't replace. If it were a one of a kind, it would be worth saving, no matter what. Since there were other examples of this year and model built, I would look for one that didn't have this much of a rust problem. It is a lot easier to fix mechanical issues, than it is to repair rust issues.
Click to expand...

Well one reason ive kept it for so long is because the '77 M/M's are my favorite style and I dont seem to see them come up for sale very much. Also I didnt know what I could do with this one because I didnt want to junk it and I dont see alot of people needing parts from it.
 
Well after tapping on the frame and watching the rust rain down after every hit its pretty apparent to me that this just isnt going to happen :cry:

Looks like ill be stripping all the rare parts off and then scrapping her...had this thing since 2006 hoping to eventually put some money into it, guess not.

I hope to hell I can find another '77 M/M eventually.
 
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