After reading yourgreat fourm from so many of you doing your own restoration I finally got the nerve and took the plunge 9 months ago. After many (and I can't beleive how many) grind-off disks, wire wheels (pin cushion is the proper description) I got finally got through all the rust and 1" of bondo in some areas of my car (which I've owned for 30yrs) to identify the plentiful of problem areas. I've replaced the front tulips, windshield panel, both rockers & full floor. I'm in the process of installing the full quarters and rear panel. After doing an initial test fit of doors qrtr and rear, I found that the rear panel is recessed in about 1/2" from qrtr panel. If I pull the rear panel out to align with the qrt, I lose the qrtr and trunk gutter alignment. I've read a few forums which suggest to align the qrtr and rear panel and then cut the new qrtr at the gutter to pull it down to the trunk corner alignment. Others suggest the opposite, clamp the qrtr and trunk gutter and then push out the rear panel to align it flush with qrtr. I really dont want to cut up new panel but will do if what is the best & simplest solution. Any suggestions / advice would be appreciated?

I'll try to attach some pictures this week-end.

I would start with what you said, align the quarter with the trunk gutter first, making
sure that corner lines up good, clamp that down. Then push the back panel out
to align with the quarter. I used this route, worked fine.

i also would suggest temporary installing trunk lid to check the gaps there...as that will be a major headache

Trunk gaps are almost perfect until I try to pull the rear panel out to meet the qrtr. I'm leaning toward what k-style69(&others) have suggested , clamp the qrtr at trunk gutter to ensure trunk gap and gutter alignment are good and then push out the rear panel. Does anyone have any pictures of where the rear panel and qrtr meet? I'm not sure how flush the rear panel and qrtr need to be.