Has anyone out there gone through the process of replacing this panel behind the bumper to include the rear portion of the trunk? This is on a 72, but just looking for some suggestions before cutting. I have a donor panel and the quartes are in good shape. Would it be better to just graph in the damaged areas or try and replace the entire panel? Thanks for any help, Russ

Russ,
What type of damage are we talking about? If you replace the entire panel, you may find more than what you anticipate. It is spot welded to the trunk floor and the trunk to quarter extensions. Many times I find the trunk extensions are weak due to debris and moisture laying in them.
Tell us more about the damage, this panel is thick and it doesn't rust out frequently. If the damage is isolated I would suggest patching it.

Ed C
---------------------------------------------
70SS 396/350 4 speed red/white
70 LS6 4 speed blue/black under construction
00 C5 6 speed yellow

Patching is the way to go here.
I wouldn't replace the whole thing if i were you.

------------------
Shai

1972 Chevelle Malibu custom 4dr (http://72-chevelle.cjb.net)
Restoration started: February 10th 2001
TC member #1278

It is a huge job.I replaced mine with one i got out of a donor car.Its welded to the trunk floor,trunk braces,trunk dropoffs,and it ties the quarters together in the back.it also sits on top of the frame and has two body mounts under it.once its removed the quarters and the whole back of the car will move around and has to be positioned correctly before its welded back up.mine was to bad to patch.The bumper also mounts on this panel and the mounting section was wasted.If that area is rusted i would look over the rest of the car real good.If I had to do it again i would have bought a cleaner body.I just reread your post,since you already have the panel,i would section in the areas that are bad.You dont want to remove the whole panel,Trust me! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by 70isfine (edited 02-08-2002).]

Thanks for the info, The entire center section is pretty much gone . Also the drip edge is split from quarter to quarter.. Looks Like patching is the way to go since this area is pretty much hidden behind the bumper. Thanks again, Russ