I spent some hours in the Garage again and got some tasks checked off my to-do list.
First, I started to test-fit the taillight panels:
So I was able to get the installation holes back into the replacement rear panel:
Where the plastic rivets go. Luckily, I have a few for reference:
It took me a while, but in the end, all worked out. I have to say, after studying a bunch of original, unrestored cars, those Panels are quite poorly aligned from the factory, and with a few adjustments to the rear hatch lock panel, they could have made this much more appealing, but at the end I wanted to have it looking OEM.
After that, I installed the taillights too, just to see if it all lines up. Which, luckily, it does. Note that the panels are not properly locked into the brackets here, why it all looks "wobbly":
While at it, I decided to also install the hatch locking mechanism, so that the hatch has the correct height. I own a set of NOS locks.
But decided for testing the old ones will do. As usual, bolts / nuts are only temporary and might be the wrong ones, so please ignore those.
The lower one was a bit tricky. I realized the space in the aftermarket panel is not big enough for the lock to fit through it.
After a bit of hammering, though, it fits now. Still needs a bit of adjustment, though, as it seems the punches are not lined up properly with the bracket:
While working in that area, I realized that this corner is also not straight. So I got that straight too. (Picture shows "before" state):
In the end, I'm quite satisfied with how things fit. It's still all just temporary and needs a bit of adjustment and proper fitting here and there, but for the first mock-up, things at least fit, without discovering major issues:
You might have noticed that the "chrome" (I think it's stainless steel?) taillight panel trim is missing. I had them removed before paint strip dipping, because the previous owner painted them black. Luckily, the paint could easily be chipped off with a carpet knife:
And then I gave it a bit of polish with my "Metarex" metal polish wool:
It still needs a bit of work here and there, but the first results after a few minutes of manual work are promising:
Then I had to test-fit the door steps (or whatever you call those) back, as the replacement panels came without the holes to install them:
So I had them test-fitted:
And then got the holes and screws back in. Note it might look crooked, but that's just the reflection of the protective plastic i left there to avoid scratches on the new panels:
I hope I can keep up the current pace. It's really nice to see things coming back together, even if it's only temporary.