Starting on the tailpan, we were torn on using the pinch weld flanges. Some of the "subtle" mods we had done included removing the pinch weld flanges and leaded seam above and below the tail lights to get rid of a dirt trap/rust generator...
The pinch weld seam for the tail pan is also in the tires path, especially given the wider rear tires and mini-tubs it's now using.
So we decided to get rid of these as well, and butt weld the panel in. With the car still sitting on the frame, the standard offset snips had some interference issue with the frame rails...
Luckily my lovely bride had picked these up for me a couple years ago...
For a much better fit in such a tight area...
The tailpan was trimmed as well, leaving a bit extra to insure we had enough metal to span the gap...
Used the tipping tool to unfold the remainder of the flange and the door skin hammer to flatten it out...
After another test fit, the reproduction showed to be not that accurate, go figure....
After marking the new bend location, the bead roller was fitted with the tipping die to relocate the bend...
Now that the tipping die has left a crease indicator on the bottom side, a hammer and anvil is used to flatten out the incorrect crease...
For a much better fit.....
With tail gate test fitted....
Well that's about all for this go round, will start welding the tail pan in next time...