Tail Panel Replacement / Deck Lid Alignment?

[InfinitR]

Hey all.

I'm working on some replacement panels on the rear of my 71 Camaro. It started with rust in the trunk pan and rear valance, as well as a suspect previous tail panel repair.

I removed that tail panel, replaced the rusted areas of the trunk, replaced the lower valance, and am now working on replacing the tail panel as well as trying to line up the deck lid and quarters. It's a challenge for sure.

This is what I have so far. I don't have the decklid seal. It's hitting at the middle. The decklid doesn't quite clear the top of the tail panel (not sure if it's supposed to).

I'm just looking for any ideas or advice that may be helpful in getting this to fit better. Thanks!

 

[jbloake]

I have looked over your pictures and find the trunk lid rear edge very straight from side to side This is a picture of a GM lid with a yellow straight edge held against I am seeing 1/2 “ curve in the lid Compare that to yours ! The other problem I am seeing is the tail panel looks like a very poor stamping ! If it were me I would replace it with an AMD panel ! The radius between the quarter panel and the tail panel is off on both sides. Was there quarter skins installed ? Try the spoiler ends on, to see if they will sit flat on panel.

 

[InfinitR]

The quarters are original, as is the decklid. I'll check the spoiler. I did feel like the top edge of the tail panel was a bit soft, but I have nothing to compare to at this point. Not sure what area you are referring to about the radius.

The decklid had a bit of previous repair towards the center (dent). Not a large amount of damage, but enough where I spent some time working on the edge lip. I'm not sure what to make of that edge....I may look into the AMD tail panel like you said but I'd like to keep the original decklid if I can.

 

[InfinitR]

Thanks jbloake. Hoping to get a bit more feedback...

 

[jsibayan]

Hey InfinitR,

How did you close that gap on the lower valance and the rear quarters or did you have any issues with this area? If anyone else could chime in, please do.

 

[azkeebler]

Hey InfinitR,

How did you close that gap on the lower valance and the rear quarters or did you have any issues with this area? If anyone else could chime in, please do.

View attachment 62060

I'm glad I'm not the only one with that lower quarter issue..
I'm eager to learn too

 

[jsibayan]

LOL...I'm struggling with this one. Prior to doing this, 3 years ago, I had no welding, auto body, fabrication, experience...LOL ..But I have an idea, what do you think?

 

[InfinitR]

Hey InfinitR,

How did you close that gap on the lower valance and the rear quarters or did you have any issues with this area? If anyone else could chime in, please do.

View attachment 62060

Trying to remember how that went. For me, I had a few panels to replace, which included one of those small corner pieces that connect the valance panel to the quarter. Removing that probably gave me a little margin when test fitting. But, I feel like that actually fit pretty well. I have to take a look again in the day.

As for the edge of the tail panel...I pretty much started with trying to get the upper quarter edges and the pointed area at the sides to match up. Clamped behind the lights and then 4 bolts with washers in the bumper holes to help pull the tail panel into place while clamping and temporary metal screws where needed down toward the bottom edge. For me, the edges were actually slightly too tight. The rear right edge of the tail panel had to be cut and re-rolled a bit to match up between the quarters.

I'm actually going to do what jbloake recommended. I ordered an AMD panel and I am going to compare. While there are some areas I am happy with, I'm curious to see how that panel matches up.

 

[jsibayan]

Yea, all the panels that I've used are all AMD with the exception of the drop offs, one is from Dynacorn and the other was from Tamraz...which I have no clue where they're made from. I'm gonna try to work on it this Saturday that if my buddy comes by and helps...He's the Journeyman Mechanic/Body guy, I'm just the Padawan...LOL

For the most part, all of the AMD sheetmetal were very close to "Dead on" as far as fitment. Then again, this is the first time I've ever did this kind of stuff.

 

[giggity]

old post I know....but about to do this....how did it go?

Also, Im trying to determine how the rear panel connects to the rear quarter panels? Im in process of drilling the spot welds across the tail panel, and I was feeling behind the quarter to tail panel lip and there doesnt seem to be any spot welds....