Rear Finishing Panel

[tparker]

Wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to fix trim, specifically the rear finishing panel. Not only do I prefer to keep original pieces on the car, replacing it is pretty much not an option at close to $1000 bucks. LOL. The hole for the lock is cut and bent back. I was thinking of cutting out the bad part and fabricating something but not sure how to go about it. I might be able to un bend it and restore some of the shape back. I saw some stuff where they claim you can "weld" (solder or braze) pot metal trim. Not sure what kind of metal it is and if it is even possible. Any ideas short of buying a new panel?

[Cuda Cody]

If you give up and want a new panel, I think I still have 2 NOS panels that I'm going to sell.    

[tparker]

Thanks, I appreciate that. Just not sure I can fork out that kinda cash. Rather spend it on finish getting it driving.

[RUNCHARGER]

That's not pot metal it's just pressed aluminum. You may be able to gently bend it back into shape but the pieces may break off. Nothing to lose by trying it. Then you could epoxy it together or epoxy  in a complete filler piece, then light filler on the front and finish it like a body repair. You have to paint over it anyway.

[Burdar]

I'll suggest something a little "out of the box".  It won't look 100% correct but it still might look fine when you're done.

I'd open up the hole even bigger to clean it up and remove all the jagged edges and excess metal on the back side that has been folded over.  Then repaint the panel.  You can then spray a little dark argent on the car's tail panel right around the lock area.  Basically you'll still see argent through the larger hole in the finish panel. 

[Cuda Cody]

That's a great idea!   

I'll suggest something a little "out of the box".  It won't look 100% correct but it still might look fine when you're done.

I'd open up the hole even bigger to clean it up and remove all the jagged edges and excess metal on the back side that has been folded over.  Then repaint the panel.  You can then spray a little dark argent on the car's tail panel right around the lock area.  Basically you'll still see argent through the larger hole in the finish panel.

[Shane Kelley]

If you give up and want a new panel, I think I still have 2 NOS panels that I'm going to sell.   

I remember being at the Nats in Columbus back in 89. Going through the swap meet a guy had a stack of those NOS in the boxes for $100 each. I knew they would be something one day. I thought it was a good buy but that was like a $1000 to me back then.

[tparker]

Thanks guys. I ordered some aluminum "solder" or whatever it's called. I'm going to try to unbend what I got and see if I can patch in another piece by brazing it. I'll see if I can record some of it so if it actually works it may be of use to someone. I just gotta figure out what to use for the patch piece. Go to homedepot and get some small aluminum sheet, go to a wrecking yard and hunt for a doner piece, or see about buying something bent and mangled on ebay. LOL. I'll start with Home Depot