hello all!

first off i just joined here so hopefully i get to know some of you guys pretty good
now onto the question(s)....
i bought an 84 600 convertible as a project, 183k on her. is there anybody that could give me some pointers or a link to a site when i can get info on:
1. replacing the back seat floors and
2. putting on my top

thanks in advance for your help

 

To replace rusted out metal in cars you can cheap out and fiberglass over the bad metal or cut all the bad (rusted) metal out and replace it with new metal. If you can find a replacement floor panel that is the easiest way to get fresh metal in. If you can't get a replacement panel you can either buy an 8ft x 4ft sheet of metal (I think it is either 18 or 20 gage thickness) from a metal supply place or buy the metal at a place like HomeDepot/Lowes in smaller pieces.

You could poprivet the metal in place temporarily if you don't have a welder and take it to somebody that can weld the panel in for you (it is a convertable so welding the panel in would be much better/safer than rivets).

A grinder, cut off wheel, plasma cutter, or SawzAll are good for cutting the rusted metal out. You could use a flanging tool (like this air powered one http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=41696 there are also handpowered ones available http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?i...emType=PRODUCT ) to make a little lip for the new metal to sit on and make the repair a lot stonger.

 

The convertible top is easy, but i still recommend you check up on this before you jump in. cause a mistake could ruin your new top or window. and that costs extra money. Here is a good site to check out web pricing and get all the info you need. They can also point you towards a installer in your area. Most body shops don't even do convertible tops they send them out as well. http://www.convertibletopguys.com/

Now on to your rusted rear floor boards. If they are rusted out chances are the front ones are starting to rot out as well. Parts for these cars are becoming scarce real fast, i own a '86 600 2.2 non turbo convertible myself and i know how hard it is any more to find body parts for these cars. If you are planning to keep this car for years and years to come i would strongly recommend you have a body shop do the work and specifiy stainless steel. it will last a long time. The cost is more but it will pay for its self in the long run. If your just going to fix it up and sale it i would cut out the old rusted boards meassure the holes and have the pieces cut from mild steel. Either you or a good buddy that you have liquored up, get/rent/borrow a mig welder and put them in. You will see its really easy if you take your time and measure and cut once. And buy a quart or more of paint over rust (POR) and paint the entire underframe with it as well as your new floor boards. Just be sure to sand off all the rust scale you can and wash and clean it as best as you can. Just follow the directions on the can. I have seen people use truck bedliners for the same thing except this is cheaper, but it does not stop the rust, POR does stop the rust from spreading and makes it hard as a rock.

And i would find out what rotted the rear floors out. To take a guess i would say the quarter window seals were leaking or the back glass or the top its self. its important to stop the water from getting in or your wasting your time as more rust would show up later. Well hope any of this helps. here are some more links to certain parts still around for your 600.

http://www.autobodypartsonline.com/c....html?catid=15
http://www.dodgeautobodypartstore.co...600-parts.html