Corner Caps

This section come to you courtesy of my friends at 1970 Dodge Garage When I tried to get my repop corner caps to fit my new quarter panel I was dismayed by the fit to say the least. I figured that it was something I did wrong since they fit so poorly but after talking to others who used the repop ones, I found out that is they way they were made. Now I know I have ragged on the repop guys to improve the fit and finish of the stuff they make but this was insane! Why go to all the trouble to make new caps and make them wrong? After a lot of head scratching we decided that they needed reworking to get them to fit. I was so involved in modifying them that I neglected to take any pictures of the modifications. Just a few weeks ago I stumbled upon this set of pictures and narration on how they need modified and it was just the way I did it so with their kind permission I have posted this procedure so all can install the caps and get them to fit with a minimum of hassles.

If any of you have ever restored a 68-70 Charger, you have probably realized the poor fit of many reproduction parts. The rear valence corners from Charger Specialists are no exception. The biggest problem with these pieces is they come up about 1/4" too short on the edge that attaches to quarter panel. Consequently, this also means that the inner and top mounting flanges are also positioned incorrectly. Another issue is the bevel on the top inner edge. This bevel is not deep enough for the valence to correctly overlap the corner piece. Follow along as I document the steps necessary to make these fit like an OEM part.

corner_detail.jpg
corner_detail.jpg
Opening up step in left valance corner by grinding away excess material

corner_detail3.jpg
corner_detail3.jpg
Unmodified Charger Specialists right valance corner

corner_detail4.jpg
corner_detail4.jpg
Inner mounting tab relocated out 1/4"

corner_detail5.jpg
corner_detail7.jpg
Bevel rewelded at proper depth. Also note top mounting flange rebent for correct fit.

corner_detail5.jpg
corner_detail5.jpg
Line indicates where additional 3/8" of metal will be added

corner_widening1.jpg
corner_widening1.jpg
First step in widening corner for correct fit, cutting the bugger in half. This made for a few tense moments, make the cut to far from the edge and it could compromise the complex angles of corner.


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