The work has started on the car, the old tail light panel was removed and I purchased an NOS replacement. Of note, there is some differences on the replacement (a D3Z #) from the original '71 panel that was on the car. Will require a piece to be cut out of the old panel and welded into the new panel to keep the panel similar to the original. Sad... It cost me $750 (Cdn) for the replacement and it would appear that Ford changed the panel over the three year run of the car... There are some other minor differences also, won't get into that here. I have decided to change (alter) the new panel to match what was on the vert. originally in 1971.
Also, the hit to the passenger side rear trunk pan area has been corrected on the frame machine. Fortunately, no frame (uni-body damage), the hit basically pushed the trunk pan forward at the bracket about 3". Caught a big break on this one... The trunk pan damage caused by long term air shock usage will be welded up also. I wanted to save the original trunk pan if possible and it now looks like this will occur.
Once the rear panel is finished, the battery apron will be replaced with an NOS piece at which point the car can then be put on the rotisserie and sent out for blasting. Will update again next week. Cheers.
