How to remove rear Vinyl covered panels?

[SBRovernut]

Managed to back my Rover into a tree branch and it damaged the vinyl covered aluminum panel above the right rear quarter panel. I'm sure you Classic guys know what I mean. Ripped the vinyl and dented the metal, not huge but ugly. I found a convertible top guy who said he could recover it if I can get the panel off...maybe it would be better just to get a new/used one, but I've searched the internet with no luck (probably because I don't know what the thing's called.

So, two questions. 1) How do I remove the panel? There are screws behind the liftgate that loosened up the back end no problem, but the front is still attached. Do I need to take out the interior liner? How best to do that? Does the rear seatbelt have to come off? Also 2) What is this thing called and where might I find a replacement? Or should I just try to pound the dent out myself and get it recovered?

Thanks in advance.

[Thor]

I have a buddy who just stripped of the vinyl, makes you do a second take because it's sliver. Maybe you could paint it black with some bed liner for texture to achieve the RR1 floating roof look the original designers intended (this is why all A B C and D pillars are black.)

[Dragunov]

Originally Posted by SBRovernut

Managed to back my Rover into a tree branch and it damaged the vinyl covered aluminum panel above the right rear quarter panel. I'm sure you Classic guys know what I mean. Ripped the vinyl and dented the metal, not huge but ugly. I found a convertible top guy who said he could recover it if I can get the panel off...maybe it would be better just to get a new/used one, but I've searched the internet with no luck (probably because I don't know what the thing's called.

So, two questions. 1) How do I remove the panel? There are screws behind the liftgate that loosened up the back end no problem, but the front is still attached. Do I need to take out the interior liner? How best to do that? Does the rear seatbelt have to come off? Also 2) What is this thing called and where might I find a replacement? Or should I just try to pound the dent out myself and get it recovered?

Thanks in advance.

Call Specialized British Recycling in Sacramento. (916)638-7575 They prolly have it at a reasonable price and they ship. Ask for John.
I'll look at mine when I get home and let you know.

[kevin-ct]

Give Paul Grant a shout. he just got a 93 Classic in the he's parting out.

paulgrant@mac.com

Cheers,
Kevin

[Paul Grant]

Thanks, Kevin. I do have the rear pillars and they are in very nice shape. Contact me at either paulgrant@mac.com or 203-770-1699 and I can get you sorted out asap.
Cheers,
Paul

[rqsall]

Yes, the interior liner and rear seat belt mounting need to come off. Make sure that the seat belt doesn't roll up onto the belt reel, because it's a pita to get it out, pull the belt out and tie a knot in the belt close to the reel. You can just pull off the cover off the reel and then remove the plastic clips that holds on the interior panel then remove the panel. You will see three holes next to the rear side window through which you can reach the screws that hold the exterior panel.

HTH

[SBRovernut]

Thanks a lot all. I have written to Paul and meanwhile will use rgsall's instructions to take the old one off, didn'tt want to go tearing things a part not knowing what I was looking for, and the seatbelt tip is a good one.

Going with straight aluminum is an interesting idea...I once saw a Defender 109 where they had stripped all of the paint off and given the body a brushed aluminum look...it was pretty cool and ever since I've wondered what would happen if you did the same thing to a RR Classic.

[sven]

Originally Posted by SBRovernut

Going with straight aluminum is an interesting idea...I once saw a Defender 109 where they had stripped all of the paint off and given the body a brushed aluminum look...it was pretty cool and ever since I've wondered what would happen if you did the same thing to a RR Classic.

On a RRC, the roof, hood, tailgate, tailight corners, and pillars are all steel. It just wouldnt look right at all.

[SBRovernut]

Too bad...I still like the idea. If we take off the roof and make it a convertible we could use a net for the tailgate and galvanize the hood....just kidding before I get flamed.

[Thor]

if the seatbelts coil up mount them in their proper location or hold the reel at that exact angle and the belt will come out freely. There is a big metal ball that locks it down if at another angle.

I killed one reel in angry research learning this.

[rqsall]

Originally Posted by Thor

if the seatbelts coil up mount them in their proper location or hold the reel at that exact angle and the belt will come out freely. There is a big metal ball that locks it down if at another angle.

I killed one reel in angry research learning this.

I learned that the hard way too

BTW, the roof is aluminum. I should know, replaced mine after a scaffold fell on the truck.

[SBRovernut]

Thanks all, I got the panel off with only minor difficulty (didn't have a deep enough socket for those recessed bolts, but fortunately they weren't corroded). Also ordered the part from Paul, the help much appreciated.

[hermanpj]

Originally Posted by Thor

if the seatbelts coil up mount them in their proper location or hold the reel at that exact angle and the belt will come out freely. There is a big metal ball that locks it down if at another angle.

I killed one reel in angry research learning this.

So funny. I did same thing. Could not get that belt out no matter how hard i tried. Whacked it gently... ok maybe not gently... w a rubber mallet. Belt came out just fine after that. Shucks it wouldn't retract anymore though.