Just wondering if anyone else has smoothed out all these little body inserts? what would be my best option? trying to hammer out these panels, cutting and welding in new sheet metal or just using filler to fill them up?

1970 240z Restoration in progress

I'm assuming you want to get rid of the rear bumper completely for a roll pan look.

Do not just fill them, bondo or fiberglass in that thickness would surely crack in record time. The easiest way to shave the sides, in my opinion would be to cut slots along the edges and hammer them flush with the rest of the quarter panel, weld up your cuts, weld in a small piece to cover the hole, and put a light layer of body filler, I don't feel comfortable if my filler is more than a 1/4 inch thick. For the indentions on the back I would just weld in pieces to cover the openings. The bumper mounting locations might have to be shaved somehow as they stick out from the body.

im just not sure if I want to get rid of the bumper or keep it. Have to discuss this with my dad first...

Keep the bumper.

I agree keep the bumper...

I say keep it as well. I plan on welding up the holes and welding the bumper seams in order to clean it up. You might want to look into that in order to streamline the back end.

Here are a couple of shots of my car with skinned bumpers done in body color. I recommend you reconsider welding closed the two join seams. With the seam bolts loose you can more easily fit the bumper up close to the body on the sides and get a really nice fit before getting all the bolts nicely tightened.

Jim