Need advice -Trunk extension save or? Dutchman/deck filler- save or renew?

[DMZ73]

Hey all, I ahve been crankeing the last couple of days here. I finally released my quarter panel from it's former body to reveal my tunk extension.
 I need some advice. I have heard horrible things about the repop trunk Xtensions.

Should I save mine?
< http://www.pbase.com/dmz73/image/72322714 >

< http://www.pbase.com/dmz73/image/72322713 >

Or?
What about the dutchman/trunk /rear window filler panel.
The passenger corner is a little dicey, but could be patched. The drivers is OK. What is the quality like?

Thanks in advance.

If you poke around on my site, you will see some pretty good shots of what I am up to. Not a real valuable car, just a clean, unmolested body with a formerly  rusted out roof.

My trunk is history, so I might do the full trunk.

Thanks in advance,

Dan

[farmboy70]

From the looks of your picture I would save the one you have.  I would patch it and coat it with POR-15 or Rust Bullit.The repops are good if yours were completly shot. I have not installed a repop deck panel so I'm no help there. If your going to change the trunk definately use the new one piece. I posted some pictures of the install of mine and it worked great.
Dave

[DMZ73]

Dave,

I read your post about the complete one-piece panel, which was very helpful. I appreciate the advice. I will definitely do the one-piece. I just need to figure out how to do i t. I  want to save me pass side rear quarter, since it just has a couple of dents, and no rust. I also want to try to save what's left of the the tailpanel, since getting a new one is out of the question (73). I might be able to figure it out. I know that the more you take out, the more you need to structurally brace the car, since the car could sag.
I will be trying to find a bit more info on the how-to on the trunk panel, if not, I may make my own how-to. I am by no means an expert, but I am very determined.
Thanks again,

Dan

[farmboy70]

With one quarter off you should be able to get it in .You will have to decide if you are going to remove the tail light panel anyway because of the rear lip that go's under it . You could remove the trunk latch panel and leave the tail panel on and trim the trunk to over lap like the two piece .

[73EStroker]

Hey DMZ73, your trunk extensions look not too bad, but remember that the metal gets thinner from here on. I replaced my 73's trunk extensions and the repops fitted OK according to the body guy. They had all the little tabs and doohickeys like the old ones and the metal cannot be pressed in with the fingers like the old ones.

My new rear window filler panel replacement was a perfect fit. Even the inside trim attach tabs were exactly in the same location as we compared the two. I believe in replacing not patching where possible.

Good luck, I am glad the body job is behind me now.