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#1
07-17-2025, 09:12 AM
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Any opinions?
I'm on the fence as to whether to repair my 72's beat up rear panel (Not the fiberglass part but, the metal piece underneath that includes the lower valence) or replace it with a reproduction piece. I am assuming there is only one manufacturer of that piece so there won't any choice other than price.
How well do the current ones fit?
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If it breaks. I didn't want it in the first place. _____________________________________________ 69 GTO \ 72 FIREBIRD \ 1/2 OF A 64 GTO \ 70 JAVELIN \ 52 FORD PU \ 51 GMC PU \ 29 FORD PU \ 85 ALFA ROMEO SPYDER \ A HANDFUL OF ODD DUCATI'S \ 88 S10 LT1 BLAZER & MY DAILY DRIVER 67 SUBURBAN. |
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#2
07-17-2025, 10:50 AM
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Mine came from Classic Industries and fit up was good. The restoration shop did a lower seam fill-in for a smoother, one-piece look.
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#3
07-17-2025, 11:49 AM
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I dont have any direct pics of the tail head on, but I believe I used an AMD panel. I got it so long ago I dont fully remember lol
Fits good. Like any panel it'll take some fitting. Make sure you salvage the little panel extensions up near the tail lights that tie the tail into the quarters. They dont make them.  
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"Those poor souls have made the fatal mistake of surrounding us. Now we can fire in any direction" 1970 Trans Am RAIII 4 speed 1971 Trans Am 5.3 LM7 1977 Trans Am W72 Y82 1987 Grand National |
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#4
07-17-2025, 12:24 PM
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My friend is in the process of putting a reproduction one on his 72 bird, and it seems to fit pretty nicely! I will have to get more info from him on where he got it.
You know, I sold an NOS one that I originally bought at Pontiac dealer for my 73 back in about 1980 or so…. I let that one go for fairly reasonable $ when I found my 70 because I knew I wasn’t going to need it anymore….
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********************************* The 1970 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400... Lean, mean, tire-scorching machine! |
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#5
07-17-2025, 01:38 PM
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Have done a few. Also have just done the lower portion. The gap at the edge is for air . The bottom section is NOT attached except for the top, and way underneath on the lip. Would be able to easily pass a dollar bill in from the sides. If this panel isn't vented, you get condensation and rust in there.
Factory, this is NOT a seam, its a vent.
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" Long may we DRIVE !" |
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#6
07-17-2025, 03:02 PM
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I bought my rear taillight panel from Ames for my 1976 TA. Part was for 1974-78. Not sure if Ames sells earlier year panels. The body shop had no problems with fitment, and I was very happy with the outcome.
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#7
07-17-2025, 04:00 PM
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Quote:
 Well, at least I'm in Texas, but I'll keep an eye on it from the backside.
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#8
07-19-2025, 01:03 PM
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Thank you everyone for the replies. It looks like I will go the reproduction route as it may be the lesser of the evils I have to confront!
__________________
If it breaks. I didn't want it in the first place. _____________________________________________ 69 GTO \ 72 FIREBIRD \ 1/2 OF A 64 GTO \ 70 JAVELIN \ 52 FORD PU \ 51 GMC PU \ 29 FORD PU \ 85 ALFA ROMEO SPYDER \ A HANDFUL OF ODD DUCATI'S \ 88 S10 LT1 BLAZER & MY DAILY DRIVER 67 SUBURBAN. |
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#9
07-19-2025, 01:25 PM
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FWIW, I have used a stud welder/ dent puller on a few of these
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" Long may we DRIVE !" |
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#10
07-19-2025, 01:34 PM
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Maybe they could pull the missing bits back in place. LOL
__________________
If it breaks. I didn't want it in the first place. _____________________________________________ 69 GTO \ 72 FIREBIRD \ 1/2 OF A 64 GTO \ 70 JAVELIN \ 52 FORD PU \ 51 GMC PU \ 29 FORD PU \ 85 ALFA ROMEO SPYDER \ A HANDFUL OF ODD DUCATI'S \ 88 S10 LT1 BLAZER & MY DAILY DRIVER 67 SUBURBAN. |
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#11
07-21-2025, 02:57 PM
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Well apparently AMD no longer carries the tail panel. My research has found that Goodmark is the only brand listed at several vendors with numerous other vendors listing ones with no brand stated.
At present I believe I will purchase a Goodmark from the closest vendor for shortest distance to travel.
__________________
If it breaks. I didn't want it in the first place. _____________________________________________ 69 GTO \ 72 FIREBIRD \ 1/2 OF A 64 GTO \ 70 JAVELIN \ 52 FORD PU \ 51 GMC PU \ 29 FORD PU \ 85 ALFA ROMEO SPYDER \ A HANDFUL OF ODD DUCATI'S \ 88 S10 LT1 BLAZER & MY DAILY DRIVER 67 SUBURBAN. |
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