The 71 Duster has a very effective air vent system - but the vents in front of the windshield let leaves and trash thru that collect, hold water, and eventually rust the heck out of the duct system. With water leaking thru from the rusted vent area, I'm in the process of butchering the upper part of the firewall - first to clear out the debris and I'll butcher further to gain access to the rust damaged metal to make repair. I'd appreciate shared experiences from those of you who have attacked this problem to tell me the least painful way to gain access to the damaged metal and how to clean up the damage done getting there.

A Mustang owner showed me today how he'd drilled out spot welds and removed the vent area in front of the window and made his repairs from above. I don't know if that will work as well with the Duster - plus I've already made a mess cutting in from the front side. Before I cut and tear further - I'm open to shaared experiences and suggestions.

Whatever I do - I'd like to install a screen below the vent that will block leaves and debris in the future. Any good techniques for doing this would also be appreciated. Again - getting a screen into that area is going to require some serious cutting.

Is the sheet metal that I'm butchering available online? I've attempted to attach a picture - hope you can see it.

tx,
Ken​