Body Work
Having limited body panel replacement experience, it
seem like a good idea to start with the floor panels. This also would
help to hold the body in alignment during the repair process as the rockers
where not in the best of shape. At the time work was started, the only
floor panels available were small sections as opposed to a complete floor half
that you can get now. Each section was removed and replaced along with
the support brace in that area. Careful measurements had to be taken to
keep everything in alignment.
Most of the parts needed for the Nomad can be modified from Sedan
parts. Sometimes you will need to manufacture the part yourself, as in
the case of the floor brace pictured. If you think about each part and
break it down to simple to make sub-parts, you can make anything. Just
cut out the part, shape it and weld them together. The right front fender was repaired using the lower portion from a donor as well as a new patch panel for over the head light. Only the door frames were sand blasted. A temporary work area was sealed off in the garage with plastic sheeting, I'll never do that again, I'm still finding sand in odd places years after the work was done.
