Body / Glass: 53 Commander Rear Weatherstrip Channel Replacement-Classic Enterprise

[Claybreaker 144]

My 53 Commander body had some pinholes in the rear weatherstrip channel and a couple of rust holes in the lower part of the panel. I had to replace the rear body mounts and floor sections on both sides. I figured while I was cutting spot welds I would replace the the rear weatherstrip panel and paint the inside of rear trunk panel. I counted 125 spot welds holding the panel but with my Dent Fix Spot Weld Annihilator and Blair Hole Saws I had it loose in a couple of hours. I cut it into 3 parts to make it easier to get the ends off. I ordered all the replacement sheet metal from Classic Enterprises. The rear panel is advertised as" New Tooling for better fit" but I found the bends lacking in definition especially in the weatherstrip channel area and the curve of the panel does not match the curve of the trunk panel it welds to, there was a 1/2" gap in the middle. I can live with the lack of definition in the weatherstrip channel but even a big clamp isn't going to close the gap in the middle.

I sent an email to Classic Enterprises with the above photos stating that I thought the panel didn't get stamped with enough pressure to make bend details more pronounced ( I have sheet metal die design experience). They replied saying they use a 150 ton press and panel is what it is and a replacement would be the same. They refunded me for the part cost and shipping. I'm disappointed, I should have taken more care when removing the original part but someone has to have made this panel work. How do you take some of the radius out of a 60" long piece of curved sheet metal?

[yeroldad]

Could you use a shrinker/spreader? No pics in your post.

[StudeRich]

Looks like the bottom line there is, they have very bad tooling.

[mbstude]

Leroy Cary makes a rear trunk panel for the C/K cars that is exactly like original. The fit is perfect.

[wdills]

Call Leroy Cary. Matt posted his info. In doing my car I found the Leroy's panels were much better quality and fit better than Classic. He doesn't have as big a selection of parts but what he make is good. I won't say it is perfect. I have never run across a piece of replacement sheet metal that was, but his stuff is very good and takes very little massaging to make a nice fit. I know he makes the inner and outer tail panels because I have both in my Hawk.

[Claybreaker 144]

Leroy Cary makes a rear trunk panel for the C/K cars that is exactly like original. The fit is perfect.

Have you purchased this part from Leroy? Lets see some install photos!
I tried contacting Leroy about 6 months ago and never heard back from him. Looking at his address I could have stopped by 6 weeks ago when I drove to Richmond to purchase a tractor bucket!

[Claybreaker 144]

The email address posted (bakermaker@tds.net) does not work, emails returned, no answer, no recording with the first phone number, second phone number just says leave a message. Is this guy out of business?

[mbstude]

I just sent you a direct message.

[cliffh]

I had the exact same experience with Classic Enterprises' rear panel. I would have had to change the angles of a couple of the bends and section it vertically and horizontally to get rid of excess metal. I got one from Leroy and it only required that the left and right end flanges be bent a little more before it slipped right in.