JimL65 asked me to post how I fit a new trunk pan against a repaired inner wheel well on my 65 GS restoration project. The trunk was so rusted out that the rust went up the wheel well on both sides. After cutting out all the rust I made patches and Mig welded them in, then when I went to fit the left side trunk pan in. It would not fit in because the patch was not contoured to match the trunk pan. The work came to stop !! So I took a break had a beer & a sandwich and had an idea
If i heated the lower part of the wheel well enough to make it soft, then push the left side of the trunk pan against it and hold it in place so the well would conform to the pan.. Since I had no other ideas, I gave it a try. I took out my heavy duty welding gloves, safety glasses, fire extinguisher, 2x3x12 inch wood, welding clamps. and oxy- acetylene torch.
I heated the lower section of the left well until it was red hot, then shut off the torch and quickly pushed the left trunk pan against it, then used the block of wood to hold it down. as it cooled I placed several clamps on the front & rear to hold it in place while I kept pressure downward with the wood until it cooled down enough. The wood burned but my idea worked and I did not get hurt. So I did the same for the right side too. Then fitted and welded in the center section.. The whole job took me three days to complete..
Note: Since I had completely cut out the trunk floor, removed the gas tank,wires,trunk lid, tires, glass, and I was standing up, this procedure was quite simple. I don't recommend doing this on a very hot day in July as I did because I was completely covered for safety and the GS was in the driveway not in the garage, again for safety.
Tony
