I'm finishing up the rust repair on my '64, but I've come across an area that I don't know what to do.

The tail panel (on the body, located between the deck lid and bumper) is rusted through. Not available in repop, and the salvage yards I've tried don't have donor replacements.

This seems to be a common place for rust - what have members of this board done to repair this area? Any/all suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks in advance -

it's tough without a donor piece to replace it with or patch in. Mine had rust in spots that I cut out and had to piece in best I could. Then duraglassed and filled in. Also in the back where the piece mates to the trunk floor, you want to seal that up too.

Mine is just SO gone in the area of the license plate that "piecing it in" is gonna be impossible. And the shape in that area is so darned curvy.

By the way, I saw your car at Autorama this year - very well done. I like a well-executed Pro Streeter.

Any other suggestions if it's mostly gone, anyone?

Hi Tim,
I'm a newbie on this site. I too have a 64 SS with the same trouble. Rear section was hit and I'm also trying to locate a donor. I do have a question on replacing your qtr panels. I notice you replaced below the upper body lines. Is it easier to do it that way?
I also need to replace both qtrs and wondering if I should go to the top side and replace the full skin or try and do like what you did? Any tips would help

Thanks,

The last time I was there this place (http://www.sibumsautoparts.com) had a 64 with a tail panel. I'm not positive of the condition, but it's worth a phone call.

Hi Tim,
I'm a newbie on this site. I too have a 64 SS with the same trouble. Rear section was hit and I'm also trying to locate a donor. I do have a question on replacing your qtr panels. I notice you replaced below the upper body lines. Is it easier to do it that way?
I also need to replace both qtrs and wondering if I should go to the top side and replace the full skin or try and do like what you did? Any tips would help

Thanks,

I decided to piece the quarter skin in at the location that I did because the area is relatively flat, therefore it would be easier to block sand with a long board. I stayed an inch or so below the body line so I wouldn't have to re-form this feature. These were tips I read on this site before I started. It was good advice!

Thanks for the info, I have done truck floors, rockers and smaller patch panel but not one of this size. I looking forward replacing both sides and will take your advise. This is will also save me from re drilling holes for the crome strip.

I'm finishing up the rust repair on my '64, but I've come across an area that I don't know what to do.

The tail panel (on the body, located between the deck lid and bumper) is rusted through. Not available in repop, and the salvage yards I've tried don't have donor replacements.

This seems to be a common place for rust - what have members of this board done to repair this area? Any/all suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks in advance -

Mine was rusted pretty bad also and I couldn't find a donor car. I built everything in my garage in pieces and then welded it together. It turned out great. It was time consuming but to be honest, I enjoyed this part of the restoration the best. Sounds crazy I know, but fabbing up pieces, trial fitting then modifying and welding was fun. I am not sure if I have any pics of that area but I will check and email you if you want.

I used quarter skins for the rear, both sides. I cut the quarters between the 2 body lines, I felt there would be more strength there to avoid any warpage from welding.

you might what to go to the home depot and buy some 20 ga. steel and use it to form the curves. i used a peice of pipe to help with the forming of the peices. i had to make 3 peices one for each side by the lights and one for around the gas tank fill area.then weld them together. then use tiger hair or bondo to smooth it out .i would posts pics but i can't.on this forum. you can e-mail and i will send pics if you would like. luke

Sebastian;
You have a P.M.
rich64