i have a rear deck panel to replace on my 65 malibu...(the panel between the rear window and the trunk...) does anyone know the proper removal procedure for the old one?. it is still intact and could be removed in one piece if that is possible.. my second question i have is: should i weld braces to the trunk hinges to keep the correct distances?

Hello, Welcome to Chevelles.com.
The panel is fairly easy if you have any sheetmetal skills. What I tell you won't make any sense until you start cutting on your panel to remove it. Start cutting about 2 inches inboard on the sides where the 1/4 panel meets the panel you want to replace. Don't cut very deep. There is a sub-structure under this panel separated by like a 1/8 piece of tar paper. The two sides are pinch welded (spot welded) to the 1/4's on each side and to sub-structure directly under the where the rear window seals to the body. You have to cut and grind all that first. This is the hard part. Fit the panel to the car and weld it. Take your time before you weld it. Stand back and try and compare to pictures of others.

hey there.. thanks for the reply. i was wondering about bracing the trunk hinges.. you think thats a good idea to weld some in to keep the original distances? im thinking it may make the new install that much easier and keep it straight. im only asking because i personally do not have a welder. my friend brings his over and welds this stuff for me but i can get the old one out now if i do not need bracing... ive just been starring at it for 4 days now!
thanks a lot!