The next picture shows the rear end of the car with the plastic bumper guard removed. This is down by the rear of the tire skirt.
This shows that the rear air vents are actually protected by one way valves, made in a soft rubber material. Every time the trunk or door is shut, the vent valve opens briefly to relieve the cabin pressure.
Here is another chunk of wood that has been added to attach the previously separate pieces of wood.
This shows the rear of the wheel well guard. This will have to be attached to the rear extension at some point.
This picture shows many more blocks added to create a solid support in the tail light area.
Here's another view with the back hatch open.
This picture shows probably the most important feature of the mounting block:
Smooth surfaces in which to mount the block assembly to the car when the time comes. All the attachment points are placed in areas where the sheet metal is naturally stronger based on the inherent curvature of the tail light socket.
This is the most critical mounting point in the entire tail extension project. If this area looses adhesion, the entire tail will try to fall away from the car.
I'm planning on using silicone adhesive to hold this assembly to the tail light socket. This will accomplish two things:
1) Hold the assembly tightly to the sheet metal
2) Allow the assembly to be "pried" from the car, and the stock tail light returned to it's location, if need be.
Anyone have any other ideas for strong, yet removable adhesives?
Jim.