DeTomaso Mailing List: August 99, Message #77

Hello to all:
I have to say that I'm now grinning (just a bit) from furthur
examination of that particular rusted section on my Pantera :^). The
rust damage wasn't as extensive as I thought it was. The two half pipe
shaped channels apparently have LOTS of good metal except at the bottom.
I think I can get away with sectioning off that piece, cleaning that
rear like crazy, PORing it, and maybe replacing a piece of plate at that
bottom end and putting a drain hole. That center plate section, however,
is a gonner. That is a definite replacement plate item. Still, not
problem. I was concerned about those two pipes. Lucky lucky. This
weekend is an engine pull affair. It has to come out so I can begin
working on her. I'm more confident now that I've had a "reprieve" of
sorts.

Additionally, after talking with a fellow at the local Auto zone (who
takes interest in what I do with the ol cat) convinced me that I should
do a frame off resto on the car. Well, I can't get the frame off, but
the rest of the car seems a likely candidate for a respray. I'm pretty
certain of that since Dave Henry suggested that when I liberated the car
from Sac. I believe I have the basics down (and the paint to boot) and
the only thing that's stopping me is a compressor, HVLP gun, and the
prep work. Otherwise, just those things, blocking off my garage for
painting and voila! Repainted Pantera.

So, again, jazz city here, folks. I hope this doesn't turn into a topsy
turvy affair for me with all these things I've been finding BUT once
that well well rust is taken cared of (in addition to the rocker
panels), we will be major STYLIN' !!!!! (heh heh, my folks commented the
other day that I shouldn't get a Pantera after I came from the tech
session. Again, little do they know). Cal #2428R.