70 Challenger Trunk Latch Pillar Question

[7E-Bodies]

Dry fitting new trunk pan and original tail panel that I'd removed to get the pan in. I'd carefully marked and documented where the tail panel positioned to the gutters and quarters, but forgot to notice where the base of the trunk latch pillar sat. There's enough flex that the base could touch the tail panel or sit as much as 3/8" forward from it. Can anyone tell me if there is a gap or not? Pics of an unmolested survivor would be ideal, but an impractical expectation. Thanks in advance.

[anlauto]

I just looked at about 500 Challenger pictures I have and nothing of that angle. I have a 71 Challenger that's untouched, it's out getting media blasting done right now....If I get it back tomorrow I'll shoot a picture for you.
My best guess would be that yes there is a small gap. 

[7E-Bodies]

Perfect, Alan. I can wait. Nothing keeping me from welding everything else when I'm done with dry fitting. This pillar is still factory spot welded at the top. I'll just keep it loose at the bottom until I'm sure. Thanks again. You always seem to come through for me.

[750-h2]

Hard to see with the caulking but looks like Alan nailed it!

[70 Challenger Lover]

Trunk shots of my 70 with all original metal. Only change is I scraped out old caulking and put a little back in before repaint. Looks like it touches at the bottom. It might have been about 1/8" away but the factory filled it with ugly stick weld.

[headejm]

Here are a few more photos. 

[7E-Bodies]

Excellent! All images saved. Thank you all!

[anlauto]

Excellent pictures, thanks guys !
Looks like rain here today, so I likely won't be picking up the 71 from the media blasters anyways 

[tparker]

Honestly, I wouldn't think it is exact. I ripped mine out to rebuild it, but it kind of has a place where it sits nice. I would assume on the assembly like someone stuck it in place and spot welded it in place. I would assume there is going to be some room for variance. I recall it wasn't butted up, but can't remember for sure. I recall it being similar to the above photos. I would say, see where it fits naturally and see how the locks all line up.

[anlauto]

Okay....a little late to the party with pictures, but this is an original trunk for in a 1971 RT Challenger that I'm currently doing. I would think 71 is the same as 70  but I agree 1000% ....I don't think it would have been an exact science, they likely held it & weld it type thing...

Thankfully I got it moved before the rain !

[JS29]

Honestly, I wouldn't think it is exact. I ripped mine out to rebuild it, but it kind of has a place where it sits nice. I would assume on the assembly like someone stuck it in place and spot welded it in place. I would assume there is going to be some room for variance. I recall it wasn't butted up, but can't remember for sure. I recall it being similar to the above photos. I would say, see where it fits naturally and see how the locks all line up.

Exactly! there was as much as a 1/4" adjustment on certain areas of these old cars. That is why they have slotted holes and shims     

[7E-Bodies]

Saved, Alan. Along with the others. Thanks.