The PO replaced all the molding, window, windshield, fenders brand new chrome everywhere thank you. Well this guy never even thought about just general clean up yet alone rust. Problems everywhere missing clips rattles etc. I can deal with that stuff. Anyway I pull off the windshield trim under the wipers and working away no problem on rust, dirt every thing is going ok till I noticed the missing glass props only got one on the right the next 4 gone. Then I find out why. He must have been a roofer cause he mucked & fabriced all the rot which has now spread to a small hole in the firewall. Finding all kinds of hacked up stuff. Found a birds nest inside the heater box. But also found a beautiful AC coil that I feared was gone. Hey gotta give him a little credit that 442 badge on the trunk is dead nuts level even if it is just a Cutlass. The 2 fell off but before that they were straight. I joke
So what's my real solution here ? Fabricate some metal, and some good fire caulk ? Can it be cut out ? Replaced ?
You can see in the pictures I just pulled it off that crap & layed it right on top

 

Another look

 

Cut out and replace. I think there is a repo panel for that area or find a rust free donor part from someone on here.

 

OPG makes a repop'd upper cowl patch panel - about $350. Never used it so I can't vouch for the quality of the part or fitment. Another option, contact AzChevs (he's a member on CO) to see if he has any salvaged sheet metal you could use. I bought toe boards from him for my convertible project; he cut them where I asked, no BS, he's a straight shooter. Good luck!
Rodney

Here's a link to one of his posts:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-can-ship.html

 

There are a few members here that possibly have donor sheet metal available for that are, put a parts wanted ad and list of pieces you need.