You took the same approach I use when I work on my old house. If you want it done right, tear it apart and redo the whole thing. Nice clean job.
Little more progress. Rear axle blasted and powder coated. New bearings, axles, rebuilt rear drums, new brake lines shocks and fuel lines. New leaf springs, new fuel tank waiting to be installed.
Ouch! You should be able to get away with a skin and just do the rear section. Drop-off may be toast too. Hopefully you can salvage the tail panel. I'd do some cutting before ordering to see what you need. Great progress!
So true! Very difficult to find a car that's not all hacked up. I had my eye on this car for about a year, then finally the price was right.