Del Rio project in UK

[Zapato]

You're welcome Steve

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[BWhitmore]

After doing a lot of research, it is not illegal in California to reproduce a data tag with the VIN number as long as you are reproducing the original tag and can provide proof (title) that you are the owner of the car and you still have the original tag.  I needed to reproduce the tag on my restored Ranchero (the original was completely wiped out but still readable).  I had the same situation on a classic Mercedes where the VIN tag was broken off when the windshield was replaced.  Absolutely no problem with California DMV.

Altering the VIN number is illegal.

[djfordmanjack]

I am sorry if posted false information concerning vin tags. I thought that in many states it is illegal to remove the VIN tag. it is not a crime in Austria. altering VINs is of course.
Now that I have fully disassembled a COMPLETE RUNNING DelRio and seeing how many parts need replaced and what it costs to get them it just makes me angry that the seller in Kent wants to find a dumb person that he can rip off and sell his salvage parts to. If you look closely you can see how cobbled together this car is, not a fender or door that matches the body paint. even the dash has different colors and it has a 57 speedo but 58 radio bezel aso. The whole front toe boards AND trans tunnel hump/ lower firewall have been cut from the car for whatever reason. There are many reasons for not wanting that car, except for me, that it has a solid roof skin which would make a good donor piece.

[BWhitmore]

There is a fellow in Colorado by the name of A. G. Backeast (I hope that is his name - it has been several years) who reproduces the proper Ford data tag and will stamp the tag if you send him a copy of the title registered in your name and a copy of the old tag.  He will not alter the new tag numbers in any way.  He even supplies the proper rivets. 

[hiball3985]

There is a fellow in Colorado by the name of A. G. Backeast (I hope that is his name - it has been several years) who reproduces the proper Ford data tag and will stamp the tag if you send him a copy of the title registered in your name and a copy of the old tag.  He will not alter the new tag numbers in any way.  He even supplies the proper rivets.

http://www.datatags.com/

[gasman826]

I've bought several Marti Reports for late '60s Fords and they supply build documentation as well as new tag with rivets.  Makes painting the A pillar much easier with better results.

So how does one affordable get a roof to Austria???

[djfordmanjack]

That is a good question of course...
There have been several tries so far, but none successful.
best thing was if it came on/with the actual donor car. or on top of another car/truck/in a panel van. It would be a horrible thing to make a crate for a wagon roof only. Honestly if I was selling a donor roof I wouldn't bother getting into the hassle of cutting it and building a crate for it. It would all be a waste of time and money. If I don't get a good roof in Europe I will have to repair my own, which is really bad except for it is NOT dented, so that still makes it a good candidate. I have been talking a lot with Jay about bonding repair panels to avoid the warping caused by welding. This is probably the only way to save a rusted out roof.

[Zapato]

When it comes to "bonding" any panels no better guy on this board than gasman. I'd be bending his ear if going that route.

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[gasman826]

Fun stuff!!!!!!!!!

1- during
2- after

[Zapato]

Like I said none better........

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[gasman826]

One more.  The before was scary!!!

[Limey57]

Bonding sure does eliminate heat distortion, a fiend bonded on lower door skin repair panels to avoid the usual distortion and they came out really good, I guess the adhesive also helps seal the joint and prevent rust?

[Limey57]

more
look at what 'all necessary new patch panels' look like, beautifully surface rusted.
can you spot any seats or glass except for the liftgat ?
What do you think about how nicely the lift gate hinges have been 'removed' from car? can you see a single box of hardware and small parts ?
This project is a worst case for somebody wanting to build it. It makes a good donor car.

My Ranchero was completely dis-assembled when I bought it, BUT that came wit everything bagged and labelled and eight big boxes of brand new parts.  Even with that it's been difficult!  I think to do that Del-Rio project you'd need a complete car to use as a reference and source of parts.  I'll still keep an eye on it, but I'll give it a miss (unless it is REALLY cheap).

[djfordmanjack]

gasman, that is some pretty slick bonding and bodywork on your 2dr.. wish mine would look as nice now.
Gary, we best make a joint venture, I get the roof and you get the rest ....
Frankly speaking we know that the parts are worth some money, but as a project, in Europe, this car is a fail. it will ruin its future owner. ask me why I know that.

[djfordmanjack]

Gary, did you see how the guy had his DelRio project bid up to GBP5000 ( $7k) by somebody having zero feedback......