[Spridgets] Replacing A -Post

[James Gruber]

I pulled of the lower portion DS A-Post skin and it is totally ugly underneath. Will need to replace the entire A post and do some work even on the backing skin. Have not got to PS yet but I know skin on that side needs to be replaced. Not sure about A-Post but may get lucky there. 

Question is this, I read through my Practical Classics Reto Guide and looked at all the pics thoroughly. Can't seem to tell which side the A posts were spotwelded to the backing skin. Did they weld from inside the footwell meaning the A Post went on first or do I need to look closer at the A post to spot the welds. Trying to figure out which side to work from in cutting spot welds.  

This one is quickly becoming ugly but when I can stick a screwdriver all the way through under the lower hinge it's time for that one to come out. 

Upper joint on A-Pillar skin is soldered I believe. Do you take a torch to it to melt the solder. That's got to be messy. 
   
  Debating wheter I can partially replace the A-Post or need to do it as a complete assembly.
The idea of a complete assembly to keep hinges seems easier. Which is the easiest way to repair the A-Post , complete or partial replacement. So far I've only cut the A-Pillar skin up 6" from bottom. I do know that area where door stop check strap goes across is bent all to hell and is cracked so I need to go at least above that if I do a partial replacement.
Your thoughts? 



Jim Gruber
Bugsy '68 Sprite (future Bugeye in disguise)
Cincinnati, OH
       
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