Thoughts on 68 FIREBIRD rear tail pan to quarter seam

[LSX1STGEN]

We are on the fence on whether to weld the tail pan seams up or keep them. What are your thoughts. Any pics would be appreciated...

Thanks,

Clay

[LSX1STGEN]

Also thinking of filling the pontiac rear corner markers and lower rocker molding... thoughts?

[gto406]

Not sure I would fill the rear corner markers...that really makes the '68 in my opinion.

A great car is one that preserves all the great aspects of the original design. To me, that is signature for the 1st gen birds (just like the chrome nose of the 1st-gens) and the fish-gills (on the rear quarters) of the 67/68 model.

Best of luck,
Brian.

[Rag-Rat]

Like this ?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/003_03-1.jpg

[68Formula]

I think doing the seam would look good. However I have to agree with the others in keeping the parking lamps - it's a nice signature for the Firebird.

[LSX1STGEN]

Thanks for all the feedback. I think we will definately keep the parking lights! as for the tailpan seam - We are still thinking about it...

[LSX1STGEN]

Anybody have pics of the tailpan seam filled on 67 or 68 Firebirds?

[gto406]

Great news LSZ1STGEN! Project (from your update) looks like it is coming along nicely.

Cheers,
Brian.

[Andrew McBride]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I like the looks of it, but at times I wish I would have left the seam incase I ever wanted to go back stock.

[LSX1STGEN]

I hear you on the going back stock piece, but I don't think the car will ever go back stock with the mods and extras.

Thanks for the feedback!

Clay

[Steve Firebird]

I vote for leaving the seams.

[vannatta20]

I will post a pic of mine tail panel filled along with the gas lid shaved on my 68 bird after primer next week.

[speedshftr]

i had my 68 tailpanel and whole front end welded up. i love the look.ill post pics soon

[Jim Nilsen]

If you just put a lot of seam sealert on them and then wait a few days til it is dry and then trim it smooth with a razor knife, you will be able to sand and prime them smooth and when you are done you will only have a faint line when the temp changes and makes it show up.

[LSX1STGEN]

i had my 68 tailpanel and whole front end welded up. i love the look.ill post pics soon
Please post some pics. Would love to see!

[Doug G]

So we can see a side by side comparison...
Mine before the accident were filled (to include the seam above the deck lid).... now after, I have and like better.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/003_03-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/05/DSCN0162-1.jpg

[speedshftr]

we went to a car show today so i wasnt able to get to shop for pics.ill get them this week,.that red car looks like its sitting crooked from the back.is it me or the suspension not dialed in yet.i like the look either way.if i had unlimited bucks id have all stock one and a all custom one.im starting this time the all custom route.
werte you rear ended in the grey car?if so i hope you didnt get hurt
ill update shortly

[Rhino]

I'm not a big fan of the filled tail panel seams on first gen f-bodies. On my '68 I've chosen to leave it. Not that the filled seam looks bad, I just feel something looks out of place.

[Doug G]

that red car looks like its sitting crooked from the back.is it me or the suspension not dialed in yet.


Its the way my driveway slopes.

[speedshftr]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/05/008-1.jpg

[speedshftr]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/05/015-1.jpg

[68ls1wannabe]

how long before it cracks? I'm guessing after a couple of good clutch dumps or hard cornering you will start to notice some cracks in the welds and bondo. I've seen it happen to cars with the quarter panel seams welded. Those seams are there to allow body movement. I love the way it looks but am doubting it's longevity. if you find that it works without cracking i am jealous.

[speedshftr]

ive got the solid speed tech sub frame bushings in and im working on the dse sub frame connectors.im not into corners so that wont be a problem im building this one as a looker not a speeder.im sure ill jump on it once and a while.worst case scenario if something breaks or cracks ill just get it fixed and enjoy it some more.thank you for your input.

[vannatta20]

Here is my 68 bird with the gas lid shaved and seams welded up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/Picture006-1.jpg

[CliffS]

Sweet, what you're planning for the gas cap?

[vannatta20]

Planning on cutting down the factory gas neck and making it flush to the trunk floor. Right now i just spun the neck 90 degrees.

[68400BIRD]

I would keep the marker lights but weld up all of the mentioned seams. I'm starting the process right now so I do not have anything that is picture worthy.

[vannatta20]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/IMG_2406JPG-1.jpg

I used 67 quarters so I didnt have to shave the parking lamps.

[68400BIRD]

Let me know what you figure out on the gas tank filler neck. I might do the same thing along with filling the trunk lock with a electric one. Car looks great. I started to think about this a little more and the gas cap on my car I think is vented. I only have a one line tank so it does not have a breather line. So, if the cap is vented this would put the fumes into the trunk of the car. It might be possible to run a vent line to the outside of the car but it would have to be higher than any portion of the tank. Just thinking out loud.

[vannatta20]

Where do the summit fuel cells vent to? My buddy has his in the trunk. I need to find a vent solution so I do not blow up the car.

[68400BIRD]

I don't remember if I mentioned it or not but the 69 tank will fit and the fill tube will go through the hole where your license plate mounts. You will need to buy a 69 license plate bracket which has the hinge built into it.

[Denvervet]

My vote is leave the seams. To me, when deck filler seams and tail panel seams are filled it has sort of a plastic (fake) look. But ultimately ....do what you like since you will see it every day and we won't.