by Goldenblack440 » 11 Mar 2012 18:38
Just logged in after nearly a year of abstinence, sorry Fal308, which is why no reply to your comment. I found a much easier method of fastening them, one which i would never have thought of... i went to a an auto restorers who i respect and he looked at it and recommended Sicaflex 260. It is the strongest (and most expensive) of the Sica automotive range but didn't regret buying it as i have used it for many other little jobs as well. Had to carefully clean between the halves as i didn't want to disturb the one remaining rivet that was still Ok. Then when dry, pumped in as much Sica flex as sensible and clamped. It was amazing, just as strong as a rivet.
As for the square reflectors, took a while to hunt up some - but the only ones i found were repros- $80 for a set of 4, plus postage! This is way overpriced for simple reflectors. i considered Ebay, there are many shapes and sizes available which i could cut up, but then decided to not use them and black out that area instead as i have seen others do. I actually think it looks better because the original reflectors are just stuck onto these square dividers like an afterthought (trying to give it a 'one-piece look' and failing) and they stick out from the nice level line of the lenses. The 70 Chal rear end is still the best and most well designed and integrated i feel. I painted the panel correct satin black and even copied the textured finish onto the dividers as well. As you can see in the picture, the finished product looks ok.
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- Finished tail panel