1969 owners, look at this-rear tail-light body panel question

[elanmars]

Does this look like the plastic tail-light cover was molded into the body OR is this how it looks when the cover is not on?

I need to know, that way I either buy an after-market tail-light cover or have my friend smooth it out better.

[Charger-Bodie]

If your asking about the valance corner seam? I like them better NOT filled in .....If YOU like them better smoothed in, then bu all means smooth them in.

[elanmars]

no, it's the rear-tail-light body panel/cover.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390076643272&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

I'm not experienced enough with a '69 Charger to be able to tell whether it's there but someone molded it to the body, or it's not there and I need to buy one.

[jaak]

Are you talking about the plastic cover that goes on the inside of the trunk? If so it just sets over the taillight assembly and held in place with a few screws.

Jason

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Ummm....dude....in those pics, it looks like a plastic garbage bag stuffed in there so overspray wont get in.....  

 

If you are referring to the unfinished looking area where the taillight sits in, then yes, thats how it should look.....the taillights themselves cover that up

The taillight cover gets secured to the inner trunk framework with 4 screws....2 on top above the lights & 2 on the trunk floor

[elanmars]

yeah the unfinished looking part haha. I just didn't know if that area should be deeper for the plastic panel to go in or not.

one more item on the to-buy list then!

so very close to it being done (that picture is a little old), can't wait.

[jaak]

I was out in the shop working on the Charger today, so I dug out my taillight cover and took a couple of pics for you.

Here is what the cover looks like....


Here it is installed in the trunk....


Like mentioned earlier, its held in place with 4 screws. Kinda cool to see it setting in there, its probably been 8 years or so since its been in the car!

Later,
Jason

[elanmars]

Are you talking about the plastic cover that goes on the inside of the trunk? If so it just sets over the taillight assembly and held in place with a few screws.

Jason

noooo, nooo nooo, pardon my bad descriptions- the one that goes on the outside. I see it referred to as a tail light body panel? is there a better term for it? it's the plastic cover that goes on the outside that covers the rear area by the tail-lights.

[jaak]

Are you talking about the plastic cover that goes on the inside of the trunk? If so it just sets over the taillight assembly and held in place with a few screws.

Jason

noooo, nooo nooo, pardon my bad descriptions- the one that goes on the outside. I see it referred to as a tail light body panel? is there a better term for it? it's the plastic cover that goes on the outside that covers the rear area by the tail-lights.

There is no plastic cover that goes on the outside.

Jason

[472 R/T SE]

The ebay link shows a replacement rear tail panel.  There is no cover back there for the exterior.

Some thing you don't need.  Yours looks great.  They can some times rust out back there & that link is a reproduction piece.

[dodgecharger-fan]

The ebay link shows a replacement rear tail panel.  There is no cover back there for the exterior.

Some thing you don't need.  Yours looks great.  They can some times rust out back there & that link is a reproduction piece.

Exactly.

I can see how it is confusing though, elanmars. That eBay link shows the sheetmetal piece that you already have on the car - and in good shape.

But the ebay piece is coated in a shiny black and it might look like a plastic piece if you weren't sure what you were looking at. Judging by your pictures, your's is in fine shape and you don't need a new one.

Depending on the final colour of your car, you may black out the panel with black paint, but that's it.

[Troy]

There was a trim panel on 1970 models but you wouldn't have that.

Troy

[elanmars]

awesome guys, thanks a bunch!!! it's a little difficult not having a nearby Charger to look at and not being as familiar with them like I am with the 3rd gens, so I'm glad I can count on ya'll!!!

[69bronzeT5]

I'm confused

[richRTSE]

elanmars,

this link might help you out. There are a few pictures of the black painted area on the taillight panel. You should also have 3 pieces of trim that go around the painted area-two eye brow pieces on the left and right side, and a straight piece of stainless steel trim the goes on the top edge under the trunk lip.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,59818.0.html