Installing trunk panels

I bought this trunk interior panel that goes in the rear between the tail lights from Classic Industries. It is made for 1964-1966 Barracuda but I had to make some adjustments to make it fit my 1965. There was a pencil-like line on the back side about 1" above the bottom edge. I cut there first but it was still a little too tall. There was a second, even fainter line about 1/4" above the pencil line so I cut it there and it fit pretty well. I also had to widen the square cut-out where it fits around the latch housing and the two slits provided did not line up with the original hole in the two vertical braces so I had to drill new ones; also cut a small notch on the driver's side to clear the wiring harness. It came black, so I had to paint it. All in all, not bad for $22.95. I also installed the trunk carpet that I bought some time ago; it does not fit correctly either, the cut-outs for the jack holder do not line up and the cut out for the rear seat/divider is too narrow, but it's in there.

Over the past several months, I also installed new arm rests and pads that I got from Layson's, also got all the stuff needed to reupholster the front seats, EXCEPT the upholstery, been 13 weeks now; they said it should be here any time. I ordered the arm rests from Layson's because the ones listed in Classic Industries was a little confusing, namely the dimensions listed were incorrect, not sure if was a typo or what. While I was at it, I just ordered the rest of the stuff from Layson's also, but wasn't expecting such a long wait time. I also got the other small panel and button/clips for the panel that goes on the trunk lid under the access holes for the emblems (letters) and had originally ordered the other panel from them also (13 weeks ago). When it was finally available, they told me the company they get them from wanted $74.00 shipping (their price was $29.95) so I told them to cancel. Ordered the one from Classic, got it in 4 days for $13.89 shipping.

Also connected up the reverse lights, originally just had rubber plugs in the holes, but the wiring was there and functional, so I bought a couple sockets and connected them up.

I have the same color 65, was also looking at that back trunk panel from Laysons. I try to avoid Classic Industries whenever possible. Laysons also has the side trunk panels. Looks like you've got those? I also had the plugs for the reverse lights. I bought a new taillight harness from Year One, it has the hook ups for those. Your reverse lights work? I assumed since the car didn't have them leaving the factory more would be involved than just hooking up a couple lights. What paint you using on the trunk panels? Looks like the Crimson Red 510, available from Herbs and ABC Moparts, as well as others I'm sure. Looks good!

65Cuda273Rescue said:

I have the same color 65, was also looking at that back trunk panel from Laysons. I try to avoid Classic Industries whenever possible. Laysons also has the side trunk panels. Looks like you've got those? I also had the plugs for the reverse lights. I bought a new taillight harness from Year One, it has the hook ups for those. Your reverse lights work? I assumed since the car didn't have them leaving the factory more would be involved than just hooking up a couple lights. What paint you using on the trunk panels? Looks like the Crimson Red 510, available from Herbs and ABC Moparts, as well as others I'm sure. Looks good!

Click to expand...

Mine had the pigtails already part of the OEM harness. The only thing mine did not have was the socket and bulb, there was simply a rubber plug covering the hole in the back of the tail light housing. It was just a single wire with a square white female plug near each taillight. The light works off a switch located on the shifter. I plugged in my test light, turned the key on and put the shifter in reverse and the test light lit up, so I bought two single wire sockets (it grounds to the metal housing). I measured the hole and bought a socket that would fit, but had to bend the tangs just a bit. I would think all cars would use the same harness just not connected if not ordered with reverse lights. As for paint, I have been using Gloss Red Chile by Krylon, I get mine at Walmart. Re - trunk panel: I had never bought from either Classic or Layson's, I thought Layson's would be better quality because they specialize in Mopar, but who knows? I am just a little disappointed in the wait time, going on 14 weeks since I ordered the upholstery, and they are a little more expensive on most items.