Repairing rusted out window channel how to make a repair panel that matches the contour of the roof 

Glad to help!

Thanks, my goal was to share good information and what I have learned over the years

Thanks I feel we are doing pretty good as a newer channel, glad you see what we are doing is worth while too. I try to keep it detailed but simplify at the same time. Still having fun sharing the love for these old birds so I see a bright future for VVG and with people like you supporting and giving me feedback even better. Your car of course is in the group of my favorite too. Is yours complete or in process of restoration?

Yes, Thanks. Happy Father’s Day to you as well!

Welcome! I have no problem sharing the truth and being genuine. Want to keep this channel real and relatable to anyone wanting to try this stuff at home.

Thanks, this was the first time I got to use my Metal stretcher and shrinker tool. Loved it wish I got them years ago.

Thanks. Sometimes you get lucky and the window channels are good. I bought the Shrinker with fixing window channels in mind but I have used them for many panels and worth the money if you like fabricating curved panels.

Funny you ask, it’s actually a possibility, I did a trip to Arizona to replace the roof panel, here soon maybe a trip to Mississippi for a floor pan and 1/4 panel, still working out some details on that one. I hope to do 2-3 trips a year to help people with there projects. I can put you on the list for the assist if you are serious.

Thanks buddy. I bought those tools like two years ago finally got a chance to use it and man well worth the money.

Exactly! We all know these cars have window channel Issues and hope this helps

@@VinylVillageGarage yes sir it does a lot , I’ve got to get on some of the exact same thing myself , gonna get one of those shrinker stretchers , that little bit goes a long way on the fit looks like

Yeah and they don’t cost that much. It really helps to get a nice repair panel. I made the stand from scrap metal. I think they make one for purchase too.

Thanks, i appreciate the feedback. My goal is to share everything i can but keep it at a level that most people understand and build some confidence in the viewers that they can do these things at home. What you said tells me I am on her right track. To answer your question I have .024 wire but i rarely use it. 99%of the time I use .030 best way not to blow holes in sheet metal for me is keep the gaps to a minimum in your sheet metal. Having no gap is tuff to get penetration, you should have some Basically the thickness of the wire works great. Good penetration and minimal blowing holes. I have also learned keep the metal clean both sides if possible really helps too. Trust me when I started welding it was awful! Many hours of trial and error, setting temp, learning what angle, drag or push and so on. I will say practice makes perfect. Look at the welds when done and for me the sound tells me the story of how I am doing not as much as what I see. It should be a nice even buzz or sizzling bacon No popping sound. Of course ask away anything else I can do to help

19 gauge, those tools have been super helpful glad I picked them up

Thanks! I use 18 gauge as For sheet metal i try to recycle old panels like hoods and trunk lids that are scrap. I did buy 2’x2’ piece from local hardware store when I was in a pinch but it’s was Like $45 😕

Not necessarily, the first part is remove the knob from the switch. There is a small release button that is about a 1/4” tall and diameter. You have to depress it while pulling the switch knob out. Then once it’s removed you can remove the mounting nut for the switch. The trick is sometimes the switch gets clocked to where you can’t access the release button. I am fairly sure it’s supposed to be at the 6 o’clock position from the factory. As long as you can get to the release Button you should not have to remove the cluster

@@VinylVillageGarage Thanks for your help! Will try this next weekend.

They are very similar for the 67-68 Camaro and Firebird so I am sure it could be done relatively simple. I almost think the tail panel might not need any modifications. Now you got me thinking I should just get a Camaro bumper and try it.

@@VinylVillageGarage might be something to look into. Again, I mean no disrespect to Firebird enthusiasts, I just think the Camaro bumper’s sleek minimalist design just looks cleaner and would flow very well with the Bird’s lines.

@@phoenixblack1220 well chip foose uses the Heck out of Camaro bumpers and I like his style subtle modifications kinda like you said sleek and clean.

@@VinylVillageGarage years ago, I was going to buy a 1969 Firebird, and that was the plan, to use a 1969 Camaro’s rear bumper. Never personally seen it done, but imagine it would look cool on a Bird. I am really looking forward to seeing the great pumpkin water blasted. Did it turn out well?

1969 would need a little more finesse to fit but i see the vision. Great pumpkin is home came out good. I had a huge video upload and editing malfunction, lost a lot of footage and had to redo the editing on several videos. I normally have 3-4 videos all set up and ready. I lost the priming of the great pumpkin the rest I salvaged for the most part. I suppose it happens sometimes