Need Opinions - Both Shock Towers Look Strange

[69convert]

I am looking at buying a 1969 GT convertible with a 390. I just got some pictures (see below) from the owner and when I was looking at the engine bay, I noticed the seam where the front edge of each shock tower meets the inner panel looked funky to me, especially on the drivers side. I thought this seam should be pretty smooth but it looks jagged like it was replaced.

The hood pins are missing from the radiator support and the Marti doesn't say they shouldn't be deleted so I have a feeling it was in a front end collision years ago and repaired.

I need some opinions. What do you think from the pictures I attached. Does something not look right? Was a repair done poorly? Am I just hallucinating again?

Thanks.

[aolshove]

That's a tough one. It's hard to make out detail. It may be that the fender aprons, rather than the towers, were replaced or it could just be some kind of seam sealer that was gooped-on and painted over?

See if he'll send you a closer pic. There does seem to be something out of the ordinary.

[cmefly]

Originally Posted by 69convert

I am looking at buying a 1969 GT convertible with a 390. I just got some pictures (see below) from the owner and when I was looking at the engine bay, I noticed the seam where the front edge of each shock tower meets the inner panel looked funky to me, especially on the drivers side. I thought this seam should be pretty smooth but it looks jagged like it was replaced.

The hood pins are missing from the radiator support and the Marti doesn't say they should be deleted so I have a feeling it was in a front end collision years ago and repaired.

I need some opinions. What do you think from the pictures I attached. Does something not look right? Was a repair done poorly? Am I just hallucinating again?

Thanks.

I would ask him about the inner panels being replaced. If done correctly you should not be able to tell.

[dobrostang]

Looks to me like the shock towers were replaced. Looks like welds up the seam of the shock towers to the inner fender well.

Danger Will Robinson...

M

[JeffTepper]

Shocks and upper shock mounts don't look right either. Hidden VIN on right apron still there?

[beechkid]

I would request the owner take the car on my behalf to a frame shop to have it inspected...alignment, damage, etc. it very well may all be good just not look pretty but you would want to know if the replacement was good and if it was caused by an accident, rust out, etc.

[dzahm]

Looks like poor apron repair to me- but I would check the numbers carefully- a 390 GT vert is a rare bird indeed.

[mustang656man]

did all the big blocks get the wrap around shock towers, 3 2v 390 w/a tbird air cleaner. check marti report on that car. wes

[69convert]

I appreciate all the great advice. Looks like a poor fender apron repair to me as well. I'm hoping the shock towers weren't replaced but I will do some more research to see if they were. I will check with the owner to see if the hidden VIN is still intact and also suggest they take the car to a frame shop and have it inspected.

[graywolf_14]

Could he of just welded up the shock towers for added strength? I read that seam welding shock towers is a way to make front end more rigid.