32 five-window lower trunk panel replacement
Started disassembling the rear of my 32 five window body. The panel below the trunk lid was beyond repair, so I removed it to replace with a complete lower panel that has the floor extension,as well as upper and center brackets. OK, took out bolts, most broke, and removed old panel.
The rear quarter posts are still attached to the rear quarter fender panels. Are these posts spot welded or riveted to quarters? They need to be replaced as the body was channeled at one time and floor replacement will take place after rear panel installed. Do not want to tear up metal of quarters, so I have not pried or hit to losen them. Replacements have holes drilled just like original. Are the feet of these posts welded or riveted to the top of the floor or subrail entension?
In reinstalling the rear panel, is any type of weather strip or filler used between panels before sinching up bolts?
Finally, at the top of quarter post and where it attaches the quarter fenders and horizontal rain gutter(attached at top of rear panel)together, there was a large head slotted bolt tying all these panels together at each end of the gutter. There were remnents of rubber or plastic under the head of each bolt, Is this part of the sealent treatment for the gutter? Any source for replacement? Are any parts of the lower horizontal gutter sealed with anything?
Lengthy post, but hope someone will have some needed answers. Thanks
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