Front Clip swap? 1966 Barracuda

[POPS6T6]

This goes along with my other post, same car, same project, same dream..

Is it possible to swap a front clip? There is some rust on my original car and was wondering if the fender walls (is that what they are called in the engine compartment) can be swapped? Are they spot welded in or should I just work with what I have and just cut replacement patches as I need them?

I know at this point most of you are wondering why I am cutting up a solid car to save a rusted car, but the rusted car's value is priceless and I just have to do what I have to do for so many reasons!

Thanks again,

John

 

[POPS6T6]

Anyone have any info on this? I'd really like to use as much of the rust free car as possible without compromising the strength/safety of the car.

Thanks,
John

 

[BronxMopars1]

It can be done but its a TON of work on a uni-body car. I actually have a really clean pair of inner fenders and a rad support im not using but again its a ton of work. how bad are your's? you should post a few picks.

BronxMopars1@aol.com

 

[POPS6T6]

I will have to take some pics after it has been soda blasted.

The passenger fender was dented and bondo'd, and lucky me they welded it back on instead of bolting it on. So I have to remove that and scrap it since I have a spare. After I take all that off, I'm going to see what all can be unbolted and replaced with the donor car, then take the car to get blasted and cleaned and see what I am left with. There are a few spots that seem kinda bad, but hopefully once it is cleaned I can just treat it and it will be solid enought to not worry about. Like I've mentioned, I am preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. I would rather ask all the questions I can now, and just see what my options are.

Thanks so much for the input and after I get it blasted I will take some pictures.

John

 

[65s]

You have to love this car to do all this work to it. If you don't absolutely love this car, find another car in better shape. In the end, it will be cheaper.

The '69 Valiant my buddy and I was in parts car condition but we just fell in love with it and wanted to learn on it and see it resurrected. $4000 later it's practically a new car, but still needs paint and interior and for half of that we could have found an Arizona or California rust free one to start with. But then, the satisfaction and pride of knowing we fixed this car is priceless.

Every body panel can be replaced, it's just a matter of how effort you're prepared to invest. Inner fenders I'd probably leave in there if possible...just patch them. Once the motor is in, you won't see any slight imperfections.

 

[POPS6T6]

Sounds like a plan. I was hoping it would be easier, but in this case I think patch panels are the way to go. The fendors will be solid and look good, just the engine compartment will be a bit rough.

John