Is taillight panel removable?

[Praxiss454]

Howdy folks,

At some point a previous owner backed my truck into something, and banged the crap out of the driver's side rear. I've been able to pull out some of the big crease in the bed side, but can't make any progress on the taillight panel.

There is a slight gap between this panel and the bed side panel, which makes me think it can be removed, possibly even unbolted. A previous owner filled that gap in a few spots with body filler, and as I was digging it out I found about 4 spots where it was welded. If I cut through those welds with my angle grinder, what else do I need to do to pop this sucker off?

[DPowers]

Are you going to replace the whole end piece with aftermarket or trying to remove to repair and reinstall?

[LVPhotos]

http://www.brotherstrucks.com/60-66-...tinfo/FRCS066/
Heres the panel.

[Praxiss454]

Originally Posted by DPowers

Are you going to replace the whole end piece with aftermarket or trying to remove to repair and reinstall?

I was going to try to repair but if that fails I could replace. Just not sure how the thing off.

[DPowers]

I am almost positive that they are spot welded in.

[Praxiss454]

Considering I don't see any obvious bolts I imagine you are right. Was hoping it'd be something I could easily pop off and hammer out the dent.

[Clyde65]

Spot welded!

[DPowers]

Can you work it through the backup light and tail light openings?

[Captainfab]

I don't know what they cost but it might worth looking into a cheap stud gun from Harbor Freight. You should be able to pull out those dents with a stud gun.

[Praxiss454]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I don't know what they cost but it might worth looking into a cheap stud gun from Harbor Freight. You should be able to pull out those dents with a stud gun.

I have one, didn't make a dent so far in the big dent in the tail light panel. If I had a hook for my slide hammer I might be able to do something there. Or maybe with a tow strap through one of the light holes.