Im doing a full restore and have removed the headlight assembly but am asking about the tray the stuff bolts to. Im concerned as its not that easy to strip and paint under it.
what did you all do ?

What tray?

Bucket that's welded to the car. I wouldn't, had to replace one on my 73 and it was a bear to get it right.

If you really need to get under there to clean it up, it's easier to drill out the side support brackets in the front trunk...



Removed:



Cleaned:



Finished: