rust in the rocket panel area, any ideas how to handle this rust? Options

[bender]

guys do you think its a serious rust??
and i know i need to buy the rocket panel , do i need more parts for it?
thanks a lot

[brant]

bender,

its not that its impossible...
but I very much agree with all of those who have advised you to get a different car. Here is how I will frame my arguement.

$$$$$

Plan A to fix your car: if you buy all of the patch panels, welding rod, paint, cutting discs, sawzall blades, and beer for your buddy.... you will have about 6 grand into that shell without a motor, or any mechanicals. Also, your buddy is going to get sick of this project after about 4 months (of evenings and weekends) and possibly quit or even disown you. So you run the risk of loosing a friendship. Not to mention loosing touch with reality, your spare time, your spare money, your girlfriend/spouse.

When you get done you will need to spend another 2-3 thousand on the motor, interior, mechanicals. And after investing all of that time and labour you will have a car worth $4,000

Do you see the math here?
6K + 4K does not equal = 4K

I kid you not.
I know people that started with better shells and have 10 or 20K into their shell with new paint.

Plan B is to buy something else. If you buy a 2K roller and put it together yourself you will still have learned a ton. You will still have the opportunity to have fun with your buddy on smaller projects and you may actually accomplish it in a year or less. When you get done you'll likely have 5-8K into a car that is worth $5,000 because repaired cars (like plan A) are not worth as much as no/low rust cars.

Plan C is probably the best one from a financial standpoint. Borrow, beg, or take out a loan. Buy a NICE car for $5,000 - 6,000. Drive it, wax it, tinker on it. Go to the race track and take drivers education from your local porsche club. When you ever decided to sell it you would be able to sell it for the same 6K or more due to inflation.

( you are not likely to sell it, because you will have so much fun driving it and you won't learn to hate it like you will with trying to fix your current car)

Its your car.
Its not impossible.
but I just hate to see people spend 200% on things.
Not to mention that you have about a 1 in 1000 chance of actually finishing it and getting to drive it.

and isn't driving it part of the point?

If you want to learn to weld so badly. Spend your money on a welding class. or maybe volunteer your time with your buddy on one of his welding projects and let him buy the beer!

brant