Okay, I admit it, I'm a novice to all this stuff. I've never done body work---but want to learn. Here's my problem; I bought the patch panels, from our host, for the inner cowl, inner to outer cowl, and outer cowl. Basically, they look right but trying to put them all together at the same time---and on the cab---don't seem to line up. I'm guessing the panels are larger than needed, but "in what direction"? Is there a "trick" to it or is it a "just make it fit" situation? Thanks for any input, Rick
You just got a lesson in reproduction parts 101---they suck. Now to make the best of the situation; the two most important alignment points are the curve where the back bottom of the hood fits and the flanged area that fits on the door pillar and gives the correct door to body gap. Many times it's best to just trim out of the new panels a piece big enough to eliminate the rust but leave the critical "fit to gap" areas in place. If it is necessary to use the whole replacement panel then yes, some slicing and fitting will be necessary. Measure, measure, and measure once again and remember that poster board or thin cardboard for mockup is alot cheaper than repops.
Finagling is required, and no, they don't fit the best. I usually fit the inner kick panel first, tack, then the outer, tack, then the inner to outer. The grooves in the inner to outer usually end up running down hill, they never line up like they should. When finished, weld all parts solid, then cover with seam sealer.
Check my albums on buildup of the 50 and buildup of the 53, do a search on these threads on here for the links. I photo chronicled what I did on both.
