Rust in front wheel wells

[Stevelivingfree]

Its a '72, new to me this summer. Started pulling her apart and came across this in the front wheel wells.

RHS#1


RHS #2


LHS#1


Obviously it needs some love but how serious is rust in this area. Need to try and decide which way to go forward with this car....

Thanks for all opinions....Steve

[DRUMMOND]

Hi Steve

Those strut towers are composed of three layers of sheet metal. they have no sealer between them, so water just seeps in and rots from the inside out. In my opinion they look pretty bad , you probably need to cut them out and replace.

Richard

[vandor]

New replacements are available. I agree, those look pretty far gone. If by some miracle only the outer layer is rotten, then one could fix these, but usually by the time the outer ones rust out the inside is toast too.

[Stevelivingfree]

Thank you both for responding. Now I know what to call them search has also provided me no end of info. I have also found some, both new & used. It looks like the project keeps creeping. Was planing to leave the bushes and suspension till next winter. Engine needs attention this year. Need to go crack the piggy to see if there is enough in it.....Any ideas of a 'low cost' option????

[DRUMMOND]

Hi Steve

In my opinion look over all parts of the car especially all critical areas. Your shock towers could be just a preview of whats to come. Rocker panels, under the back seat cross member, rear suspension attachment to body, front suspension arms to body. Brake system. Assess and prioritize for safety first. Your shock towers are critical for your safety over your engine concerns in my opinion.

Cheapest way to do things is DIY. Otherwise it can be expensive. Depends how attached to the car you get

[Stevelivingfree]

Thanks Drummond. Most of the areas you mention have already been taken care of. Brakes are original but function well, rockers & suspension mounts are solid. Will go digging for the back seat cross member and see how it looks. Agree she needs to be safe and these towers will get attention but did not want to go with a full front suspension rebuild, engine bay strip, paint, etc. this winter which is where replacing the towers would end up. I am thinking maybe a couple of welded plates to minimize short term risk of failure so she can manage a few runs next summer. I have already dismantled the engine far enough that it makes no sense to reassemble without the bottom end work.

I see comment that the towers available do not fit well. Anyone able to recommend one over the other, or what to watch out for?

[jlw35]

As to the "some shock towers do not fit well"..

I purchased mine from AutoRicambi and they fit with just a bit of modification. If you can handle removing the tower in the first place, then it would be no problem to modify the replacement.

The problem, I believe, with the fitment probably has more to do with how much damage or distortion you cause when removing the old. More care will give you less trouble I believe.

If I did it again, I would probably buy the tower offered by another vendor (don't remember which one) that comes in 2 pieces, which would make for an easier install.

I did this without help (other than forum support, which is invaluable), and I am an average mechanic. Use the proper tools, some persistence and you can do this.

Jeff