62 Valiant Trunk Lid Rust

[plym_46]

find one from a Dodge Lancer, they were never afflicted with the bustle  on the trunlid.  Should be an exact swap except for the trim.

[John Hendricks]

I think the best solution is to get a new trunk lid.  that said, I just finished a very extensive sheetmetal replacement on my rusty 72 Toyota Land cruiser that i have had since it was brand new.  I have a friend with extensive experience in restoration.  With an air powered cutoff tool from harbor Freight one could cut out all the bad metal in squares and then take the lid to a san d blaster and get rid of all the rust under neath.  then weld in new metal .  If u are not in a hurry with the spot welding u will not get any warping to speak off and modern body fillers will smooth things up.  Eastwood has some items that will help u, and their chassis paint products are superb.  I would stay away from POR.  If u saw my LC now and looked at the panels I cut off, u might be impressed. 

[Eddie M]

   I would search for a rust free lid from a drier part of the U.S., prep it and install it on the Valiant.
Those bubbles will continue to return since the problem is spread under the tac weld bracing.

[MGeorge]

The 62 Valiant trunk lid eliminated the false spare tire that the 60 & 61 models had; however, the same lid was used with the cutout for the false spare tire still underneath the now flat sheet metal. The sheet metal is tack welded around the circumference of the cutout underneath. I purchased my 62 V-200 three years ago. The car had a good repaint job on it but there were rust bubbles coming up in a circle on the trunk lid which appear to be related to the tack welding underneath the sheet metal. Less than a year ago, I had the lid sanded, primed, and painted and I am beginning to see some bubbles reappear. I don't think this is unique to my car. What should be done to prevent these rust bubbles? I believe the posted picture of a car 62 Valiant currently on ebay shows a severe case of this. Mac