Topic: Replacing trunk pan

[Doug]

My brother started working on getting the old trunk pan out but had some questions I couldn't answer. Do the brackets underneath the pan need to be cut out to install the new pan?  What is the best way to do this?  How much of the old pan should be cut.   Pics atached.

[RENOVATIONS]

I suppose you don't have to remove the gas tank brackets but it makes it easier to get everything in plain sight and cleaned/prepped.
You can cut as little as you want if the whole pan isn't rotted...I chose to cut out and replace the entire pan as this one was bad and we wanted fresh metal to build from. It's a time consuming job for sure with the hardest part being welding in the back seam (if you go that far). If you put in the whole pan, you will have to remove the gas tank brackets in order to get the pan in the opening. If your tail panel is out/coming out, it helps a lot with fitment and welding.

The RH and LH outer most sides of the trunk pan have a folded lip that meets the trunk drop-off's...new pan does not have the lip but if you measure old vs new, you'll see you have enough to fold a lip into the new pan (assuming you cut out the old that far right and left). On the same note, you'll have to drill out the spot welds holding the trunk/frame braces on the right and left sides and re-use them.

I found an old HPP article (too late to help me of course  ) on replacing a 2nd gen trunk pan (it isn't entirely accurate but it helps show the process).... if you'd like to have a copy, PM me your e-mail addy.

Hope this helps.
 

[Blue Knight]

  pm sent

 HPP article  on replacing a 2nd gen trunk pan
if you don't mind i would like a copy myself please.
 thanks,
 raymond b

[RENOVATIONS]

E-mails sent to Raptor, ray.b, and Doug

[HOT76TA]

Hey Jeff-  do you still have the article on trunk pan removal?

[RENOVATIONS]

Yup, just sent them to you

[pancho400cid]

Hey all..

Went to look at a 78 T/A recently.  I'm searching for a project car.  I decided to pass at first, but I think I may have to broaden my search because "rust free" ain't happening apparently, and the price is good I think.  This car appears sound on the frame channels, etc, but is significantly rusted all along the seam where the trunk pan meets the tail panel.  Also the rear "fillet area" of both rear floor pans are bad, but that I'm less worried about that.  I think those areas caught water as the car has been sitting for years.

From the old thread below, the comments make it look like the pan-to-tail joint is the worst part to weld, but I would appreciate comments.  I am not a skilled welder, but I've done some welding.... and I would like to BECOME a skilled body welder....

Am I about to do something stupid (again)?

PS - Mr. Renovations sir, I would very much appreciate a copy of that article if possible.  Thanks either way!

[RENOVATIONS]

There's nothing stupid about attempting to learn more....you might also check the inner tail panel and check it's condition (this part is not repro'd and would need to be patched/fabricated/sourced from a donor car).

Drop me a PM with your email addy and I'll send the info along asap

[pancho400cid]

I sent a PM.

Thanks!

[Richy]

HPP article  on replacing a 2nd gen trunk pan
if you don't mind i would like a copy myself please.
 thanks.

bryant4lyfe@gmail.com

[RENOVATIONS]

HPP article  on replacing a 2nd gen trunk pan
if you don't mind i would like a copy myself please.
 thanks.

bryant4lyfe@gmail.com

Email sent

[Maxthe222]

I guess i'll take one too!

[RENOVATIONS]

Email sent