Tail Light Panel Removal for '73 Z

[sdaughtry]

All,

I picked up two mint condition tail light panels (that flank the center license plate). Looking at pieces, it APPEARS that the only thing holding on these two panels are small "rivets" that are similar to the interior black plastic rivets (that I used a pushpin to push out the center pin and then remove the rivet) that are positioned in a row at the top of the panels (visible when the hatch is in the "up" position).

Is removal of the tail light panels just as easy, or is there something else to be aware of (yes - I'm learning to ask questions before blindly charging forward to start removnig bolts & screws <g>).

Edited December 16, 2010 by sdaughtry

[EScanlon]

There are two sheet metal grippers on the body that catch the lower edge of the Tail Light Surround (that's their accepted name, Tail light panel is more commonly understood as being the inside piece.).

Those little grippers have barb/teeth that bite into the metal and hold it in place.

Unfortunately, these are Unobtanium or so I've been told, and sadly, they are overlooked too often when repainting.

FWIW

E