1978 Aspen R/T 318 4 speed

Ed Dorey

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After careful consideration and a lot of poking with a screwdriver, I've decided I have to replace the frame rails instead of repairing them. Looks like it's time to drop the k-frame. Any hints or suggestions on an easier way to do this would be greatly appreciated. Also has anyone ever used the frame cap repair parts and if so would they work here.

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Ed Dorey

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Finally started the deconstruction. It's actually not as bad as I thought it would be.

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Justwondering

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as a novice person, what causes that extensive rust?

Is it coming from the bottom up due to salt and splatter or did water get under the carpet for years?
 

Ed Dorey

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This may have been from where the car came from. Minnesota. Lot's of snow and ice which means lots of salt. I also have to replace both rear quarters, both rockers and part of the trunk floor.
 

Aspen500

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Ed,

You have a differnent definition of "not bad" than I do.

Rust that's "not bad" is a subjective thing depending on where you live. What's considered minor rust here in Wisconsin would be rusted beyond repair in a non-salt state.
 

BudW

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as a novice person, what causes that extensive rust?

Is it coming from the bottom up due to salt and splatter or did water get under the carpet for years?
Carpet with that fabric like material grabs ahold of water and won’t let go.

Sometimes it is from water leaks above (windshield seal, body seal leak, etc.

My ’68 Charger had rust in floorboard and in trunk. The trunk rust was from a water leak at back glass area. The glass uses gaskets (instead of that black rubber glue stuff) which leaks as well as vinyl top chrome pieces are prong to leaking water.
 

Ed Dorey

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After much consideration I've decided to use my 78 R/T as a donor car and use the new 80 Volare as the base for my new R/T project. I'm starting with swapping the front end and rear axle assembly. From there I'll use the best pieces between the two. I was having no luck finding the body parts I needed so this is actually the cheapest and easiest route. Should save quite a bit of time and money off my build. I'm hoping to be driving her next year even thought she won't be in her final form.

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AJ/FormS

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I've had one of those since 1994. I haven't registered now for 3 years. When I was driving it I never appreciated it's looks. Now that's been sitting in my carport so long, I'm starting to like it. But the body's beyond hope, now.
So I'll be watching
 

BudW

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I am glad your daughter is joining in the fun!
Every time I try to get either of my (almost 11 year old) twins to help on something minor, they find an excuse and quickly vanish.

May I ask how old she is?
Also, is she expecting anything from helping you?
BudW
 

78VOLAREWAG

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I am glad your daughter is joining in the fun!
Every time I try to get either of my (almost 11 year old) twins to help on something minor, they find an excuse and quickly vanish.

May I ask how old she is?
Also, is she expecting anything from helping you?
BudW
I have 11 year old triplets, only one is into cars, I've been taking them to car shows since they we 6 months old, in my Rebel. I bought my Volare to rebuild with my "mini-me"
 

Ed Dorey

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She's almost completely stripped. Got the K frame out yesterday. Won't be too long before the 80 Volare is in the garage to start becoming a 78 R/T clone.

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Ed Dorey

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You got the upper control arms off OK?
yes I did. It was a struggle to get the K frame bolts out though. My impact wouldn't touch them. Had to grab the extra long snap on socket wrench to get them out. I'm just glad I didn't strip anything.
 
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