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Rear Panel Question [message #371116]

Fri, 03 March 2023 15:13

Melbo

Messages: 144
Registered: August 2018
Location: Albuquerque NM

Karma: 0

Senior Member

It is time for a kind of major decision in the process of getting my GMC back on the road. I have to decide if I am going to remove the back panel. I don't really need to get it off for any reason related to the build out. The screws holding it on are rusted. It is a 73 so I know they won't come out they need to be drilled and new inserts installed. The purpose for removing it would be so when I have it painted it would improve the appearance with stainless screws. I have considered making plugs that would go over the screws and just leaving them. I am not sure how the seam would clean up and paint. I have spoken to my body man and there are a lot of repairs to be done to clean up and prep for paint. I am thinking that removing it is a lot of work for not much gain but I have to make a decision. Any opinions are appreciated. TIA

Melbo

Albuquerque NM Bus Conversion 1978 MCI 1973 GMC

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Re: Rear Panel Question [message #371203 is a reply to message #371116]

Tue, 07 March 2023 20:18

SeanKidd

Messages: 747
Registered: June 2012
Location: Northern Neck Virginia

Karma: 4

Senior Member

I don’t think it’s worth the effort, a little rust converter for the rusty screws…unless you are doing a frame off restoration. If you are stripping the interior yo may be able to replace one at a time, but again, there’s always something that needs more attention.

Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD Honda 6500 inverter gen.
Colonial Travelers

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Re: Rear Panel Question [message #371204 is a reply to message #371116]

Tue, 07 March 2023 20:40

JohnL455

Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL

Karma: 12

Senior Member

If not leaking, leave it alone.

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II

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Re: Rear Panel Question [message #371205 is a reply to message #371204]

Wed, 08 March 2023 06:02

Ken Burton

Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana

Karma: 10

Senior Member

Even IF is leaking, I have a quick fix for you. Buy yourself a length of vacuum hose long enough to make it across the top and down the sides of the seam in one piece. Spray it with a light oil (NOT WD-40 or Definitely not silicone. Start at the center top and stuff the hose in the seam while pulling on it to stretch it some. Stuff it in as far as possible.

The hose will naturally contract some and shorten slightly over time and will seal everything. I did mine about 20 years ago and you can not see it and it has never leaked again.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

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Re: Rear Panel Question [message #371206 is a reply to message #371205]

Wed, 08 March 2023 11:49

Melbo

Messages: 144
Registered: August 2018
Location: Albuquerque NM

Karma: 0

Senior Member

From everything I have heard I know the panel will remain in place. Seems like there are some very good ways to seal the panel and get the screws looking good.

Thanks for all the opinions and advice.

Melbo

Albuquerque NM Bus Conversion 1978 MCI 1973 GMC

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