What should I do with my tail panel?

[TT from NH]

As many of you know, I bought my 68 Coronet 500 for the express purpose of learning things I didn't know: how to weld, how to fabricate, how to paint, etc. I've learned and enjoyed learning from you, my friends. And now I need your suggestions. I have been working on my roached out tail panel and like what I have done so far (refabbing the latch mount, fabbing new edges to replace the swiss cheese, etc.). However, there's a significant amount of rust-through around the two tail lights and I'm not sure if fabricating new pieces is the right thing to do (or even if I'm capable) or if I should go another route like fiberglassing.

This isn't a concourse restoration (or even close) so I'm looking for some suggestions. (And I don't know what I don't know, so please be gentle )

Thanks! Terry

 

[4speed68rt]

See what is available in the aftermarket, as far as replacement sheet METAL. I would stay away from fiberglass.

 

[terrywalker]

Place a parts wanted ad in the WTB Mopar Parts and Cars section of this forum. You might find something.
Terry W.

 

[Kern Dog]

You may find that cutting and fabricating parts is easier than you think. I have made small patch panels using nothing more than tin snips, a vise and a hammer. I’ve often found that I make a task feel impossible when in my head but once I start, I figure a way though it. I know I’ll sound like I’m playing the same record over and over but sometimes a problem an actually be seen as a challenge to improve your skills and discover new things.
Taking it a huge leap further, space exploration is like that. They have to invent technology to meet their goals. When you find that you found a workaround that nobody else thought of, it is a nice feeling.

 

[Don selleck]

a guy has one for sale for 500 on here, not the greatest shape but looks easier to repair than yours, maybe worth a look. bigbrother14.

 

[TT from NH]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I decided that since this is why I bought a rusty car, I would dive in and patch up the rear. Here are just a few pictures of this project. I will post before and after pictures when I’m completed.

 

[TT from NH]

By the way, I welcome any feedback on what you see. I’m fairly new to this and don’t know what I don’t know.