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4/13/2014 4:04 PM  #1


69 Tail light panel rust repair.

Hello everyone, just need a little advice. Let me start by saying I'm NOT doing a concorse restoration on this car, it's a restomod. That being said I'm looking at 4 options, 1- doing a glass repair, 2-trying to fab up patch panels, 3-buying a repo panel and using it to make patches, and 4-just replacing the whole panel. Other than the rust holes shown in the pics the rest of the panel is good. Any thoughts ?.

 

4/13/2014 5:00 PM  #2


Re: 69 Tail light panel rust repair.

First, I would NEVER consider a patch that is not welded in.  That is at best a temporary fix.  That is such a small area, it would be very simple to make some pieces, even if you had to buy a new taillight panel to cut them from.  I think if I was doing it, I would replace the entire panel.  That way, you don't have to worry about any seams showing.  See my web page: http://www.mustangsteve.com/taillightpanel.html
That one is on my 66, but yours would be just as easy or even easier because it doesn't have the edge going through the taillight hole like the 66 does.  It is such an easy procedure to change it, you can do the whole thing in an afternoon.
If you decided to patch it, I am thinking the curvature would make it more difficult to get smooth, and any small gaps in the weld would allow water from the taillight gaskets to start the rust process all over again.
I vote for a complete replacement.  One afternoon's worth of work and you are done.  Price varies from $103 to $155 depending on coupe/convertible or fastback.  If the price bothers you, then weld in a couple of hand-made patches.  Be sure to butt weld a fitted piece in place.  MUCH easier than fiberglassing !


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

4/13/2014 6:20 PM  #3


Re: 69 Tail light panel rust repair.

Are you planning on painting the entire car ?...if not and it's just a patch job and spot in the paint... like MS said buy a new panel and section the new pieces in ,welding is best...But you can panel bond them in...taper all sides of the patch pieces and overlap a half inch...then finish off with a light coat of bondo... this is a good way to do a temporary repair without a welder....jj   


"Never put a question mark where God put a period "  Richard Petty
 

4/13/2014 8:05 PM  #4


Re: 69 Tail light panel rust repair.

Thank you both for the input, Yes I will be painting the car, I am leaning towards getting a panel and using it for patches and butt welding them in. Eventhough I'm not doing a full blown resto, I would like to keep as much of the stock sheet metal as possible.

Last edited by Rsmach1 (4/13/2014 8:09 PM)

     Thread Starter
 

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