Dave Rich's update w/e 11/02/18

Hi Ann,

This week we made some good progress! 

All remaining wood removed in as non-destructive a manner possible and is available to be picked up if you would like.

Interior is fully stripped with the exception of the headliner (which you wanted to leave intact if possible) and the dashboard which will be removed at a later date.

All side glass removed.  The right rear corner window cracked further and will require replacement.  I was able to remove the driver side rear slider window (that your sister cracked all those years ago) without further damage.

Rust and scale removal started mostly on the driver's side under the window area where there was zero metal coating from the factory.  

We stripped all undercoating from the rock shield your dad crafted and the factory shield that was situated above it.  Both can be reinstalled after refurbishing!

Stripping the factory shield -Click image to enlarge

Doors were stripped of remaining rubber seals and sealant and some metal reshaping performed on the misshaped and torn wood mounting holes (mostly on the right side door) I will perform a small amount of welding and finishing on these and some cracks I've discovered and should be good as new.

One of the torn mounting points. 

This hole should be round

An appropriate battery for the car was sourced (the one in there was too small) and after some system checks for shorted wires, we fired the engine! 

In addition to the short video I sent David of it running, we ran the car through the gears on the lift in a zero-load situation and there were no surprises.  Still, given the age and mileage, the engine and driveline should be fully disassembled and reconditioned as needed. 

The front floors have seen some water damage (I believe the windshield leaked) and are heavily pitted.  Given that there were also holes cut in the floor and firewall that were patched poorly, I think it is prudent to replace these and the parts are available. The center and rear sections still needs the undercoating removed for final assessment, but so far, I believe them to be usable. The rear deck floors have rust pitting too, but much less so than the front and I believe can be saved. 

Front passenger floor 

Note the poor fitting floor patch-panel screwed in place on the left side

Rear Deck Floor

The rear deck has some rust pitting, but much less than the front, and may be saved.