My 75 came with a rear PORSCHE reflector. I would like to go back to stock. What is the best way to plug the giant holes? Replace the whole rear panel?
Thanks in advance for the help!!

Restoration Design makes new tail panels, but I found a design flaw in one I got. I sectioned the new panel into the old and it turned out to be a lot of work. I don't know if replacing the entire piece would've been easier.

A real NOS part will always be best, but good luck finding one. Next option would be sectioning in a good salvage piece.

I had a Local welder in Orange County California come out and add a plate to the back and fill in the holes. He charged me $150. I can give you a referral to him. I think the best way to go is to have a welder fill them in without a backing plate. My car is not a show car so I didn't mind.Click to view attachment

A good welder can fill the holes and make them invisable. No patch panel needed. Had it done on mine.

Thanks for the help!! I know a couple of good welders. I will look into it.

Should be able to fill them in easily with a mig welder. I have filled in 1/4" holes already just by doing light zaps at the edges until you close the hole up. Then take an angle grinder to it to flatten it down.

I just drilled more

by all means just weld up the stud holes DO NOT cut the body apart!!!

Simple process to weld them up. But before you do. Check inside the trunk to make user there is not a reason to dig into the welds (rust), if you have to, then no point in patching holes on a part you will replace. Unless to just drive it.

^ Likewise. Had the same done with the last paint job with no patch panel, and you can't tell the car ever had a PORSCHE reflector. Wasn't a lot of money in the scheme of things, particularly since we were doing the whole car. For those who aren't, the nice thing about that panel is that it's "topped" by the trunk lid, "sided" by the taillights, and "edged" at the bottom (and then what's below that is nearly covered by the bumper top)—so it's about as easy as blends get.

Easy deal. Just go slow in a criss cross pattern. Try to keep the heat
down to minimize the amount of filler that would be needed.
Use a nice smooth copper or brass backer.
Once you've gone around and made the complete circle. Use a small grinder if you have one to flatten it out so you don't start
welding up a cone. That will keep you from having pock mark on the backside. And a thin spot on top.

with Cary....and take your time.

Steve...I know you like South OC but come up to NORTH OC and we can tackle this for you as a mini tech day. Don't mind the grinding dust. Price is right

Oscar

That would be awesome!! Week day or weekend? I need to get my car running first.

Crank the amps and wire feed down get a nicely wet towel rag and stitch away small beads @ a time and cool them,take your time and you will have limited cleanup work with a flapper wheel.
Nice to see another one of these gone from the rear of a 914 .

Back in the late 80's I had one on my V8 914. NO MO

Oscar

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great plate

Me 2

I just cut this panel for you to practice on....



I'll be ready when you are!!!!

Oscar

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Nice!!! Tnx!!!

I got my car running today!! Do we want to plan a welder work party for those that want to dump there rear reflector?
@ValcoOscar

Another option if you don't mind a cosmetic blemish on the inside where no one will see it unless they are looking is to cut small pieces of steel and use JB Weld to plug and fill the holes. Use the small piece of metal as a backing. The JB Weld sands really nice. Just put a little body filler in any place where the JB Weld didn't fill, sand and prime.

No welding required! This is what I did because I don't have any welding friends close by.

Glad it's back on the road. Let's discuss next Sat at 914 cone zone to set date...but it's a GO

It will be quick and easy.

Oscar

SoCal Mini tech day
@ My house 90621


Sunday Nov 11th 8AM-10AM

Welding up some rear panel holes for Steve and Jerry.

Spectators welcome

@Steve
@LS1V8Jerry
@Nacho

Oscar

Awesome!! Thanks!!

Sorry I can't make it! The dr will be "welding" on my stomach!

Our thoughts and prayers that they fix everything and for a “speedy” recovery!!

I'll try my best to make it but I've been battling a bad cold. Hopefully my meds cure this darn thing before then.

You two boys get better, Eddy @SB914 we got your back. Nacho @Nacho hope you get better.

@SO.O.C914er is joining us.

Oscar

I cut little hex disks out of 18 ga steel and welded them in.

Hey Oscar I plan on showing up as well should be a good time. I’ve got a few minor things to do. I could do them in my garage but would have a much better time with the group......thanks Paul

Had a great day...got Steve welding. Bob from Seal Beach also joined us as well as Paul, Jerry and Bob.

All sealed up...ready for final prep and paint.

Good job Steve

Thanks again for lunch Steve

Till next time...

Oscar

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564]

Get well Nacho and Eddy...

Great workmanship guys that cleaned up nice!

Awesome day!!! Thanks Oscar, Jerry and Bob for the welding and body work tutorial.
Thanks Paul for dropping by, good to see everyone!! I took a bunch of notes and pictures. You guys make it look so easy. I will be less afraid to tackle this on my own next time!!
You guys rock!!!