Hello

[First time mopar]

Hi to everyone.  Doing first time mopar restoration and looking for knowledgeable owners. 1970 challenger se/rt.  Resto was started 20 yrs ago and left for whatever reason.  Now I have it and having to replace pretty much everything from doors back.  Using AMD panels as I have used them and was happy with fit on other non mopar restoration.  Anyone having experience fitting these panels and hopefully with pics I look forward to hearing from you.  I will search the forums to try and find answers as well.

Pat

[jimynick]

Firstly, welcome to the site. As for AMD, I'm glad that you had a good experience, as mine wasn't quite so nice. I didn't take a lot of photos, but I installed both 1/4's, gutters, outer and inner wheel housings, trunk floor and extensions. Firstly, buy (if you don't already have) a good collection of vice-grips and you may want to consider a box of Clecos and their pliers for temporarily holding panels together. Take 2-300  photos of every conceivable connection and make extensive notes regarding measurements in all axis. Trust me, this'll pay off down the road. DON'T try to use AMD's gauge holes because they're ****e and will lead you astray. Try to fit all the tin together and achieve a fit before welding and then only tack them and re-check your gaps and fit. Pay attention to the order that the factory used to stack parts. That'll get you started, but remember the old carpenters adage- measure twice and cut once! 

[70chall440]

Good advice and basically I would second those comments.

[First time mopar]

Great advice and much appreciated.  I've done several GM restorations so tools and processes are not the issues.  I didn't take this car apart so that is the real issue.  I agree Gage holes don't seem to be correct.  The outer wheel houses are not AMD...the were purchased for original work 20 yrs ago but seem to fit AMD quarters and inner.  My plan for the inner wheel wells is to cut and graft the patches needed from new ones.  The trunk side of the inner wells was shot on both sides and spot welds to trunk pan just ripped apart by incorrect removal.  I've cleaned all the mating surfaces properly and just waiting on a couple critical parts to start that are out of stock.

In inner wheel wells have a "tab" on the back side of RH that appears to have no purpose.  I thought maybe it went btwn trunk pan and extension but it's about an inch too long for that.  So. I'm waiting for LH to arrive and see if it's flaw or some other purpose.  Was hoping to find some pictures from people who have already done the process and detailed it.  I wish I had been the one to take car apart...makes it easier to reassemble and stack properly.

Pat

[eraldite]

See you around the forum!

[70chall440]

First off, get a Factory Service Manual (FSM) from www.mymopars.com it will show some of what you want to know. Search around the internet for pictures and visit other forums where you can post pictures.

[JS29NOB]

First off, get a Factory Service Manual (FSM) from www.mymopars.com it will show some of what you want to know. Search around the internet for pictures and visit other forums where you can post pictures.

FYI, there's no "S" on that web site.  Try  www.mymopar.com for the FSM

[70chall440]

My bad, not reading what I type... 

[JS29NOB]

My bad, not reading what I type... 

Not a problem, just wanted the OP to be able to get the correct website and get the FSM that you suggested.  Its good advice you gave him, just a little typo involved that might have caused him some trouble finding that info.   

[70chall440]

Completely agree and thanks for taking the time to correct it.