How do I replace my A-pillars without damaging the lower cowl panel?

[383WSS]

Hey all,

Sorry if this message was meant to be somewhere else but I looked and this seemed to be the best place.

I'm replacing my upper cowl and passenger side pillar due to rust. Problem is, after I removed the upper cowl panel, I realized the A pillar slips under the lower cowl panel, which I don't need to replace and doesn't have rust damage. it seems the existing A pillar may have even rusted under the lower cowl panel. I'm assuming I have to carefully brake the spot welds on the lower panel to access the a pillar and slip in a new one? or should I just chop it at the line and butt-weld in the new A pillar? than I'm not entirely sure the rust will not spread to the new pillar.

or am I missing something is it easier than I'm making it out to seem. Kindly help. I'll post pics on my cars resto page.

Mario

[dodj]

I don't have any good bodywork advice for you, but I would suggest posting this in 'The Body Shop' section.

[manycj]

You have a few spot welds to drill out and a bead weld to grind, but overall it's no big deal at all.  Take a look at my resto page here:

C:\Users\manyc\Documents\homepage\PantherPink\page7\FM3_7.htm

I have better pics if you need them.

[calicuda70]

do your best to cut all the spot welds out and usa a hammer and chisel to knock them loose.

james