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How to remove/replace rear center panel?

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Old 04-01-07, 12:25 AM
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Question How to remove/replace rear center panel?

Been doing some body work on the rear of my 85GS, mostly around the hatch-key-lock and directly behind and below center-plate between tail lights(it was backed into an F-250 trailer hitch, direct hit on the center plate)...Well I notice the seams coming from the bottom/outer corners of the hatch valley that lead out and back to the rear corners of the car and then down below the tail lights(you can see the seam best below tail lights and above rear bumper). This rear piece is welded in from the factory, I've heard they used a brass weld for this. I've searched this forum but can't find info on it, I know it's been done.
I want to remove it and weld in another, not liking all the body filler. I have a guy that's qualified to help me w/the work but need to know the best way to remove and tools to do it with?
Old 04-01-07, 12:38 AM
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you can use either a cutoff wheel,or a sawzall
Old 04-01-07, 12:23 PM
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Yeah I know it'll take a cut-off wheel at one point but wasn't sure if there was a trick or steps to take before I just jump in head first and cut the old one out and then find out later(when installing the new piece)that I should've cut the old one out on the inside of the weld then grind the weld out? or just cut it directly in the center of weld? In other words it would suck to cut the old one out and the new one out then have an 1/8"gap to have to fill in or something. I dunno. I guess I was just looking for a tip or two from someone who may have a "beware of..." or "caution when you..." or something. I try to research on something that I've never done, before I do it you know?




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