When replacing rear quarters...

[Ross]

I've been researching the "best" way to replace rear quarter panels.

I've bought a pair of the full quarters from goodmark

Some body guys say do it on a rotisserie.  Other seasoned body guys say only to do it when the car is sitting on its jack points.

What do you personally recommend.

[ksierens]

I would definitely not put a car on a rotisserie until the sheet metal work is done.  You don't want to risk the body twisting.

[Ross]

I would definitely not put a car on a rotisserie until the sheet metal work is done.  You don't want to risk the body twisting.

Would the body not have a tendency to banana if its on a rotisserie?  Since its only being supported at the 2 ends?

[jeryst]

The guy that does my work has been doing it for 40+ years. The only way he will replace any sheetmetal is by having the car setting on its wheels. He says that's when it needs to look perfect, and that's the only way to get it that way. He has even told me that if shocks, suspension, etc need to be changed, to do it before he does the body work, because he wants it sitting the way it's going to ultimately sit. Don't know if there is anything to it, but he's been doing it for a long time, and it sounds logical to me.

[360 'CUDA]

 

Those rotisseries scare me.  If you've ever seen how much the body can flex up on jackstands when the doors are open you know what I mean.

That and I don't want the thing falling over on me

[ragtopdodge]

Brace the door openings and you'll be fine.

[fishn4cuda]

The guy that does my work has been doing it for 40+ years. The only way he will replace any sheetmetal is by having the car setting on its wheels. He says that's when it needs to look perfect, and that's the only way to get it that way. He has even told me that if shocks, suspension, etc need to be changed, to do it before he does the body work, because he wants it sitting the way it's going to ultimately sit. Don't know if there is anything to it, but he's been doing it for a long time, and it sounds logical to me.

:iagree:100%
Never replace large sections of steel while on the rotissori. Qtrs are a very important part of structure. This can be very dangerous and on the lighter side twist the body and nothing you bolt on later will line up right. Always put your steel on first then put it on the rotissori. Bracing across the door openings helps, definately on a conv, but not necessary on a hardtop.

[72hemi]

  I don't care how good someone is and how many times theyv'e done it, the only proper way to replace panels like that is with the car on all 4 wheels. There are too many variables if the car is off the ground.

[ViperMan]

According to my hand-written notes from my lectures at WyoTech, "Do not repair on jack stands."  Because, as already mentioned, you want the vehicle to sit "at rest."

[Topcat]

This is perfect timing of a question. I was wondering this myself recently.

I have only put on the outer wheelhouse so far while on the rotisserie. Everything lined up right off. As far as the quarter panel goes, I'll be putting it back on it's rolling chassis frame before it gets welded on.

[ozrt4406]

IF THE GUY WHO IS DOING THE WORK HASW BEEN DOING IT FOR FORTY YEARS WOULDNT HE HAVE A BENCH ?, EG MASTERBENCH OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT , WE HAVE A BENCHAT WORK FOR PULLING AND ALIGNING CARS AND WE WILL ONLY DO MAJOR REPLACEMENT ( EG BOTH 1/4S )ON A BENCH NOT ON FLOOR   OR JACKED UP AS THERE ARE TOO MANY VARIABLES , HAVE THE CAR CLAMPED TO A BENCH , PREFERABLY BY THE SILLS OR OTHER METHOD  THEN EXACT MEASUREMENTS CAN BE TAKEN ( AS PER WORKSHOP  OR COLLISION MANUAL SPECS ) THEN START REMOVING MAJOR METAL , TOO MANY GUYS JUST CUT OFF THEN REWELD AND IT ENDS ALL OVER THE PLACE , IF ITS PERFECTION YOUR LOOKING FOR PUT IT ON A BENCH OR RACK.

[jeryst]

I don't know what a bench is or what one looks like. He has two, what look like drive-on lifts, in his building. except there are no outside posts. I don't know how high they go, but I've seen them at different heigths when he is working on the cars.

[moper]

I don't care how good someone is and how many times theyv'e done it, the only proper way to replace panels like that is with the car on all 4 wheels. There are too many variables if the car is off the ground.

Yup.
A bench is what you will find in chassis shops. A rack a body shop will have, but certainly not to stick a body on for resto. The best bod yguys I know install mock up iron blocks and transmissions to get things perfect. They are tehn removed for finishing. NEver replace 1/4s unless the car is supported in the same fashion the suspension does. Meaning you can use jack stands, but not 4 in the center of the body. four up front where the K frame bolts, two where the front spring hangers attach, and two on the rear of the frame rails at the leaf spring shackle.

[Topcat]

If you installed US Car Tool frame connectors while on a rotisserie do you really think there is a chance that the chassis can flex any to put on the quarter skin? I have heard that many Mopars have had the frame connectors put on while on a rotisserie.

Doesn't the roof, the inner frame, and everything tie in together? I have difficulty seeing how the body has that much flex.

If I had the frame connectors put on and spot welded bars across where the doors are, would you think there is still going to be chassis movement?

[jeryst]

IMO, sitting on its wheels is 100% natural. Anything else, has to be less accurate.