Machspeed 219 Report post Posted January 1, 2022 I'm replacing the tail light panel on my Mach. Before I pulled it, I took lots of measurements and photos, as it is the OEM panel. Something I noted and found interesting was the top area of the panel were it first meets up with the body. Note the uneven spacing between the left and right sides. Hopefully my pictures will explain what I'm trying to say. Wondering if this is typical? I have to do a repair in this area and thinking about just fitting it up all the way across. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RPM 1,190 Report post Posted January 1, 2022 Precision wasn't job one at Ford in the sixties. I wouldn't worry as long as your deck lid gaps are good. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian Conway 264 Report post Posted January 1, 2022 Ditto what Bob said. Pay attention to your body lines. Couple pictures of what my car looks like. Brian 1 RPM reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ridge Runner 1,112 Report post Posted January 1, 2022 If you shift it over to match sides it will throw off the tail lights ,i would make sure the lights are same side to side and not worry about that 1 RPM reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Machspeed 219 Report post Posted January 1, 2022 22 minutes ago, Ridge Runner said: If you shift it over to match sides it will throw off the tail lights ,i would make sure the lights are same side to side and not worry about that No Ridge, not going to shift the tail panel but will add metal to the body panel to bring it all the way across and meet up evenly with the tail panel. Thanks fellas! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
det0326 179 Report post Posted January 1, 2022 I did exactly what u described and made it look pretty, not necessary but just me being particular. Mine was a Dearborn car and it appeared to me that the assembly plant filled those 2 joints and also the 2 where the filler piece and quarters meet with brass/brazing rod. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aslanefe 333 Report post Posted January 1, 2022 5 hours ago, Machspeed said: No Ridge, not going to shift the tail panel but will add metal to the body panel to bring it all the way across and meet up evenly with the tail panel. Thanks fellas! Machspeed, before you remove the tail light panel, weld a 1x1 tube or something as brace from left to right side of the fender where it touches the trunk (6 to 8 inches forward of the area you pictured). This way your trunk gaps on left and right side will stay the same after panel replacement. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Machspeed 219 Report post Posted January 2, 2022 15 hours ago, aslanefe said: Machspeed, before you remove the tail light panel, weld a 1x1 tube or something as brace from left to right side of the fender where it touches the trunk (6 to 8 inches forward of the area you pictured). This way your trunk gaps on left and right side will stay the same after panel replacement. aslanefe, thanks for that tip. I actually thought to do that before cutting out the panel but nixed it in case I didn't like the factory setting. I may regret 18 hours ago, det0326 said: I did exactly what u described and made it look pretty, not necessary but just me being particular. Mine was a Dearborn car and it appeared to me that the assembly plant filled those 2 joints and also the 2 where the filler piece and quarters meet with brass/brazing rod. Yes, they were spot welded in and then brazed on the ends. Destroyed the ends trying to get it all undone, thus the need for rebuilding the ends and my original question. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JET 445 43 Report post Posted January 3, 2022 The opening for the trunk lid is usually too tight on these, this is your chance to fix it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
