QUOTE(r_towle @ Dec 22 2013, 07:54 AM)
Ok, that looks tough.
Buy the panels first.
Remember, you do not need to replace the whole panel, just the area of rust that you need to fix.
If you entire issue is the hammer dents, you can pull those out with a torch, some welded on tabs, and some tricks that I will let Rick explain! cause when he showed me! I was floored how easy he makes it.
I welded on my replacement sail panel and it warped inward.
He showed me how to pull it back out with not too much effort.
You may want to clean off the whole panel, down to the door handle and post some larger pics of the issue so he can advise you properly.
Thanks Rich,
After looking it over last month, I ordered both sail panels form Restoration Design, I now have them.
I had put the targa top on and found the drivers side hung over more than the other.
The top of the sail thickness are 19mm and 24mm, about 5mm thicker on the passenger side.
I have not stripped the old panels yet but did take more measurements and photos.
I used a fishing rod to check diagonally for a rack. A fishing rod was the best tool for the job at the time. Measuring from the bottom RH sail to the top LH flange, I marked the rod.
I found about 5/16 difference from the opposite diagonal measurement. It leans to the drivers side yet the targa top hangs over more on the drivers side as well?
Next, I used a straight edge from the outer edge of the front targa seal to the sail panel and found RH and LH were not the same.
Some of this may look bad but with all the Bondo it was well hidden. My thought is replacing the panels will be the cleanest fix.
It looks like , taking the rack out will make the overhang problem worse.
I need to set aside some time to document more measurements starting with the windshield frame again.
When I did the long kit ,I remember the windshield started off maybe 3mm and looked like it had been replaced as well.
It is not easy checking measurements when you don't have a solid base point. I saw no change after installing the long kit.
As far as the racked condition, maybe I could use the ski rack mount holes to push and pull?
It's good to know, if not careful, I could weld it up just the way I found it, or worse.