I'm not sure what to call the body part pictured below, but I'd like to know how difficult it'll be to remove. The one on my 77 is a rusted mess, and I'd like to remove this one to replace it with. Has anyone had to tackle this same repair, and how tough a job was it? Thanks
You'll probably need some penetrating oil and one of these. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947641000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2 Harbor Freight has an impact driver too but for the price difference I'd go with Sears. You're gonna need some tough bits.
The whole door jamb body panel. It looks like only 20 or so spot welds around the edges, but I'm not sure whether the inner piece will come out with the striker body panel or not.
Your probably right, but it'll be no picnic to repair ether. It is rusted through in 3 spots. I large area below the striker, and a couple smaller spots above. The big spot is in a nice flat spot so it shouldn't be to hard to fix, but the smaller spots are in the curved edge closest to the inside of the car. I'm not sure how it ever got so rusty to begin with. I've had 4 mavericks, 2 were parts cars that where complete rust buckets, and this is the first time I've seen one rust in this area.
Its no worse to remove than a cowl panel but the steel is thicker (get a real good spot weld cutter) The trick will be properly locating it in the car your repairing. Take lots of measurements for reference,for installation. Good luck!!!