I'm replacing the damaged taillight panel on my 66 roadster with a new press molded piece. I've removed the old one at the factory splice lines.The top bonding strip was history, so it was removed also.The two side bonding strips were repairable and still bonded really tight to the quarters and deck, so I restored them in place. However, when I test fit my new panel by hand, it meets the splice line on the rear deck before the sides and peak lines line up.I have to apply some fairly heavy hand pressure to "wrap" the new panel around the deck edge to make every thing line up. Is this normal? The top "lip"(above the peak line) on the new panel is the same (about 1.25") as any other I've seen,so triming there doesn't seem right,and I sure don't want to trim the original rear deck panel unless absolutely unavoidable, as triming 1/8' to 1/4" puts me too close to the "windsplit" crease line in the center of the deck. Should you have to " force" a new panel into place?
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Re: Midyear body question
Kevin - maybe others will chime in that have experience with the exact panel you describe. I have done repairs on other panels on Corvettes and have never run into the degree of tension for alignment you describe. I would NEVER carve the original glass to reduce the pressure, I would go back to the part manufacturer and demand anohter or eat it and find a better part. It sounds to me like the part continued to cure after the molding process and warped over time. Frankly, I would worry with longevity with that much tension after installation, although it would obviously reduce over time as it takes the permanent set, but you may run into bond cracking etc over the long haul. If I am off base, someone else may correct me.....Craig -
A bond under excessive stress will inevitably fail
Some t*******, grinding and fitting is normal. If the fit is within the 1/8-1/4" you are probably in good shape. If it isn't very close from the outset, then another panel (Supplier) is probably a good idea. Your original panels should be your guide. I wouldn't trim deck, but, fit the replacement panel to the originals instead. How well does the TL panel line-up with the lower valance? (assuming your lower valance is original). Are you certain that the corner repairs you are trying to bond with are in proper position? The body panels need not always fit tightly against the bonding strip, allowing space for some bonding material to remain for strength. Try to align the outside contour rather than pressing tightly against the bonding strip. Good Luck!Comment
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