Rust alert - tough to check, but worst I have found

[tortuga]

So I am stripping the Bronco for paint, and decided to go ahead and do the cowl. Pulled off the air intake for the heater - you have to remove most of the right front fender bolts to do it, and the screws holding it in area bitch.

Guessing most of you haven't done this, I sure as hell wouldn't have before now. Found a TON of mud, screws, washers, zip ties and assorted crap underneath. The main crossmember under the cowl - the beam the steering bolts up to - was seriously rusted underneath, the sealant had cracked away from the welds.

Just thought I would pass this on - I thought I was fairly rust-free until I saw this mess. Pictures can follow if my description is not clear.

[crawlin68]

Maybe this will cheer you up a little. This is what mine looked like after I striped all of the roofing tar and window screen off that the PO used to hold it together.

[tortuga]

Would it be wrong if that did cheer me up, at your expense?

Not saying it did, of course....

[Spaceburger]

I was lucky enough to find mine in time. Big mistake made is sealing the area in a futile attempt to keep the water out. Water will get in, allow it to drain. Mine was leaking in the seam where the hood bolts on. I half ass welded it, seam sealed it, and painted the inside best I could.
Let it drain.

[Broncrick]

Sorry about your 'find' and chit Pat, it's been years but I dont remember yours being so bad either
Rick-

[crawlin68]

Would it be wrong if that did cheer me up, at your expense?

Not saying it did, of course....

Nope! Wouldn't be wrong at all. Glad I could help. LOL!