Is there any truth to the story I got from a restoration parts dealer that the more recently produced 1969 tail panels are more accurate and fit better?

I just did mine. First one I've done. Took some trimming and tweaking on the lower edges where the panel meets the quarter, but nothing too outrageous. Don't know if it is better or worse than in the past, but I'm no body pro and it went on in a few hours.

Bob, the problem with the tailpans was along the top edge. The angles were not close to originals.

Oh, ok.. mine took some tweaking at the top as well, but fits pretty good. I needed to try and get the panel as flush as possible to the edges of the quarter panel rear lip.

Thanks for the comments. I purchased my repro tail panel about 4 years ago, so I'm still wondering if it si worse than the more recent ones. The holes for the tail light mounting screws are terrible, so I know it needs some work. I guess we'll just have to try the fit with the quarters and trunk lip and see.