well, the darn thing is out

[gmwillys]

If the section that is hard welded in is in good shape, leave it. Cut the original off straight, and section the new piece in. On the one I did, only the bottom 4 inches was rotten, so I cut them off at 5", then sectioned the donor piece to match. I cut the sheet metal to make room to weld the back side to make it strong. I'll add some photos in the A.M.

If you have piece parts that you want to strip the G.I. and verious other layers of blue metallic off, my tip for the day is to purchase some of the 80 grit nylon brushes that harbor freight sells for $4.00 a piece. I use these extensively on paint removal, especially on sheet metal. All it takes is time and a 3/8 drill. I have stripped the paint on my 2A, (all 6 layers) down to the bare metal. On average, I use four brushes per jeep body. The frame takes a couple, then the axles take one. The brushes even eat through all the body filler that was gobbed on the quarters and hood. In my opinion, I like the ease of clean up after you are done. The surface is ready to paint after you blow it off with compressed air, and wipe down with prepsol. I also like that you don't have the abrasive material showing up everyone you turn the body. Just my opinion.

When you get everything lined up, we'll set up a weekend and get it all welded up.

I believe your goal of driving in the Mullet and the Veteran's parade is realistic.