Quarters

[2000gt]

Hi, I wanted to ask a quick question about quarter panel instalation.  I bought my car with the quarters already welded on.  They are lap welded, which means they left a small 1/4 inch lip on the old quarter which was crimped in the thickness of the metal then the new quarter was welded to this.  It doesn't look bad, but I wish they were butt welded.  Any thoughts on this.  I probably won't change it as it is already done, just wondering how you guys have installed your quarters.  the only way I would even consider changing it would be if Goodmark came out with their full quarters in the next year.   Even then I porbably wouldn't bother.  What do you guys think?

[Mt.St.BigBlock]

Hi 2000GT,
  IMO, if the job is done and they did a reasonably good job I would leave
it and do my best to seal up the backside lap. That is the negative on a lap
joint, moisture attacking from the rear! Structurally, a lap joint like you've
got there is actually stronger than a butt joint. How to seal it up? Well, body
solder would probably be the best but hard to do in tight spots and cleaning
or neutralizing the flux is very very important. Otherwise that could actually
get the rusting process cranked up that much faster. I suppose a couple coats
of epoxy primer on the backside followed by a auto body seam sealer manually
worked into the seam would offer good protection along with making sure any
moisture back there finds its way out thru open drains. Getting everything lined
up properly is the hardest battle, so if that is already done for you to your
satisfaction, then cutting it back out because they used a lap joint would be
hard for me to do! My  and goodluck with what you decide to do!  Jeff

[2000gt]

Mt.St.Bigblock, Yeah what is there looks good, just don't like the idea of it is all, I want to do this car right.  However, it has been media blasted with the new quarters on, including the back side of the quarters and sealed with epoxy primer.  I will try thto work seam sealer into the seam when that time comes.  This car will only be driven in the Summer and stored in a heated garage so moisture shouldn't be a huge problem.   How has everybody else attached their new quarters?

[Steve]

Butt welding is the preferred method, but a properly done lap weld should work out OK. I would say that sealing off the backside is super important, but getting the front side filled properly is also very important. I would use a reinforced filler for the front seam. Also, I would make sure to blend the two metals with a flap disc. You might ask Resto Rick (see his website) about his thoughts.

[Pipefish]

If it done right the lap method is best in my opinion,If you noticed when you look at an e-body car the quarter panel and the top are lap welded as are a lot of other panels.If you butt the metal up you need to put a small strip of metal behind it anyway,so as long as it looks nice and it sealed off I wouldn't worry about it.I just put my quarters on today and I lap welded them.Will have pictures of the install tomorrow.
 

[2000gt]

Would like to see those pics Pipefish.

[Chryco Psycho]

how high up is the weld ?

[2000gt]

They are different side to side, one seam is on top of the quarter, the other other is aboput 2 inches below the top of the quarter.  Guess the previous owner just worked with what was good on the car to begin with.

[Pipefish]

Sorry, quarters are taking longer than I thought,should be done tomorrow,