Looks like my 74 was a realatively recent repaint.... Though I found if I knock on the driverside section of the windshield frame behind the door, little flakes of rust drop down to the body mount area... I fear the worst.

What is the best way to verify the damage, would it be fender or windshield removal -- or something else?

 

You can start by taking all the interior trim around the windshield and in the footwell areas off and looking at the inside of the birdcage

Steve

 

Yup ... and try looking up under the dash for rust-through.
I'm guessing you already removed the kick panels and the
#3 body mount access plates for inspection.

 

Sure did... just kinda concerned that there is some rust that would have been visable if not for the repaint between the door and the windshield. Did find one little bubble with rust ARGH!