My 68 convertible project car is needing repair to the trunk lock area.

It was severely damaged by a very amateurish thief that pried the trunk lid open with a pry bar.

What is the easiest approach to repair this? Should I replace the entire rear panel ? Or could I cut out just enough material from a donor car and weld that in?

Is there any other way to fix this ?

This is the first time I've tried to post pics here, so here goes :
12045

12046

Thanks for your help !

Beth :thumbsup:

My 68 convertible project car is needing repair to the trunk lock area.

It was severely damaged by a very amateurish thief that pried the trunk lid open with a pry bar.

What is the easiest approach to repair this? Should I replace the entire rear panel ? Or could I cut out just enough material from a donor car and weld that in?

Is there any other way to fix this ?

This is the first time I've tried to post pics here, so here goes :
12045

12046

Thanks for your help !

Beth :thumbsup:

I'm new to body work, but I believe I'd replace the panel due to that fold in there right above your lock area.

H.

I don't have any formal training either but I think Herby is right. I believe an experienced guy could fix it but I wonder if it's worth the time.

Jeff

I would replace the tail panel. You can also cut across where the bumper mounts at and just replace the top half. That way the bumper will hide the weld and you only replace the top part.

That fold can be taken out by an expericanced 'beater nps
It is not for the inexperianced guy..you will just screw it up more
I would cost a new panel or section , and cost up a good 'beater then take from there

cut the bad out, get a good donor ask around on good welding techniques, measure twice cut once. also practice welding if your not good with metal just laying around, or make a box or something. then you'll be ready to fix this paint it and forget it.

I would say, if the car is on the road and more or less 'finished' and painted, I'd repair ONLY that area. But if the car is being worked on and not 'finished', go with a tail panel. That way you can do the quarters at the same time.
:)

Beth,

I think the panel could be repaired by an experienced body person, but it would probably never look perfect.

Cutting out a piece from a donor car and welding it in would be the next option. And if you took your time it would look good.

Replacing the whole panel is a bigger job, but in the long run might be the best way to handle it. That is my opinion.

Whatever you do - be careful. You are potentially dealing with gasoline vapors in that area so think safety when you are doing any grinding or welding around the fuel tank area. I don't know what others think, but I believe I would remove the gas tank before I tried any repairs or replaced the panel.

hi beth as the others say replace with a donar,it would of been nice to catch the person that did that:mad::mad::mad: then:D http://s679.photobucket.com/albums/v...t=P1010125.jpg (http://s679.photobucket.com/albums/vv155/GP1967/?action=view&current=P1010125.jpg)