Help me cut up my TA! - Lateral-g Forums

**WSSix** · #1 09-11-2020, 03:51 PM

So I did some more research, which means browsing bring a trailer since they have lots of great pictures, and I had forgotten how bad the build quality is on these cars. Basically, I just need to spend some time adjusting everything until I get it close because that's all you can do. From restored cars to low mileage originals, the tail lights are all over the place in terms of fitment. I'll see what I can do this weekend before going any further.

**WSSix** · #2 12-20-2020, 06:57 PM

Does anyone know if the belt line on the rear quarter panel is a constant taper as you go back or does it curve inward as it goes back?

I've cut out the damaged section on my car. I have the new patch panel lined up well except for the belt line. It wants to curve as I go back instead of just being a constant taper that you can lay a straight edge against. I can't trust the passenger side as I know it's also been damaged and had work done to it.

If it's a constant taper, then I'm dumb founded as to how I messed this up.

Thanks

dhutton · #3 12-21-2020, 07:24 AM

Test fit the bumper, tail light and spoiler end. That will be the true test of fit imho....

Don

**WSSix** · #4 12-21-2020, 07:54 PM

It all looks good. Not perfect but damn close for a test fit. I'll mock it up a bunch more I'm sure. I'm fairly certain if it did taper straight back and not curve that the bumper would have to be stretched to line up.

I wish I had taken notes and done some of this type measuring/observing before starting. Oh well, live and learn.

As I test fit everything and work to get it right before welding, I'm facing another dilemma. Do I tug and pull to make the panel fit or do I go with the fit up that requires the least resistance?

What I mean by that is I can get the portion of the patch panel that bends to form the trunk edge lined up with the quarter on the car. Then, pull to get the belt line lined up. The curve of the panel then doesn't want to naturally follow the curve of the quarter. It drops in since it feels like I'm stretching the panel. I can get them to meet up with effort though as I push the panel up from inside the trunk.

The alternative is to start at the belt line and work my way up over the curve of the panel and then pull the trunk edge close but not lined up. The patch panel fits up to the curve of the quarter much nicer, but I would then have to cut down the panel to then bend the trunk edge out in order to line up with the quarter trunk edge. I really didn't want to do that which is why I cut out the trunk edge to begin with.

I'm guessing either way would work. I'm not looking for perfection. I fully expect bondo to be used to smooth it all out. I just don't want to screw it up or half-ass it. Suggestions welcome.

Thanks

**WSSix** · #5 01-12-2021, 05:32 PM

So, this did not go as well as I wanted. There are some areas that look great and I was able to tig the panels together. I was even able to get the belt line and the trunk opening lined up well. Unfortunately, the curve on the top just didn't work out for some reason. It's terrible. I'll be cutting it all back out and starting over as soon as I find another quarter. I think I should cut out much more and go all the way to the fender well. That way, I only have to concentrate on the curve of the fender and the trunk opening. I'm just afraid I'm going to get it wrong again which would then put me in a really tight spot.