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1966Bonneville · 11-20-2007, 04:10 PM

This pic is from my sons 76 Trans. It is the metal panel behind the rear bumper. As you can see the lower portion of it is TOAST. Can that be cut out and a new one welded in? Can it be had new or do I have to cut off a old car or fabricate?

1966Bonneville · 11-20-2007, 04:14 PM

The car

1966Bonneville · 10:18 PM

I also have this issue with the rockers. I can assume this can be replaced. Both sides are doing this at the back and the front. The bottom side where it meets the bottom of the car is fine.

2manyT/A'S · 11-20-2007, 04:32 PM

I don't think they are repoping that back piece YET,but it is LONG overdue.
That is pretty typical rust on a car that has been winter driven.
The steel they used was thin & POOR quality & the exhaust condensation gets trapped up there.

1966Bonneville · 11-20-2007, 04:37 PM

How does one go about replacing this then? Just cut it out and thats it? it's only about the bottom 3rd of that area.

1966Bonneville · 11-20-2007, 04:39 PM

The rest of the car is decent on the bottom. From the bottom of the back seat area UP to the front is fine, no rust at all. The pans are perfect. The rust, lots of surface but no poke through via a screw driver from the rear frame rails back is covered with some dirt/rust scaling but when scrapped off it solid. I do have the drivers rear frame rail that is prob in need of replacing. Can it be? I assume it can be cut out and replaced?

2manyT/A'S · 11-20-2007, 05:40 PM

Sounds like you've got your welding project for the winter!

1966Bonneville · 11-20-2007, 06:04 PM

Ha ha ha. Yea. My son is only 12 so I have YEARS be4 it has to be done. It runs but is getting water in oil so if that is not an easy fix then the motor will just be rebuilt. It only has 94k on it. The inter is in great shape. Other then a dash pad that needs replaced the inter is in fine shape.
Now to find some doors as the ones on it are beyond reskinning.

johnsma22 · 11-20-2007, 07:04 PM

As stated I don't think anyone is reproducing tail panels for our cars yet. Although I heard that Yearone may be working on it along with full rear quarter panels. Both of which are badly needed parts. Yearone does have rocker panels though. One place to try is Arizona Rust Free Trans Am Parts. They have a lot of stuff and may be able to help you out with some doors as well. You can also ask here in the parts wanted forum. Someone may have a donor car that they are parting out.

It's nice to see that you are going to build a car for your son. This will be a great project for the two of you to do together. It's something he will remember for the rest of his life. Here's a photo of my 76 T/A that you can use for inspiration. When I got her she was in worse shape than what you're starting with. All it will take is a lot of hard work and a boat load of money, LOL!

opnwide · 11-20-2007, 09:02 PM

That panel is replaceable. Check NPD. I just did it on my '76. The problem though is the piece between this one and the gas tank. No one makes that one, so buddy up with someone with a sheetmetal press because you'll be doing some fabbin' on that hidden one.

1966Bonneville · 11-20-2007, 09:47 PM

That trans is SHARP! Looks great!

1966Bonneville · 11-20-2007, 10:15 PM

What I don't get is there is a ton of stuff for the 1st gen but the same things are not avail for the 2nd gen and if you ask me the resto market for those years is now MUCH larger then the 1st gen stuff now.

johnsma22 · 11-21-2007, 01:28 PM

The market for the 2nd Gen has just recently reached a level that is starting to get the attention of the big repro companies. Companies like PY, Ames, Yearone, etc have been providing good stuff for us for some time but there were always some critical parts that weren't, and still aren't available. I think that's about to change in the very near future.

There were so many 2nd gen F-bodies produced that are now making it into the hands or people who want to restore them that there is just too much money to be made for them to ignore.

1966Bonneville · 11-21-2007, 05:58 PM

I agree the $$$ is out there for ALL REPRO parts for all these various years in the 70's. Camaro's, Trans, they are starting to become sought after cars.

ford4play · 11-22-2007, 12:18 AM

i just did the rockers on my '76 firebird recently. still need to do tail panel. back side of tail panel needs work too, just as yours. tail panel can be bought, back side can't. lots of fab work to do. tail panel is avaliable thru catalogs but not sure on fit. good luck. can send you pics of the of rockers if u need/want.

smashpaint · 11-22-2007, 02:06 PM

Yes this panel can be cut out and replaced.... National Parts Depot hes a reproduction rear body panel avalible for 1974-1978 F body . Part # C-12966-205A I have not seen any photos of this panel so be sure to check it out first ,make sure that the panel has the proper stamped holes for taillight access..
If you choose to use a used part in good rust free condition or a repop panel I would strongly recomend to go the long road and install the whole complete panel.. Some install tips.... drill all spot welds out ... measure twice ... three times before cutting.... same applies for frame rail...... make sure that trunk lid oppening is square as well as the back end and under side....... replace the frame rail first before you cut rear panel...Wish you all the success... this is a major operation that must be done correctly to insure a quality finish product....

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