Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Cutting the rusted battery apron off John's 1970 Torino — with an air saw, a modified air chisel, and a drill for the spot welds that don't quit.
We're continuing the restoration of John's 1970 Torino, and this episode is about getting the rusted-through battery tray apron off without wrecking the structural metal underneath. The old one is past saving. The trick is removing it cleanly enough that the new apron has something solid to fit against.
The job has three stages. First, an air saw for the bulk panel cutting — getting the worst of the rotted metal out of the way so we can see what we're working with. Then a modification to the air chisel — a small change that turns a tool most guys give up on into one that'll actually break a fifty-year-old spot weld. And finally, drilling the holdouts that even the modified chisel can't budge. There's always a few of those.
After the old metal comes off, we test fit the replacement battery tray apron to make sure everything lines up before we commit to the next step. Test fit early, test fit often — it's the single best habit a body shop hobbyist can have.
If you're working on a 1970, 1971, or 1972 Torino, Ranchero, Cyclone, or Cougar with the same kind of battery tray and apron rot — which is most of them at this age — the techniques and the air chisel mod here apply almost directly to your car.
It’s not a Problem, It’s a Ford Project!
Merch:
autorestomod-shop.fourthwall.com
Sponsor:
autokrafters.com
Contact: Jford@autorestomod.com
Insta: @autorestomod
patreon.com/gasolinemedia
Episode 332 Manic Mechanic
#1970Torino #FordTorino #TorinoGT #ClassicCarRestoration #CoreSupport #RustRepair
Cutting the rusted battery apron off John's 1970 Torino — with an air saw, a modified air chisel, and a drill for the spot welds that don't quit.
We're continuing the restoration of John's 1970 Torino, and this episode is about getting the rusted-through battery tray apron off without wrecking the structural metal underneath. The old one is past saving. The trick is removing it cleanly enough that the new apron has something solid to fit against.
The job has three stages. First, an air saw for the bulk panel cutting — getting the worst of the rotted metal out of the way so we can see what we're working with. Then a modification to the air chisel — a small change that turns a tool most guys give up on into one that'll actually break a fifty-year-old spot weld. And finally, drilling the holdouts that even the modified chisel can't budge. There's always a few of those.
After the old metal comes off, we test fit the replacement battery tray apron to make sure everything lines up before we commit to the next step. Test fit early, test fit often — it's the single best habit a body shop hobbyist can have.
If you're working on a 1970, 1971, or 1972 Torino, Ranchero, Cyclone, or Cougar with the same kind of battery tray and apron rot — which is most of them at this age — the techniques and the air chisel mod here apply almost directly to your car.
It’s not a Problem, It’s a Ford Project!
Merch:
autorestomod-shop.fourthwall.com
Sponsor:
autokrafters.com
Contact: Jford@autorestomod.com
Insta: @autorestomod
patreon.com/gasolinemedia
Episode 332 Manic Mechanic
#1970Torino #FordTorino #TorinoGT #ClassicCarRestoration #CoreSupport #RustRepair
