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I'm planning on painting my 55 this winter. One of the biggest problem areas is the trunk lid and surround. There are wide gaps on both the left and right sides and the lid is about 3/8" higher than the surround on the left side. The right side is about 1/8" higher.
My question is can I just use VPA to build the surround area up to match the lid and close the gaps, or is there another method that I should consider?
I'm presently installing new exhaust ports that a previous owner removed prior to my dad purchasing the car in 1971.
easy fix
The factory did it too - they made panels bigger by adding material to the edge of the panel
What I do - I drill 1/16 holes all along the edge
its called pinning
Then add VPA to your edge
you can tape the back side of the trunk lid - then add your VPA
It will take some work but your gaps will be much nicer
I have a 56 in the shop that I widen the trunk lid on - I will try to get you a photo
I assume you taper the top and bottom edges of the lid before applying the VPA.
Would you add VPA to the surround to build up to match the edge? The left side is 3/8” higher than the lid.
Thanks again. Would like pictures if you have them.
You can taper it if you like
The pinning really helps - acts like re bar
and yes you can VPA the quarter to the lid to level them out - you can use filler too.
I have been thinking a bit more on this. Why wouldn’t you build out the surround rather than the trunk lid since I will need to add height to the surround as well?
Trunk lid gap
