Looks like a good solution to a beat up rear panel. Glad it went well and thanks for sharing the effort.
As far as the strainers (what GM called the support ribs) they were installed last after the rear panel. The Factory Assembly Manual (FAM) Section 1 Sheet 12.00 says there was sheathing paper (like heavy roofing paper) glued to them where they contact the back panel. (There was still some left in my cab.) The strainers were attached at the top then pushed rearward with 50 lb force near the bottom and then welded to the floor (per FAM Section 21 sheet 42.00.) In your case, you can probably get away with pushing the sheathing paper behind the strainers. There will likely be enough give in the rear panel (assuming you've already welded it in top and bottom to get the sheathing paper in.
Please let us know how it goes.
Since this is more bodywork than interiors, I'll move your thread there.
Last edited by klhansen; 02/12/2023 9:08 PM. Reason: Fixed fat finger issue
