Trunk Lid Repair?

[MGKelly]

did a search, but couldn't find anything on trunk lid repair.
has anyone been successful in repairing a trunk lid with this type of damage?
these screen shots are not from my trunk lid, but my 70 RR lid has similar damage though not nearly as bad. thanks Joe

 

[Cornpatch MO]

The only way would be with sheet metal patches. You would have more in that than just buying a good lid...........................MO

 

[MGKelly]

yea it stinks they don't make any after market lids or metal replacement for a 70 RR and the lid i have is not bad enough to discard.
with that said good lids are hard to find.

The only way would be with sheet metal patches. You would have more in that than just buying a good lid...........................MO

 

[eric383]

Unless you really enjoy cutting patches, grinding, fabbing, welding, and more grinding, I would try to find a different trunk lid.

 

[snakeoil24]

Go to a sheet metal guy and have them fold you a panel its easy to do

 

[MGKelly]

OK I when for it and was able to separated the halves of the trunk lid.
Repairing the rotted metal won’t be a big problem, but straightening out the bent lip around the lid might be.
Are there any special tools to help straighten the lip besides hammering it out?

 

[Redhorse719]

I like your tenacity, step right up and take the bull by the horns. Post pictures as the work progresses. :happy1:

 

[Dako]

I like your tenacity, step right up and take the bull by the horns. Post pictures as the work progresses. :happy1:

Agreed!

 

[MGKelly]

I know! I'm entering territory where no men darn to go. Just can’t bear paying $1000.00 for another lid which probably has rusted guts.
I have an idea that I’m going to try this weekend, but please don’t hesitate to give me suggestion.

 

[snakeyes]

when I had my shop ,I would separate the skins from the shell and my friend that had a dipping company would dip them ,then I would put Dp 90 or another brands anti corrosive primer on them make my repairs and re spot weld them back together do your final work and prep for paint , sounds easy doesn't it ,but it isn't and for some one that hasn't done this it will seem very hard take your time that is take your time you have nothing to loose

 

[MGKelly]

Thanks Snakeyes, straightening the lip without warping the top lid is going to tough. I'll post pics as i go.

 

[Bigbehr21]

I am lucky in that Frank Badalson has his shop not too far from my home. I am taking my deck lid (70RR) to him to get right. My sheet metal skill are not bad, but I am not prepared to do this one, so I am biting the bullet, financially, and having this repair done. Having said all of that, I wish you good luck on tackling it yourself. I will be anxious to see how yours turns out.

The Behr

Update:

My lid will not be repaired by Frank Badalson. He looked it over and told me it would cost way too much to repair vs what its worth. Soooo anybody know where I can score a deck lid in good shape?

 

[MGKelly]

Behr,

I was in the same boat you're in and decided to take the lid apart. I'll post pictures as i almost have the lip straightened out around the perimeter of the lid.
Cleaning up and repairing the metal isn't going to be too difficult, the biggest problem I see is getting the upper and lower half back together while maintaining the original shape and contour.

I am lucky in that Frank Badalson has his shop not too far from my home. I am taking my deck lid (70RR) to him to get right. My sheet metal skill are not bad, but I am not prepared to do this one, so I am biting the bullet, financially, and having this repair done. Having said all of that, I wish you good luck on tackling it yourself. I will be anxious to see how yours turns out.

The Behr

Update:

My lid will not be repaired by Frank Badalson. He looked it over and told me it would cost way too much to repair vs what its worth. Soooo anybody know where I can score a deck lid in good shape?

 

[Bigbehr21]

Ok then, maybe I can get enough tips from you all and try it myself. Sorry guys, I did not intend to hijack the thread.

The Behr

 

[snakeyes]

that's what these threads are for to help us all out when in need.

 

[Donny]

70 RR deck lids are not made? Really? Wow!!! This is going to be a labor intensive job! A word of warning, splitting the Skin from Webbing is asking for some more problems, but, if you're aware of them, then, have skills to solve them, then, it 'should' be ok. Be aware of warping upon the re-joining the Skin to Webbing. If you're getting any of them blasted after separation, BE CAREFUL you or your blaster will not warp these items! I media blast all the time, and, I'm very careful on these items. Don't sand blast it, consult with a good local blaster in your area. If they're too eager to take it, run away. If they're cautious and almost hesitant then they likely know their lane. Also, the metal working on the flat skin will be touchy, welding heat will warp the panel, all the more easily if separated from the webbing. Good luck!

 

[MGKelly]

Donnie, I'm not going to have the lid or webbing blasted. I'm going over the metal with naval jelly, let it sit, wash, let it dry, and then use a small brass bristle brush.
I'm already on the third pass and know what it feels like to clean a kitchen floor with a toothbrush.
I will eventually need to weld some patches and will take my time, but i understand everything can go wrong once i put them back together.