Hood hinge mount at the cowl gone

[blueboss]

I need to replace the cowl section that the hood hinge mount attaches to. I've been told this is a fairly common rust point for the Fox body. Being that as it is, has anyone successfully completed/attempted this repair? Any lessons learned, advice? I have been unsuccessful in locating the parts through the aftermarket as I figured. So I guess my next step is salvage yard.

[indiana dave]

I tried cutting a section out of a donor car, and it was a bear. My passenger side is rusted, but not as bad as yours.
I think it's a doable job, but maybe not for amateurs.

[blueboss]

I figured that would give me the most headaches based on it's location. Initially I thought I would have to cut the top of the cowl off to access what I need to ala the 64-70 vent hat replacement. But the more I look at it, it does not look to be that bad. We'll see. I should have it done within the next couple of weeks I'll post the after pics.

[indiana dave]

I think the best way would be to drill the pinch weld, and cut vertically on both sides of the rusted area, then stop just before the bend where the firewall meets the cowl. There's some reinforcing behind there that really causes some trouble though. I don't know ho you'd get behind there to re-weld that. I look forward to your pictures. I definately need to do this, and it'll be interesting to see how you do it.

[JTurbo]

If you go to forced 4's web site, they have a "rusty resto" project car (84 1E). Somewhere in the rebuild pictures there is a photo or two of the repair (same issue).

Try this link: http://www.forced4.com/cprojectrusty.html

[blueboss]

Made some progress today. Came out better than I thought it would. I blew some holes in a couple of places but all in all, not too bad. I still have some sanding to do but I'm infinitely better off than I was this morning.

[Meotchh]

Nice work Scott!

Any plans on treating the rust inside the cowl behind the hinge?

[blueboss]

Nice work Scott!

Any plans on treating the rust inside the cowl behind the hinge?

Thanks. Either POR15 or that Rust Encapsulator from Eastwood. R/E is way cheaper and looks like it does the same thing. Need some seam sealer too. Lots of it!

Nice work!

Do not fail to paint the backside of that area (inside the wiper cowl area).

Thanks man. I'll definitely get it. This thing is going to see DD duties and I don't want this stuff returning. This sounds like a perfect job for my son!

[indiana dave]

Nice job.
What would you charge if I dropped my car off for ths same work?