DeTomaso Mailing List: March 99, Message #151

In a message dated 3/3/99 12:21:22 PM, Richard.Barkley@trw.com writes:
snip.....
<< Inside the car, I'll fill the hole with caulk and/or expanding foam and
inject expanding foam into the back of the door top tube. >>

I advise AGAINST filling any horizonal structural member in a Pantera with
foam. This was a "fix" from the '70s that became a nightmare, usually for
second owners. Foam fills the area tightly and cures about 99%. It then post-
cures for the next year or so, slightly shrinking as it does. Any water that
gets up there in the crevices, including condensation, will remain by
capillary action, forever until it totally reacts with the steel! A few cars
had this done to the rocker panels. One I know of had the entire rockers cut
off and new ones welded on, since the foam is not dissolvable and the bottom
of both rockers were severely rusted besides..... Good luck- J DeRyke