How to paint Cuda tail panel

[Mrbill426]

I need some help determining exactly where the parting lines between body color and Organisol black are supposed to be on a '72 Cuda tail panel.  Can some one advise and show (pictures) where it is?  Preferably shown before the trim is installed.

Thanks so much!

[Cuda Cody]

Welcome to the site @Mrbill426      The resource page has a few technical drawings that might help.  I assume the 72 is the same and the 71 and 70.

https://www.e-bodies.org/resources/cuda_challenger_tsb_specifications_engineering_illustrations_drawings/

It follows the trim line and at the bottom goes lower down behind the bumper.  Here's the drawing for it....

https://www.e-bodies.org/Resources/Engineering_Illustrations/Black_Out_Tail_Panel_Cuda.pdf

Some of these photos might help.  I think the factory's goal was to not see body color between the bumper and car.

[Shane Kelley]

72 -74 are different than 70-71. They don't have the surround trim to break the color.  Hopefully somebody that knows will chime in.  I'm kind of thinking it's the whole rear body panel. I found 3 pics but I can't say they are 100% correct. But they are all consistent so chances are this is how it should look. 

[Cuda Cody]

Thank you Shane!!!     I'm really a newbie when it comes to the details of the 72-74's.

[Burdar]

So, should it stop at the top of the tail panel or go under the trunk lid like a Challenger?

[Shane Kelley]

If I was doing one I would go into the jamb some like that Challenger pic shows. I think that looks better than right along the edge. IMO That way your not going to see any color between the black body panel and the chrome deck lid trim from behind.

[JS29]

Same trim as A GRAN COUP, I think I would look into the same guide line.   

[303 Mopar]

Here is a good shot of how the tail should look....

[LinceCuda]

On my 73 the entire panel is painted it goes under the rear 1/4 panel chrome trim down below the bumper filler and rolls into the trunk 7/8 of a inch all the way across. I'm pretty sure my paint is original I'll double check everything and reply again. I have pics on my phone but I don't think they would post good.

[wldgtx]

This is what I saw...

[HP_Cuda]

Good one 303, that is a great example.

[LinceCuda]

Here's what mine looks like the paint rolls into the trunk a 1/4 inch not 7/8.  Everything else is like I said in my 1st reply.

[Mrbill426]

Thanks for the pictures, definitely looks different than the Challengers.  So it goes up into the trunk at top?  What about the upper corners?  Any chance of zooming out a bit?  I take it that the black goes down blow the level of the rear valance then?

Here's what mine looks like the paint rolls into the trunk a 1/4 inch not 7/8.  Everything else is like I said in my 1st reply.

[larry4406]

Attached is a picture of my smashed 72 with the trim piece removed.  The paint extends down behind the bumper and is masked off behind the trim.  Sorry no other pictures.

Also a picture I snagged off the net some time ago.

[Mrbill426]

Thanks for all the help people, I think I got it straight now