If you've seen my "The Time has Come" post, I'm biting the bullet and am starting the cosmetic part of the rebuild on my Elky.

Anyway, I was picking at a "Bondo-bubble" at the flat below the rear window on my car today, and discovered that sometime in history this piece had been repaired. I'll give credit to the bodyman, as it was done (cosmetically) very nice, but it has failed.

Since my front bed wall is pretty much hammered (from cargo sliding around) anyway, how much fun is it to replace this panel??

Major undertaking and fabrication skills needed. Cutting it out and getting the new panel in there so everything sits correct will be difficult, but not impossible.

Depending on your skillset will determine how well it will turn out. I would rate that a 8 out 10 for difficulty, 1/4 panel a 9 or 10.

Yeah, the things that concern me are the passenger compartment bracing, and the forward "lip" that the smuggler's box lid attaches to. IMO it makes a 1/4 replacement look easy by comparison.

I'ts not as bad of a job as it looks just takes a bit of time. I cut out the wall then drilled out all the spot welds and then fit the new piece in - went in pretty good. Took most of the day to do. You can buy the complete replacement panel now. I have some pics if you want but not sure how to post them on here.

Camino, what year is yours??? I would love to see some pics..... email them to me @ peetsjunkie@gmail.com if you can. Or you can go to blogger and upload pics there for free. Click on my link belowto get to their page.

Well, I just pulled my back window over the weekend and was not pleased with what I saw. Looks like i have some areas that have completley rusted though the cab areas and where the Bed wall is joined to the sides. The flange has started to expand and looks like I might have to cut this panel out as well. I started picking at it with my pick hammer and found several spots that were like rust butter. More repair work to do there...... pulled off the fender on the right side and found more cancer in the lower vent areas.

Guess it's time to get time to buy my Hobart 140 now... :)

I've been looking at Sherman's replacement panel. I'm kinda curious though, they list the same part number for '64 thru '67 - is this true??