Thanks guys. I consider this kind of work fun, but I don't do it for a living. Problem solving is enjoyable
Personally I quite like how the line made by the side of the spoiler follows through past the tail light.
Yes - I think I will leave it - I'm probably going to paint the ducktail backside black to flow in with that panel. The other option would not be straightforward.
After work today, I cut the rest of the fender out, again based on Matt's pics. Cut another inch off the rear vertical after taking these pics. Found out yesterday I was bitten by a Lyme tic, and the meds are making me nauseus, and I don't feel that energetic....
preliminary hanging - this was 3rd go - I had to set the rear edge with the actual fender edge or the front edge sat way to far forward - it's still not right, IMO. The recess aligns OK with the door, though.
both panels are distorted - probably from being stored in my very hot garage attic for over a year now.
I pressed the top forward edge as far down as possible, and used a heavier self drilling screw in that location. The bottoms of both forward fender sections where it leads into the spoiler curve inward significantly, and will not align with the upper nose panel or the 'spoiler'
I stuck blocks of wood in the underside front to push the lower edge outward, and used c-clamps & vise grips to start pulling the panels into alignment with the spoiler section. I may end end adding a 1/2" "U" channel on each side, to push the lower edge forward of the tire further out - it feels a little "pinched" right now.
Not sure yet how to resolve the nose piece - it looks like either the lower front panel lip will have to but cut off, or a large V cut into the fiberglass panel
To get the tips set back further, I will need to cut the back ends off the fenders to allow it.
I don't think that is a good idea, as I only have 2" between the fender inner lip and the leading edge of the tire.
(pic gone)
Not overly concerned, as I'm getting rid of the popups anyway, so reworking the front panel isn't that bad of a proposition (EDIT - or so I thought
).
I still have to shave /feather the inside of the fenders where they will be bonded, and figure out whether it makes sense to step the sheet metal to recess the fender edge. It seems problematic otherwise, I will have a fender top line that won't match the doors and rear fenders...