well interestingly as I got started on it that is just about what I ended up doing. I drilled out the welds on the curves at each end and then after peeling some of it down it became apparent that I need to remove the bulk of it and get to where I could peel away the overlaps. so I took my 4 1/2" disc grinder and carved off a bunch of it. an got a good portion of the rear cab support out as well. decided to go to harbor freight once again and spend a few bucks on a 3" cut off grinder. so off to Amarillo again. anyway when I get time to get back on it I expect it is going to be a lot easier. I also bought a big jug of sharp abrasive for a sand blaster. aluminum oxide I think it is. it isn't cheap but should make cleaning out some of those nooks and crannies a lot easier.