Shoebox fender seams

I have tried to search and cannot find anything. I have ssen many shoebox Fords with the rear fender seams ground smooth and would like to do this to mine. How much work am I in for? Is it just grind off the raised part, weld, and grind smooth or is there more involved? Any help is apreciated.

 

The moulding in question can be removed with a co**** gringing disc. The moulding is T shaped with the down leg of the T in the pinchweld between the quarter panel and the main body. There is some sort of sealant that Ford used between the panels and you have to get it all out so it doesnt contaminate your welds. Due to the age of these cars you will probably find some rust which will also contaminate the welds. Its more work that you would initially think to do it right, but well worth the time, IMHO.

 

To add more info, you will also get into a factory Lead seam. The T strip is there to cover up a poor fit between the 2 panels also. Yes it's more work that you would think but well worth the end result.
The Wizzard

 

Ya, worth the extra time to do a good job cleaning out the seam before welding...

 

How do you guy's clean out the seam? I would think a 2" grinding disc with an air grinder might work?

 

You can also use an air chisel to remove the filler strip. You have to use the V tip. I did it on the '51 I worked on, and it came off in seconds with no damage to the car. Just minor clean-up with the grinder.

 

Grind off the strip, and then use a gas torch, and carefully burn out the sealant and then weld.

 

Grind some seam off and tack weld as you go along, when I did mine, my **** almost split apart on me trying to grind off the whole seam in one shoot, LOL.....
Use one of these paint s****ers they work very well, in removing any old paint or sealant.

 

Do a little at a time. I ground about 6"-8" out at a time and kept spot welding it to keep it from pulling apart. Didnt have any sealant in mine, I'm sure it disappeared with age. Looks a lot better filled in my opinion!

 

Thanks guys! I am off work until the new year, so I will give it a try. My light frenching stuff came today also, so I should be busy!

 

i pulled mine out with vise grips and welded up as i went along, was easy to do try this first.

 

It will be worth it. It will look great when your done.

 

Great posts, guys.......... My '50 coupe is bubbling along the seam line and I need to fix it and have been mulling this over for awhile.........then, here it is.....some details on what to expect........Thanks!

 

Keep us posted !