Sail panel resto.

[ArchieP]

Hello Group,

I'm wondering if anyone else has come across this problem before? Rebuilding the driver's side sail panel and to my horror, the donor intermediate panel doesn't fit! So, question: did the factory change the intermediate panel pressing during the production run? The car is a '72, but the donor panel year is unknown. Please see pics. Photo 1 shows the donor (replacement) panel clamped in place, and at the bottom you can just spot my fingertips under the lower lip. Photo 2 shows a close-up of the gap that my fingers can crawl into! Photo 3 shows the donor panel with it's original inner panel and absolutely no gap as per my car before I started!
It's a complete mystery as all dimensions check out and even a contour gauge reveals no measurable differences!

[The Glademister]

Thanks for posting those photos. I have yet to dig that deep into the sail and it's enlightening to see the structure in there. I can't really help you with your question but someone over at 914world probably can. Is it an option to bend that metal down to meet the chassis after making the spot welds around the top sides? Better yet, form the replacement part to conform before welding.

[ClausGraf]

That section was rusted out in my 914. Here are some pics.