Hey guys, I a have '67 289 convertible and I recently had my floors replaced because when I took my carpet up, I noticed patches in the firewall extension pans and the front and rear floors were soft and rusty, no holes, but soft. Most likely caused by the cowls being bad. Anyways, I took it to a pro and when he took the floor pans out, he called me in and pointed out some cracks (small rot holes) in the rocker panels. He freaked me out by talking about how the car is unsafe etc. I have small kids and I bought the car 4 months ago as a cruiser. Anyways, he "boxed in" the passenger side rocker with 2 parts (front and rear) he bought out of a Mustang catalog. He did not do the driver's side, as he said that one wasn't so bad, but might need attention at some point. After he finished the job, he said the car is now safe, but it seemd like he had a low opinion of the car because he basically told me he'd call the previous owner and try and get my money back.

I know these cars are unibodies and the convertibles are known to be a bit weaker than the coupes. I took the car to get 2 more classic car body shop opinions. The body is literally mint, smooth as glass. Both the second opinions told me that the car is fine, the doors open and shut like a new car and if there was a serious rocker issue, there would be sag and they would not close smoothly. Also, they pointed out the shock towers, torque boxes, gas tank, trunk and the main parts of the frame and showed me how nice they look. They both also remarked that the guy who did the floors did a real nice job, sealed up well, done right. The only thing that needs attention is the battery apron and most likely the cowls. since he seal3ed up the floors, they can;t see any rocker issues any more. I did see the rot with my own eyes when the guy who fixed the passenger side called me in, so I know he wasn't full of it. plus I've heard the convertibles are prone to this...

Anyways, long story to try and get opinions from people who know these cars and body work and trying to see what I should do about the drivers side one that he did not fix. Also, is the "boxed in" fix a good fix, or a temporary solution to a problem that will just come back. The local "restoration shops" are telling me to come in and they'll look at it, but its more than likely like 10 grand plus to "fix it right", and they haven't even looked at it. I am not looking for a show car, just a safe cruiser...please help!!!