cuda tail panel /trunk pan lip

[tommie69]

Hi guys, I just started I restoring my 71 cuda .doing all the work myself, but this is the first E body car I have ever owned or worked on for that matter.  As you can see from my pictures is that the trunk pan lip and the bottom of the tail panel have rot. I bought the new tail panel and one half of the trunk floor. other side of the trunk was fine. The new amd trunk half has a small lip that bends up maybe 1/2 " . Is there any other pieces of metal suppose to be there? It seems like there is more to this then just the tailpannel and a 1/2" trunk pan lip! Any help or pictures of this area not in paint would be a big help. Thanks,Tom

[BlackACR]

Maybe this will help

[Edison1970]

You will have to cut all of the spot welds that attach the pan to the tail panel.  Those are the ones that are all along the bottom.  Fold that metal down, it is actually the trunk pan metal.  If you are replacing the tail panel, it's a little more tricky.  The spot welds around the tail lights are hard to get at unless you use an air saw to cut it out and address those welds afterwards.  Up top, spot welds at trunk gutters and trunk lock support.  To be honest with you, I would replace the whole trunk pan with a on piece.  If you are replacing the tail panel, it makes it much easier and less welding.

[tommie69]

I bought new dutchpanel, quarters, trunk drop offs, half the trunk  pan, tail panel and taillight panel reinforcements, to name a few. All AMD. The wheel houses are not bad a small patch on each is it. Rockers are nice. But to get back to my question. Which is the only metal that wraps around the tail panel is the trunk pan lip? The AMD trunk pan  lip is on a 1/2 of a lip. It seem that the old trunk pan lip went up higher? I also have another question. Why does the AMD trunk pan have the shock bolts in the wrong spot? My 71 has the bolts on the top of the pan not on the side of the bump out!.

[anlauto]

I bought new dutchpanel, quarters, trunk drop offs, half the trunk  pan, tail panel and taillight panel reinforcements, to name a few. All AMD. The wheel houses are not bad a small patch on each is it. Rockers are nice. But to get back to my question. Which is the only metal that wraps around the tail panel is the trunk pan lip? The AMD trunk pan  lip is on a 1/2 of a lip. It seem that the old trunk pan lip went up higher? I also have another question. Why does the AMD trunk pan have the shock bolts in the wrong spot? My 71 has the bolts on the top of the pan not on the side of the bump out!.

You're 71 must be an early build if your shock access holes are on the top. AMD offers both styles, but you obviously ordered a 71 which is not technically correct for "your" car.

If you're doing that much work to the rear of your car, why the heck would you opt for only a 1/2 trunk floor

[tommie69]

Well Alan, The only place the trunk has rot is on the passenger side top right corner. The car had a battery in the trunk right there so it left a little rot. We that I wasn't going to replace half the trunk, only cut out a section of what really needs to be replaced. I know a new trunk pan  is nice but I also feel keeping as much original metal in  will be easier , as far as making sure everything lines up. As nice as theses AMD panels are, they are not spot on. I still may do just that though guys, order a new floor? As far as early build goes, The car was built 2/2/70  Is that early?  Thanks for everyone's input , I do appreciate it!

[anlauto]

Your first step should be to sand blast the car. That will show you the true condition of the original metal.
I wouldn't consider 2/2/70 early...

[Edison1970]

Go to page 6 of my build.  http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=81526.75. You can maybe see it better.  I was given a 2 piece trunk pan from year one for my car.  They were made to replace the trunk pan without the tail panel being removed so they were short and didn't extend out to be folded up.  I had to make that piece.  The answer to your question is no.  Nothing else is between the two panels. 

[tommie69]

Your first step should be to sand blast the car. That will show you the true condition of the original metal.
I wouldn't consider 2/2/70 early...

Funny you mention that. I called him "my media blast guy" a few days ago. He's on Vacation at the moment! He's coming over one night this week.  worst case I'll just buy the second half and weld them together.

[tommie69]

Go to page 6 of my build.  http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=81526.75. You can maybe see it better.  I was given a 2 piece trunk pan from year one for my car.  They were made to replace the trunk pan without the tail panel being removed so they were short and didn't extend out to be folded up.  I had to make that piece.  The answer to your question is no.  Nothing else is between the two panels.

 Thanks  that does answer my question  and your 72 thread is a big help too! thanks again guys!

[1 Wild R/T]

Send the half back, buy the complete floor you'll be worlds ahead in terms of work required to get the job done & the quality of the finished job.... 

[AARTA340]

Send the half back, buy the complete floor you'll be worlds ahead in terms of work required to get the job done & the quality of the finished job.... 

 

Buy the new full trunk pan!!!!!! Either sell or send back the half pan. I am sure you will have no problem finding a buyer who truly only needs a 1/2 repair panel. You will be much happier with the end results.   

[tommie69]

Your first step should be to sand blast the car. That will show you the true condition of the original metal.
I wouldn't consider 2/2/70 early...

Just to check back in and let you know. I did have the whole car blasted and decided to change the full trunk pan!

[mofish]

Your first step should be to sand blast the car. That will show you the true condition of the original metal.
I wouldn't consider 2/2/70 early...

I'm confused...2/2/70. Didn't he say the car is a '71 ?   Weren't they still building '70 Cuda's in February 1970?  Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Or maybe he meant 2/2/71 ??   

[tommie69]

I'm confused...2/2/70. Didn't he say the car is a '71 ?   Weren't they still building '70 Cuda's in February 1970?  Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Or maybe he meant 2/2/71 ??   

You are correct!  I should have said 2/2/71  I didn't pick up on that! Thx