Hello all, sorry about this El Camino post (I have a Chevelle too!?), but this is the best place for answers. In any case, I have a 67' Elco that needs a new front bed panel (the one directly under the rear window). Bought an OPG replacement panel and, while it looks the same, the edge flanges for the spot weld seams are different than the old, factory panel. The factory panel flanges/seams are bent forward into the cab (behind the bench seat), the replacement panel flanges are bent to the rear (aft). What gives? I called OPG and they rushed a replacement, but its the same! Do the side flanges on this panel actually bend forward (into the cab), or am I drilling out spot welds for something else? Looking at the panel from the inside, it appears that the metal is continious and that it ultimately bends toward the front, making a seam for the spot welds.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

------------------
M. Randolph
Fallbrook, Ca

No apologies needed! That El Camino IS a Chevelle around here.

Sorry I can't help you with the panel question, but you've definitely come to the right place. Ask away, my friend, and good luck.

The front bed panel (rear cab panel) is made up of four pieces. Lower to floor, has a rectangular hole on each side with a cover plates and flaps that act as a pressure valve. Upper, extends from bed floor to lower glass mounting area. There is a lap seam between these two panels at bed level which has an angle bracket for "smuggler" box bed floor cover to mount. Fourth part is a channel type stiffener that is spot welded to the inside of panel. Upper panel is spot welded on flanges on the side that extend at a 90 degree angle into cab. Is your replacement piece the one that is being sold that just takes care of the upper window area? The one that I got for mine was a heavy stamped piece, ends had no flange, had to be trimmed back to fit to upper inner box panel on each side and welded solid. It butt welded to old panel, from side to side, just above ribs, plug welded at glass pinchweld mounting area. If you could provide pictures of part you have, and area to be installed I am sure we can figure this out. Karl