Quarter panel installation

On the back side of the qter there is a bracket that attaches the main wheel house to the bracing. This is the seam that drops off below the trunk lid edge. Many repro panels do not fit in this area. As seen the crown is rolled slightly and will need to be held in place with vise grip pliers. These are the qter extensions. The sheet metal pieces needed to be taken off the old qter panels as they are reinforcements where the extension bolts up to.

We will blast and prime these sheet metal pieces and then install on to the new qter panels. Quarter Panel 1. Use plenty of clamps and screws to hold the quarter-panel tight and flush in all areas. At this point the quarter-panel should be in place, flush on the front and rear edges, and the overlap at the top should be flush on the exterior surface.

Start by tack welding small spots along the top and side edges. The goal is to keep the panel as cool as possible. This is a very crucial step since the hotter the panel gets, the more it will warp. Take your time and go slowly. Rushing through this procedure will only cause problems and additional work. Make sure all the seams are welded solid and verify that the spot weld are nice. To finish up before final bodywork can begin, grind all the welds as flat as possible, going slow to keep the panel cool.

Once you have grinded the welds, you can now start to body work the seams. Use a first coat of fiberglass body filler as a base, and finish with a high-quality body filler.

Before you call it done, make sure to seam seal the top edge on the inside of the trunk and quarter window area, and also along the rocker panel. Advertisement What do you do? Second-case scenario: The new part for the older vehicle is cost prohibitive, so the vehicle might end up getting totaled instead of being repaired if you write for a new part.

A used quarter panel just may save the job. Third-case scenario: Use a used quarter panel may be when a new part is on long back order. To facilitate the completion of a repair, the used quarter may be the answer. Utilizing a used quarter panel with the wheelhouse would probably be more cost effective, faster and less intrusive than if all new parts were used because this repair requires less welding, as well as less caulking and sealant. The answer sits mostly with the insurance industry.

Advertisement Take a typical quarter panel replacement. The crash guide states the typical replacement process takes 16 labor units. Included with the procedure is to remove and install:. If you were to allocate half of the time for removal, that would translate into 6 labor units. I know one insurance carrier that pays a maximum of 2.

So, for the privilege of using a used quarter panel in the repair process that would save an insurance carrier a few hundred dollars, the body shop loses 2 to 3 labor units.

Advertisement To make matters worse, the labor time for painting is for a new, undamaged part. But are we getting that additional paint prep time? You tell me. Also, the panel comes with a number of attached parts that have to be removed. Remember the corporate warning on the use of heat in performing body repair work.

Another removal tool is the air chisel. Try to follow the contour of the panel while trying to make all cuts in straight lines. Transfer the cut lines to the new panel and trim to fit as necessary. Be as precise and accurate as possible. Next, position the replacement panel over the damaged area of the quarter panel. Trace the outline of the replacement panel on the existing one.

Remove the replacement panel and carefully use your air chisel to cut out the damaged area. Be sure to cut along the inside edge of your scribed line.

Any areas that are bent can be flattened using a hammer and dolly. Be sure the edges are clean and free of rust. If any rust does exist, apply a rust-arresting compound.

Properly preparing the rear quarter panel before installation is essential. All new body panels are coated with electrocoat primer. Failure to do this will prevent the proper adhesion of adhesive and effect flow of weld current, resulting in an insufficient weld. Dry fit the quarter panel with the adjacent body parts and hold it in place with locking pliers or sheet metal screws. Check the fit and then install the trunk lid Figure 1.