I am having a hell of a time finding a good deck lid or trunk lid for my 63 galaxie. I have one deck lid rotten in one area, another rotted in a different area. On one lid the skin is good the framework is gone. I can graft the two subframes together and end up with a good one and a good skin if it is possible. Is there a tool or process that would allow me to get the skin off and re use it? I have been looking for a good lid for two years. My last resort is a Crites 'glass lid and I would really prefer to keep it all done in metal.
I have never seen a tool to remove a skin without damage. Not saying it can't be done, but it would be a pretty good undertaking.
Some pictures always help. If thats not possible, I would just try to get the outer skin off. If you can find all the spots where the flange is tack or spot welded on, get those drilled out. Work slowly and bend the flange at the edge of the skin so it will come off the framework. If you can't do that then just grind along the edge of the skin until the flange just barely separates from the skin. Then take your frame work and start joining it together to make one good one. keep bolting it back on the car to make sure its all lined up. Once you get it lined up, put the skin on with the trunk closed. (may wanna take the latch out first) Tack it in place in a couple of spots. Your gaps are gonna be too wide probably. I would cut some stips (about 1/2" or so to replicate the old flange) and tack them on the underside around the edges. Then SLOWLY weld the outer skin and the stip together. Just keep going around until its welded up. Then check your gaps again. You may have to weld more along the edges to fill the gap. after your gaps look good, grind the edges smooth and there ya go. Of course you may already know all this or a better way, not trying to insult your intelligence. Thats just what I would probably do.
just wanted to thank you for your post i have a 57 fairlane im trying to fix had one deck lid wih frame rusted out one with skin shot seen your ad made that tool and cut that skin off in hour and a half worked fantastic ps who is that in that pic.
It is possible but a lot of work. Like Big Shane said you have to find the spot welds and grind them off then bend up the flange. Start in one spot and bend it up about 1/3 of the way then work all the way around the flange. When you get back where you started bend it 2/3 then last lap straight up. Do it in 3 stages or 4 if you have the patience. Then the frame should pry up out of the skin. Now you can clean, paint, weld etc and finally put the thing back together, and bend down the flange again in 3 or 4 stages. Fit the lid to the car and make sure it is not twisted, adjust as necessary and spot weld so it will keep its shape. Might be easier to start with the best lid and replace the bad parts with pieces cut from the other bad lids. You can bend up just the bad area, cut out the rusted frame with a cutting disc if you are careful.
I mean technically you could POSSIBLY grind the flange off all the way around, gently remove the old skin and weld it on the new frame, welding all the way around and dressing the weld... could be done but would be alot of work...
The Jalopy Journal
