Rear Rail/Trunk/WHeelhouse Replacement Sequence....your thoughts

[KMKuda]

Ok,

So I'm about to shell out some cash to start replacing the rear frame rails (complete pair), entire trunk pan, & wheel houses on my 72 cuda. I've never had to replace all three at the same time, so i'm curious if any others have tackled all three of these at the same time. I was almost tempted to build the back half of the car off to the side and then "slide her in" and weld her off.

Currently, the car is on my stand with braces welded off on the inside to keep the car from flexing once I start cutting the old cancer/rust off. Also, the trunk pan is already gone with only the rear seat section still left in tact.

So, what are your thoughts as to what would be the easiest sequence to replace the old with the new?

[Jimmy]

I'd like to know too!

Any pics of your car where you have all your supports welded up? Haven't quite tore into mine yet, but pretty soon. Thanks!

[dixiedog]

I had to replace both rear frame rails, trunk pan, trunk drop offs, both L & R inner and outer wheelhouses, trunk braces, shock crossmember, under rear seat pan, and other parts.  It was to much for me.  I had a body shop guy do it.  He cut everything out and started by fitting the rear frame rails first then trunk pan and wheelhouses.  Screwed them in place and then tack welded. Then went back and welded everything in place.  It was a big undertaking but he did a good job.  Danny

[72cudamaan]

Just finishing the same process. Everything worked out real well.  When my new computer comes, I will download pics for ya if you need.

   I started by taking measurements of rail width as well as diagonal measurements. I removed the trunk pan & extensions but left the quarters on to keep some sort or rigidity. I would suggest tacking or screwing( better) the rails to the under seat pan, locating the shock cross member,and screw the trunk pan to the rails. Just remember, measure, measure, and measure again. If you need any more advise, pm me if you'd like.

                   Andy

[DetMatt1]

I did this on a `68 Road Runner and it was very easy and quik, but I used a complete back half from a doner car and left it completely assembled. This could be done with aftermarket parts as well and you already have the perfect patern to get all of your dimensions from in your factory assembly. The doner assembly fit perfectly and all of the measurements and reference marks that I had made before I disassembled matched up perfectly. I did the whole process in about 6 days from the time I started removing the rotten stuff from my car, preping the doner metal and installing it.

[KMKuda]

Just finishing the same process. Everything worked out real well.  When my new computer comes, I will download pics for ya if you need.

   I started by taking measurements of rail width as well as diagonal measurements. I removed the trunk pan & extensions but left the quarters on to keep some sort or rigidity. I would suggest tacking or screwing( better) the rails to the under seat pan, locating the shock cross member,and screw the trunk pan to the rails. Just remember, measure, measure, and measure again. If you need any more advise, pm me if you'd like.

                   Andy

I hear you about the measuring part....I've measured once and plan on measuring twice more this weekend before I finish bracing everything off. I'll send you a PM shortly....