from the pics, your trunk alignment gaps look acceptable. the gap should be 1/4 inch on the 3 sides of the trunk. id mark the outline of the trunk hinges to on your trunk first. your probably gunna end up taking the trunk off and on a few times while replacing both quarters and the filler panel.

 

Your pics don't give a overall look at whats going on.Close up shots aren't always good.From what I can tell it looks like it was hit on the pass side.Cant be sure from what I see but lining the trunk with whats straight would be a good start then line the new quarters to the trunk.

 

Right. Here are some more pics. That is the problem I am having... I don't know what is straight. The trunk-hinge adjustment is already all the way towards the front of the car on the right side, and the gap is still large. Here are the current gap measurements. I don't think it is physically possible to square the trunk between the three panels.

Left quarter to trunk gap at bumper: 1/4"
Left quarter to trunk gap at at front: 1/8"
Left trunk to filler on left side corner: 1/8-3/16"
Right trunk to filler at right corner: 5/16"
Right quarter to trunk gap at front: 1/4"
Right quarter to trunk gap at bumper: 0

The right quarter is definitely jacked up. There is a stress crack where I circled in the last picture. And someone filled in a large gap with weld between the quarter and filler panel. You can kind of see it in one of the pictures through the filler I chipped away.

The more I stare at it it does look like the left quarter is the straightest panel. And the filler panel is slightly crooked pulling towards the front of the car at the right. I don't know though. I've been staring at this thing for way too long now. About to just start cutting.

What would you guys do if you were in my shoes?

And yes, that is carpet on the garage floor. Don't ask.

 

i assume your worried about the gaps because you putting on full quarters??,if you are the rest you did is fine.i myself would not worry about the trunk,you will be taking it off anyway and aligning to a aftermarket panel anyway right? heck you may find out you wont be using that trunk lid anyway.you will be replacing the tulip panel also right??once you start putting on the new quarters to the door gaps,then the tulip will set the gaps for the trunk lines and also by putting on the rear bumper for the lines there also,all this will set the lines not including the tweaking to make it right.so you are just beating yourself right now.make sure to build it like it was painted,weather strip,latch etc so there is no surprises.

 

Brian,
Maybe this will help.

I began cutting just inside the edges of the panel. This will help you understand how the quarter is connected, because you will be able to see inside.

Then look for the spot welds, drill them out, get your air chisel, and start ripping.
Also, be sure to brace the rear deck structure before removing the quarter.

 

Yes, I am putting on full quarters. And tulip panel. You are right, I'm beating myself up. This is my first time doing this, I just want to avoid any stupid mistakes up front if I can.

make sure to build it like it was painted,weather strip,latch etc so there is no surprises.

Sorry, what do you mean by that?

 

Thanks Bart! That does help. Is bracing necessary if the inner wheel houses are staying in the car?

 

Have a look at the link in my sig on replacing quarter panels.

 

If it was me I would start by removing and replacing the RH 1/4 first due to it look like you can correct the gaps with the new one. Then to the other side and set it just like it is now. Your doing the right thing by taking loads of pics and looking at it. Now it time to start cutting it off. I did a full 1/4 on my 67" and after cleaning it all up an start to put the new on. I bet I had it on and off about 30 times for check fit. And after every fit I would stand back and take long hard looks and found what I needed to do. Marked on the panel with a sharpe as not to forget. Take your time. You will know when your ready to start welding it on.

 

Thanks for all the help and advise. I appreciate it! I feel a lot more comfortable starting to cut.