Coronet Trunk Lid Question

[uecker22]

Looking for some knowledge regarding Coronet trunk lid.

Have a '68 Dodge Coronet 500 that is in need of a trunk lid replacement due to rust on front lip. Finding available '68 trunk lids is virtually impossible and the ones that are available are more expensive than I am able to pay due to budget. It seems there are '69 & '70 lids available at a more reasonable price.

Has anyone converted '69 or '70 Coronet trunk lid to fit a '68 or aware if this can be accomplished? Would it be as simple as making hole for lock in lip of a '69 or '70 to convert to '68?

It is my understanding the trunk lids between a 68,69,70 are virtually identical with the difference being the '68 has key hole in the trunk lid front lip.

Any insight/guidance is greatly appreciated.

 

[Basket case]

all three years are different.

 

[65-440]

Good luck, mine needs one also. Rear edge around the lock cylinder is shot on mine. I have a good buddy that's been doing body work since the early 70's, he said it will be an easy job to repair instead of replacing it. You might wanna check with some body guys / shops in your area before spending a ton on another lid .... I considered getting a glass lid, thought I saw one before but was unable to find it last time I looked ...

 

[Brandy]

You might want to check with Bruce at 802-454-7875 and see if he has the lids he can sell to u.

 

[WesleyK]

been there

Yes they are different. I just recently went through the same issue. I ended up cuting out the rear lip and fabing a new one. It turned out real nice. Dont know if thats something you may want to consider but it can be done. Good Luck!

 

[SublimeSixpack]

There are a couple significant differences between the '68 and the '69 lids.

Here's a '68:

And a '69:

You can see the '68 lid has a bevel on it and drops down further than the '69.

 

[lyndondb]

HI,

Lids are pretty much the same on 68 and 69, don't know much about the 70's

The "DODGE" letters on the 68 however were all white inlaid as compared to the painted ones on 69.
If you find one in any condition whatever price is never too much especially if it still has good letters.

 

[uecker22]

Thank you for the clarification between the differences in the lids.

Anyone aware if there is a patch panel made for the lip (drop down w/ keyhole) of trunk lid on a '68? The lid of car is in decent condition with the exception of the lower lip due to rust.

 

[uecker22]

Yes they are different. I just recently went through the same issue. I ended up cuting out the rear lip and fabing a new one. It turned out real nice. Dont know if thats something you may want to consider but it can be done. Good Luck!

Thanks WesleyK. Where did you end up seaming the the upper portion of lip to lid? Happen to have any photos?

 

[SublimeSixpack]

How bad is the rust damage? Pic?

 

[uecker22]

How bad is the rust damage? Pic?

Rusted through bottom 6" of lip on both ends with intermittent rust spots along bottom of lip. No good pics and car is in storage for winter.

 

[65-440]

Rusted through bottom 6" of lip on both ends with intermittent rust spots along bottom of lip. No good pics and car is in storage for winter.

Sounds exactly like mine, only rust is on rear lip. As I stated before, a GOOD body guy can fix it. I decided to have mine fixed instead of paying top dollar for someone elses shitty lid ! They ALL seem to rot out in the same area

 

[uecker22]

Sounds exactly like mine, only rust is on rear lip. As I stated before, a GOOD body guy can fix it. I decided to have mine fixed instead of paying top dollar for someone elses shitty lid ! They ALL seem to rot out in the same area

Where did you end up seaming the the upper portion of lip to trunk lid? Happen to have any photos of process?

Thank you

 

[65-440]

Where did you end up seaming the the upper portion of lip to trunk lid? Happen to have any photos of process?

Thank you

Sorry, mine hasn't been repaired yet but will be soon. We are going to work from the body line above the key hole down. Everything will be blended around that body line. My buddy just did almost the same repair to a '68 charger lid, when it was finished you couldn't see any work that was done ! I guess it depends on how bad the damage is, luckily mine is only rotted on the outer lower skin, the inner structure is still good. So that back lower panel will be repaired with new metal. He said he will strip the entire lid, repair the back lip and replace all seam sealer along the edges of the lid. Will def take photos when the work begins. People want crazy $$ for these lids, that's why I decided to have mine fixed.