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r & r of trunk sheet metal

1.2K views 9 replies 2 participants last post by  ss1970chev454  
#1 · (Edited)
I would like someone to give me some tips or their techniques on removing the sheet metal and supports from the trunk of my 67 chevelle Both sides are rotted out at the mounts .I am not a newbie to this site , however definitely a newbie to replacing sheet metal. I looked at this several times but a little confused on how to remove the inner supports without damaging them ,do I cut the entire bracket of the trunk floor and leave connected at top , can I cut some of this bracket leaving enough room for new metal to slide under then weld flush ? Basically whats the best way to remove and install a trunk I would love to do this myself instead of a shop. Also when you cut the old panels out am I to leave a flange to weld to or flush weld my floors were already replaced as were the body mount bushings ...Thanks
 
#9 ·
no I don't , I just noticed the 13867 mines a 37 . I did fine cutting the old pan out, spot welds were not bad removing did notice some rot on the back side of both inner ww. I broke the welds on all three inside supports to pan and test fit pass. side pan looks good but will have to massage the ww or pan to tighten the gap at seam. I will post pictures later.
 
#8 ·
Jim,

yep, keep searching. Try trunk pans, trunk replacement, or any combination. RUBADUB is ususally all over these post. He has tons on if info and tricks.

The registry is for convertibles, do you have one?

Goodluck!

Greg
 
#7 ·
Ok thanks , Greg I had seen the spot welds after are last post. I will definitely use your advice. I had been looking for previous post on this topic but havn't found many . I had been searching using replacing trunk sheet metal , etc ....... I will still keep looking. Also I see 1968 chevelle SS registry on the bottom of your post what is this I have a 68 ss also... How do I complete the registry? JIM
 
#6 ·
About the inside braces, there are three left , right and center where trunk lock is attached where do you cut these at not to damaged them?
Dont cut'm, you'll need these. Just break the spot welds, there's about 8 to 10 per brace. Should be able to see them. A spotweld remover or a small grinder. You can also use a 1/4 or 3/8" drill bit, just to take off the top, don't drill all the way through. Also, try not to bend the braces out of place.

Mock up in place using sheet metal screws to locate, then when everything lines up correctly, upper braces, lower braces and the body mount bushing and bolt, you can remove one screw at a time and weld up the hole.

Since your gas tank braces are good, you can use this flange to attach your new pan to. When cutting the existing pan in the area of the GT brace don't cut through the brace. Also note that these braces are spot welded to the floor.

Again cut a little at a time and take your time.
 
#4 ·
Ok

if you haven't already done so, do a search. There are alot of post and pictures that will help you piece the parts together. Visit RUBADUB's (Rob) He ahs alot of good info posted.

do one side at a time and take your time. cut small areas at a time so you can see how it's put together. Also so you can use the existing side as a guide.

Try to just remove the trunk pan and not the brace. You need to take pictures and it helps to take measurements.

you will need to get access to the cage nuts where the body mounts are, if it not already exposed due to rust. You need to break these bolts loose, two on each side. The bolts may require soaking for a few days. If they're too rusted it may be simpler to buy new bolts, regardless you need to get them out so you can replace the bushings too.

If your drop panels are OK, the new pan will butt up against them. Cut about 2" out from the drop panel and the inner wheel well. Once you have access you'll need to break the spot welds loose at the drop panel and the wheel well.

How's the gas tank braces and center section of the trunk? If they're good, leave them.