Body panels

[cudachuck]

Im going to be replacing the tail panel, trunk extensions and quarter panels on my cuda. My question is do i want the car to be on its own suspension or jack stands? Or is there a better way to do this? Also i will do 1 panel at a time thanks

['Cuda Hunter]

I think most folks prefer to have the car level and supported by the frame rails.

Someone might chime in here with more experience. 

[70chall440]

I have done it both ways without issue, it really depends on how much metal is being removed. If you are removing the trunk floor and the tail panel then you might want to do some bracing but if the trunk floor is left in the I would not worry about it too much.

One bit of advice is take a lot of pictures and measurements before cutting anything away, it might come in very handy later.

[jimynick]

When it comes to the trunk floor, it doesn't make a lot of difference, but for the extensions and 1/4's, you want the weight of the car on it's suspension. This is even more important due to the "flexy-flyer" aspect of these uni-body cars and try to make the both sides, the same height, too. As mentioned, measuring is a good thing and take about 200 photos (exaggerating, but not much) of every angle and seam and pay attention to the way the factory layered those panels when you disassemble. I would NOT install one panel at a time as that'll come back to bite you in the a$$ when it comes time to fit the panels up for decent joints and panel gaps. I'd fit the 1/4's and extensions to the rear body panel using screws or better yet, Clecos and get the deck lid on 'er as well. Measure 12.72 times and weld once. Capice? Good luck with it! 

[cudachuck]

I also plan on installing the fitted sub frame connectors, and will do them first... Question when installing the subframe connectors should the car be on its own suspension or could i use a auto rotisserie?

[70chall440]

I've done it both ways without issue. So long as the floor pan is in and solid you should be good. I usually put them in with the car on a hoist.

['Cuda Hunter]

I have a rolling frame jig that is level and connects to the frame rails in 6 points.  This keeps the car level at all times.
Can't do sub frame connectors with a floor frame though. 
I'd post up a picture for ya, but as we all know, pics dont work here. 

Good luck Chuck!  Let us know your progress please!

[70chall440]

When I did my Cuda I had the car on a rotisserie and flipped the car upside down and welded them in, car seems fine to me now that its done. Sure was easier to do that way. I just installed some onto a 69 wagon on my 2 post lift and there I just used screw jacks to put the SFCs up against the floor.