57 356 A mild resto

[JTR70]

I had lot of issues with the site for several months and I had to find a new webmaster that I could rely upon. I had to go through a few outfits before I found the one. Anyway, things really got out of sink here for quite a while and many of the regulars scattered to the wind. Maybe they'll be back who knows but I'll keep the lights on here either way.

[JTR70]

I spoke with Bruce a few months back he is in process of closing out is shop and retiring to Florida. Maybe we'll see him here again once he's settled into his new life.

[JTR70]

I used to think every seam had to be sealed but I realized later I could be creating a future problem if creeping water cannot drain. I had sealed the inner crevice my door bottoms but changed my mind on that as thought of if any water getting in between there would create the problem I was trying to prevent.
I dug all of it back out and left it with a good coat of paint and sealer. As an added layer of rust protection I packed and coated the door bottom in axle grease. I don't care how messy or dirty it might eventually get as its much easier to wipe a layer clean rather than finding rust bubbling in those areas again. The same treatment will happen with that upper fender area and seam you've got pictured. That deep recess is getting packed with grease.

[JTR70]

These deep underside shots really highlight what a nice unmolested car this really is.

[JTR70]

Underside looks fantastic!

[roy mawbey]

Mark pleased to see you back ! Well, you have been busy. Those underneath the fender ( wing ) shots really show how good the original factory steel is . I did all that work on mine over 40 years ago and I don't think I got mine to shine like yours . I have missed Bruce's comments as well. He always had good info to share. I think when Justin had to change the Forum format I had problems making it work so maybe so did he? I don't go on the Registry anymore but do wonder how he is?

Keep up the good work!

Roy

[merbesfield]

Mark
On my T6B I think that area was filled with gobs of what looked like roofing tar. We have lost several expert contributors to this forum(Bruce & Javk) that could provide good answers.
Phil

It has been so long since I was last here. Where did these guys go to? I guess I should look in the registry.

JTR70 Hoping Justin will chime in.

[Phil Planck]

Mark
On my T6B I think that area was filled with gobs of what looked like roofing tar. We have lost several expert contributors to this forum(Bruce & Javk) that could provide good answers.
Phil

[merbesfield]

I have a question relating to the front fenders and the closing panels. What is the best way to seal the front closing panels so dirt and water cannot get back in better the inner fender and outer skin? I seam seam sealed the lower section but then when I get to the top of the inner fender the gap is huge. Do I use a foam backer rod and seam seal it or did I make a mistake and should it have been left open to drain. As it is now, clearly I have created a huge water holding spot. So I either close it off or remove the sealer. What do you guys recommend?

[merbesfield]

More pics of quarters

[merbesfield]

Long overdue update. News flash, I’m not dead. Working my way towards spraying of undercoating and getting very close. Main floor is seam sealed and ready for one more coat of paint then undercoating. The last hurdle was the rear quart panels. They had the original nasty tar undercoating still in place. I am grateful it was sprayed even though it is a bitch to remove. It saved this old girl from the tin worm. There is minor pitting in a few spots but overall, nice original German steel. The factory seams are amazingly beautiful. I was dreading it’s removal, but in the end a torch and scraper made quick work of it. I probably gave up a year of my life due to the fumes, but it’s a sacrifice we make for the greater good of the project. After bulk removal was completed, the fun task of surface conditioning the metal in preparation for paint began. After 5 hours of grinding w condition pads and wire wheels, it is close. I still have some nooks and crannies to deal with, which as you know require creative thinking on how to get them. One more good shop visit and it should be ready for paint followed by seam sealer then more paint and finally undercoating. What a happy day that will be.

[merbesfield]

[merbesfield]

Thanks Tom. Yes it is much better to point of acceptable. I will continue to fiddle with it. Quite a workout doing this sort of work. Professional panel beaters must be in very good physical condition.

[Red911]

Hi Mark, looks like you have pulled out the "valley" that you discussed earlier. The door looks great. Tom

[Red911]

Hi Mark,
I had trouble getting my iPhone photos to be correctly orientated. I loaded the iPhone photos to my desktop, rotated them and then posted using the corner "pulling" tab to size it the way I wanted. That works for me. Tom