Trim strip fasteners

[BDD]

Does anybody know how many fasteners there are that attach the rear trim strip on a 72 GT? Also the type and size head they have.

When I finally do lodge myself back there, hopefully on not too hot and humid a summers day, I want to be well prepared and I'll also want to know when I'm done, hopefully never to return.

Also, is there a particular trick to getting the tire shelf edge metal out? It seems to fit in place in one particular way.

[namba209]

The tire shelf doesn't necessarily have to come out to get the trim strip fastener nuts off. If you have skinny arms, you can access the nuts through the tail light openings. IIRC the nuts will take 8-9mm wrench or socket. Before you attempt to remove them, soak them down heavily with liquid penetrating oil, or I'll guarantee you'll snap the studs.

If you're referring to the vertical wall at the rear of the shelf, the vertical bracket that the spare tire hold down rod is bolted to has to come out. The nuts for it are hiding in the wheel well under the undercoating. Or you can remove the screws along the edge of it and take it out separately from the shelf. HTH.