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Posted by: Archie May 21 2015, 04:11 PM

Hello Group,

I'm wondering if anyone else has come across this problem before? Rebuilding the driver's side sail panel and to my horror, the donor intermediate panel doesn't fit! So, question: did the factory change the intermediate panel pressing during the production run? The car is a '72, but the donor panel year is unknown. Please see pics.

Photo 1 shows the donor (replacement) panel clamped in place, and at the bottom you can just spot my fingertips
under the lower lip.

Photo 2 shows a close-up of the gap that my fingers can crawl into!

Photo 3 shows the donor panel with it's original inner panel and absolutely no gap as per my car before I started!

It's a complete mystery as all dimensions check out and even a contour gauge reveals no measurable differences!

Posted by: r_towle May 21 2015, 09:01 PM

A hammer....what you need.

Posted by: wndsnd May 21 2015, 09:09 PM

I agree, a little working of the panel is necessary. Maybe some trimming, or bending, or coercing with a BFH.

All in the fun of it.

Posted by: Archie May 22 2015, 12:32 PM

Thanks. I happen to be an alumnus of the College of BFH-ology!

Posted by: Chris Pincetich May 22 2015, 12:54 PM