63 Cruiser rear panel

[joncon]

What is the difference between the 62 and 63 rear panels? SI has NOS rear panels for 62 but not 63. Can you use a 62 on a 63? My 63 has damage to the rear panel, lot of bondo, would like to replace it. Thought maybe the 62 could be used with minor mods. Anyone know?

[rockne10]

I do know they had substantially different back-up lights.

[StudeRich]

That is weird because the Body Line that comes off of the wheelwell seems the same, even though they changed the Backup Lights a lot. I think it is a minor thing with the B/U wire holes or mounting holes etc.

Even the '64-'66 is the same as '62 and on in the front and middle, just has holes etc. for the Tail Light Box, but still has that same body line that is no longer used for B/U Lights.

[63t-cab]

Rich, 64-66 IS NOT the same as 62 or even 63s - two different panels all together on the upper half area "I even believe it is a bit more straight/less curve where the panel meets the trunk floor - going by memory" . as You said the 62 vs 63 should be a minor mod to mix match.

That is weird because the Body Line that comes off of the wheelwell seems the same, even though they changed the Backup Lights a lot. I think it is a minor thing with the B/U wire holes or mounting holes etc.

Even the '64-'66 is the same as '62 and on in the front and middle, just has holes etc. for the Tail Light Box, but still has that same body line that is no longer used for B/U Lights.

[63t-cab]

John, I think You can use the 62 panel with some minor mods to the back up light area,"62 has a Cat Eye shape" the differences would not stop me from using one

What is the difference between the 62 and 63 rear panels? SI has NOS rear panels for 62 but not 63. Can you use a 62 on a 63? My 63 has damage to the rear panel, lot of bondo, would like to replace it. Thought maybe the 62 could be used with minor mods. Anyone know?

[StudeRich]

Rich, 64-66 IS NOT the same as 62 or even 63s - two different panels all together on the upper half area "I even believe it is a bit more straight/less curve where the panel meets the trunk floor - going by memory" . as You said the 62 vs 63 should be a minor mod to mix match.

I did say it's different at the Rear, are you saying you think the upper edge that mates with the Decklid is also different?

[LarkR2Clone]

62 Vers 63

First pic is 62 back on a 63. Second pic is the way a 63 should be.

[63t-cab]

I'm not sure what you mean by "the same in FRONT and MIDDLE". yes I'm saying a 62,63 trunk lid won't fit a 64-66 rear panel.more I think about this,maybe the only spot that IS the same is where the rear tip of the wheel opening crease meets the rear panel,maybe not even! "I haven't had these two body types in many years"and if I remember correctly,the 64-66 trunk floors are a bit different where it mates the rear panel than 62,63 - I think if You look down at the later panel You'll find it to be more straight across the width,You must have these cars laying around,look em over and see just how/how not smart I am

I did say it's different at the Rear, are you saying you think the upper edge that mates with the Decklid is also different?

[63t-cab]

James, that's about what I had in My mind for differences. so looks like one could swap out the upper portions where the tail light bodies mount to go either way.John could transfer the 63 tail light mountings on to the 62 panel - seems to me that would button it up.

First pic is 62 back on a 63. Second pic is the way a 63 should be.

[StudeRich]

I wish I could figure out what LarkR2Clone is trying to say, one Pic has no fender so no comparison is possible.

[63t-cab]

Rich, the rear fender has NOTHING to do with the original question. look at the Left and Right panels the the tail lights mount to,and where those sections spot weld to the main panel,that is the only difference.rear fenders will fall into place regardless of 62,63.

I wish I could figure out what LarkR2Clone is trying to say, one Pic has no fender so no comparison is possible.

[candbstudebakers]

I have a couple in the shop and also have a 62 car, 63 car and 64 car there also, will take a look and see what is what. I could also bring to Saint Louis if wanted.....