66 body panel question

old_blue

15 Year Member
Nov 3, 2003
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Some may remember I bought a 66 last nov-dec. It is going to be a nice project that I plan on doing over a year or two time frame. No real big hurry. It will mostly depend on money as the economy slowly turns around. Well, the only issue it has is it was rear ended some times ago (way before I bought it) and I am pondering trying to bang it out or just cut out the rear panel and put a new one in. I would have to have a body shop replace it as I have never done anything like it before and need to also make sure it is done correct. I am not sure if you can see it in the pics but here it is.

The passenger side quarter panel is dented a little as well but I think it will pound out.The rear panel bows in probably a good 1/2" at the center as well as the damage to the passenger rear that is pictured. the gas tank looks in great condition and the spot where it goes is not out of square so I dont think the damage traveled very far into the body.
 
here is the driver side for comparison and the gap in the deck lid when closed.
807463-66-body-panel-question.html
 
With some time and hammer/dolly almost anything can be worked out. however 35$ for a repopped rear valance and prolly like a hundo for Ford tooling repo. may just want to save ur time on that as it will take some work and maby heat shrinking after all the dolly work. Our 64.5 is bout the same and I am still thinking on what to do, low cost of repo or maby 3 hrs of work on pannel to get it straight. Time is money however my time dont mean that much to me.
 
I was thinking the same thing. The rear valance looks like it twists differently in a few spots. Plus I may have to use a little more force to get it to sit flush with the deck lid.a nice 2x4 and a few soft hits with a 3lb sledge would probably take care of it. I have to buy a new lower valance and front/rear bumpers so I dont want to be spending much more on new metal. I think I am going to try and hammer it out and decide afterward if it needs to be replaced. luckily nothing else need to be replaced as the floors and quarters are rust free.