It's been a while, so an update's definitely overdue. I have been busy with body work!
There really isn't much to really talk about - it's just a slog. Applying filler and sanding most of it off is certainly not exciting. But here's what I've done so far.
There's not much more than a skim coat in most areas, with a couple of spots built up (but less than 1/8" max).
I have to change the seal for the boot (trunk). The seal I have stands too proud of the body and forces the lid upward. If I remove the seal, the boot lid fits correctly. The one I need is expensive and a pain to fit.
I also decided I didn't like the way the front driver's wing was turning out. I would have had to build up too much filler to get the profile correct. So I replaced it...
I'm pretty happy with the way the repair looked (from the back side), but the metal was just too distorted.
I also took a closer look at the "little bit of rot" I knew was there. It was more than "a little". So, it got fixed up too. It's not perfect - I could have done more - but it's plenty solid and should hold up.
The panel I ordered is made by Steelcraft. I've read reports that these panels don't fit well, but that was not the case at all. I spent maybe 10 minutes adjusting the profile to get a good fit.
The panel is supposed to attach to the top half of the wing, but I would have had to remove the whole thing and then it would have been a struggle to get it fit correctly. So I took the easy way out and cut the top 1/4" off, and welded it into place. I am very pleased with the result. "Just a little filler" makes it took like it was always there.
Not bad, not bad at all. The profile's good and the door gaps all line up.
Now I have to finish the rear deck and the rear valance, and I'll have gotten through the first round. After that, I go to 120 grit sandpaper and touchups, and then a coat of primer and more touchups, and then it's ready for a final coat and paint!