Body panel replacement tips/advice needed

evil340 thank you so much for all the info and for the pictures...thats exactly the type of info I am looking for.

I may take you up on the offer and PM you sometime and maybe get a few more pointers from you!.

also any tips on what to use in place of the lead when reinstalling the new tail panel?

and do you happen to have any picture of the "flange" you are talking about that you used?

thanks again your info was very helpfull and it looks like I need to invest in a few tools and some bits.