Sal, Got the pan back from the welder, patch was great. Refinished the pan by sanding, priming and a fresh coat of Chevy Orange looks really nice. There are some jobs that you should just pay someone to do, and this is one of them. I will NEVER attempt this again without a lift. Haven't put oil in yet, want everything to seat overnight. Did use the black RTV in the corners . Keeping fingers crossed it doesn't leak. I'd love to post some pictures but, it is too much of a major project for me to post on this forum. I tried to upload three nice photos but they came up too large. I never have this problem posting on the NCRS. Sorry for ranting. Thank you so much for all your suggestions. Jim

Jim, Think positive and fill her up with oil and new filter.Be sure to select oil that has an adequate amount of Zinc Phosphate to protect internal metal parts.If ZDDP is absent in your oil then find a auto parts store and buy ZDDP brand of Zinc.If not in you local area,Ebay has a multiple of suppliers selling the ZDDP brand suggested by Joe Gibbs Racing and Joe himself.Take care and Happy Motoring.      Sal C      nosal1  

Sal, Project complete! So far so good. I'll try to add some pics. BTW, I tried to reuse original bolts on the rail sides only and most did have enough thread to catch, but I chickened out and used the longer bolts. Just to be sure there were no leaks. Like you, this is a job I never want to do twice!😱 Thanks again.



|UPDATED|3/6/2016 6:52:05 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

 I like black the best  you do not need a lot  in front and rear, sides very little    dwa175

Jim  Good looking job as seen in your pic's and good thinking on the pan bolts.Put the OEM bolts in a sandwich bag and keep in the car and if a judge crawls underneath the car to check out the bolts you can save him the trouble and hand him the bag to see them!!!!    ha ha      Great job and Happy Motoring..       Sal C

I use the RTV more than any of the silicons out there and have great success...  Take care        Sal C