Challenge! Straightening the Rear Valence

[thinkmonkey]

Alright, here's one that's got me stumped. How am I going to get the waviness and distortions out of the rear valence of my Z so that the bottom edge appears straight? I want the rear straight at the bottom edge, but it is so hard because the valence isn't secured to the main structure. My body-man friends only idea was to either buy a new rear valence or cut most of it off and use an english wheel. What should I do? I included a picture of exactly what I want, it includes the dual exhaust cutouts and the shaved rear bumper mounts. Thanks.

-David

[LanceM]

Hard to say without seeing what you are trying to come from, how about a pic of your car so we can see what has to be done to get where you want to go...

[EScanlon]

If your bodyman isn't experienced enough to straighten out the metal with plain old hammer and dolly and possibly a torch to heat shrink and temper the steel, then I would have serious doubts as to the rest of the job.

That's just my opinion, but then again, there are so many "bodymen" out there that don't know the difference between a dolly and a pick due to the unaffordability of REAL bodywork.

Nowdays, it's cut, weld in new panel, bondo, primer and paint.

Unfortunately, it really leaves it to your imagination when you cannot find replacement panels.

Yes, cutting out, and replacing is a viable option. If your current valance is cracked, torn, heavily crinkled and coated over with bondo, then definitely, save yourself a LOT of aggravation and just buy a new one. If you feel that by reworking the old you'll save money, then go for it, but remember to value the TIME it takes to do so.

By the way, that rear end has GOT to have some serious Bondo or Fibreglass on that valance OR it is a completely new piece of sheetmetal from one side to the other.

2¢

Enrique

[thinkmonkey]

My 'bodyman' is an old friend of mine that is currently living way down in Kingston Jamaica, and I dare not call myself a body expert without him around. I can hold my own with a dolly and hammer, but when it comes to shrinking and stretching with a torch, I cringe at the thought of making an eyesore a major problem. I could only find an old photo of the rearend, and it's not very detailed but you can see whats going on. The bottom edge to the right of the exhaust cutout is bent in and is wavy towards the right edge, There is a dent on the left side, but that is not a problem. If I can get the bottom edge straight, I can take care of the rest. But how can I accomplish that?

-David

[zed240au]

i straighten my back end out with the hammer and dolly you might find it use ful to place a piece of timber or steel behind the panel to hold the shape you want while you reshape it i know mine took a long time to get right but i think it looks good now check out my gallery

Mick