Front clip replacement advice

I am beginning to think about starting to develop a plan for replacing the severely damaged/rusted out front clip on my 1965 'vert and have a couple of questions for those who have tackled this type of job before. I would like to eventually do this project as much as I can myself and want to make sure that I have planned ahead for everything well before the cutting begins.

1) I have access to a 1959 front clip. What would be the problem(s), if any, with putting a '59 clip on my '65?

2) My '65 is pretty messed up/rusted out in the general area of, oh, everywhere. How would be the best way to get the right cutting line for the 'vert if the replacement clip has already been cut off of the donor car? I can't measure from the front fender bolts on the 'vert, that metal will never again be straight enough to use as a guide. I would have to use either the fender bolts closer to the windshield or the gas tank opening or a combination of the two somehow, right?

Any advice would be appreciated. I may not do this for a few months or more, but I want to understand the whole process and what I am up against before committing myself to cutting up the poor old car.

I'm pretty sure from the middle of the tank back is pretty much the same. The middle of the tank forward is totally different. If you do this, you would also need to purchase the gas tank for the 59 as well. You can buy all new pieces to put it back to stock. New side pieces with the bumper brackets, new spare tire well, and new front apron.

Thanks, I was kind of thinking the '59 would be different like that...

I'm gonna try to get my hands on the clip this weekend. I may just sell/trade it for usable sheet metal. I'd much rather use OG German sheet-metal if I'm gonna replace anything.

the guy have a rear clip as well?

The clip I'm getting is from a friend in Griffin that I did some trading with a few years ago. He had a '59 Euro ragtop that was rotted out pretty bad and someone had cut the front clip off of with the idea of making a baja. The clip and the fenders were put into a vw bus for "safekeeping" and should still be OK, but I haven't seen them in a few years.

I'll check and see what all he has available and take pics.

What about the ragtop clip. Is it still there.

Yeah what Tim said I need one too

Michael Chastain has one for sale. Very reasonable, too.
http://forum.georgiadubs.com/t5723-cleaning-out

I've contacted my buddy and am planning on catching up with him SAT morning. I'll take pics of anything interesting I may find.