Body repair?

Author Topic: Body repair?  (Read 2000 times)

Offline Cuda Cody

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Body repair?
« on: June 21, 2005 - 09:34:04 AM »
I need to replace 2 rear quarters.  Is it better to just pay someone to do it or take the time to it myself?

Are there any videos or good books that show the best wyas and tools for the job?  I'm some what handy wiith tools and have a Tig welder, however I do not have much pratice on the welder.  Any advice?

Also, I want to fix some some dings and dents that happend during the transport home.... is there a web site that sells good body tools?
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Swedefish

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Re: Body repair?
« Reply #1 on: June 21, 2005 - 12:00:39 PM »
They did a couple of articles on a quarter panel repair in Mopar Muscle Mag recently,I beleave it was on a Charger.

Offline VPOINTCUDA

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Re: Body repair?
« Reply #2 on: June 21, 2005 - 04:23:35 PM »
I'm in the same boat, my rear quarters were delivered today as a matter of fact. I'm going to MIG weld mine on. How the hell do you hold them in place before you get the first tack welds on ?
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Offline torredcuda

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Re: Body repair?
« Reply #3 on: June 21, 2005 - 07:00:07 PM »
Lot s of good info and a q & a board here-
http://www.autobodystore.com/

Swedefish is correct,most of the mags do decent quarter panel replacement articles.Mig welding is the easiest,tig welding will take some practice.Use big c-style vise grips and sheet metal screws to hold things in place or buy special clamps or clecos from places like Eastwood.
Jeff
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Offline VPOINTCUDA

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Re: Body repair?
« Reply #4 on: June 21, 2005 - 09:24:02 PM »
I just went to the site and posted my question, lets see how they do!
" the question isn't  when is he going to stop, but whose gonna stop him!"

Offline fishn4cuda

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Re: Body repair?
« Reply #5 on: June 22, 2005 - 08:06:40 PM »
You can overlap the panels or butt weld them together. I never use the whole qtr skin. O challenger try not to replace above the center body line unless you have to. Reason...they are screwed up, nothing fits including the flip tp gas cap. ;)
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Offline 1970grancoupe

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Re: Body repair?
« Reply #6 on: December 26, 2005 - 06:16:20 AM »
something to ponder--fitting and welding in 1/4's are not a simple task. mis-alignment, warping , cold welds breaking loose in future, etc. try locating a good body shop (private owned)  in your area and see if you can afford them to do the rough in only. maybe even work out a deal where you can trade out labor. the experience is priceless.  if your gonna do it yourself, PRACTICE FIRST. scrap fenders are cheaper than quarters. :pullinghair:

Offline xblade

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Re: Body repair?
« Reply #7 on: December 26, 2005 - 07:02:41 AM »
Without the skill and equipment you'll spend far more trying to do it yourself, IMO.

Offline Steve

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Re: Body repair?
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2005 - 09:29:50 AM »
The topic of replacing quarter panels and skins is thoroughly covered on various sites. The autobody site is good. Also check out www.metalshapers.org and www.paintucation.com. Kevin Tetz of Paintucation puts out a great DIY video series for paint and body work.

Many of us do this type of stuff for ourselves. I do it all because I like it. I haven't seen pics of your car, but in general, any car that will need quarters will also need a lot of other stuff. Restoring a car is a lot like building a house. You can pay someone to do the whole job, you can be your own contractor and sub out work or you can do everything yourself. If you have the time, place, basic skills, and the inclination, you can do this all yourself. You will have to invest a good bit of money in tools. the actual work isn't that hard...it just takes a lot of time and practice to get good at it. In any event, the path you choose should map onto your goals, interests, and budget. Like I said, a car that needs quarters will generally need a whole lot more stuff done to fix problems that you don't see. I would advise against having a body shop do piece-meal repais. Instead, either find someone to do the whole restoration and get a contract in writing or plan to do the restoration yourself. Fixing the car one part at a time will only lead to problems. Get a game plan together.

Post some pics so we can see what you're dealing with!


Offline 71fish

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Re: Body repair?
« Reply #9 on: December 27, 2005 - 10:10:59 AM »
"and get a contract in writing " ..

AMEN!
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Offline ISSUES

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Re: Body repair?
« Reply #10 on: December 30, 2005 - 10:13:58 AM »
If nothing else take the car into a body shop, and have them give you an estimate with you providing your quarter skins.   Whoever said there will be more to replace was dead on!!   It's rare that just the quarter goes to the point of needing replaced without the wheel wells, or drop offs needing work too.    All the rust has to be removed, and there needs to be something left to weld to.

To hold the skins in place you'll need a lot of welding clamps  or vice grip clamps, and self tapping or tech screws. (#2's?)   There's a Hot Rod paint and body magazine out now that shows in detail a chevelle quarter replacement with good tips.    If it's something that you really want to do on your own, then you should do it, but give yourself plenty of time to do a good job.