Removing factory quarters

[usraptr]

What's the best way to remove the OEM quarter panels.  I'm referring specifically to the welded sections in the door jam and spot welds to the inner fender?   

[72hemi]

I use a spot weld remover bit in my drill. They aren't the cheapest thing in the world but they do a hell of a job. You should be able to get them at your local body/paint supply shop.

[Sean]

I've never used these and don't know the quality, but they seem pretty cheap...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95343

Sean

[Topcat]

I've never used these and don't know the quality, but they seem pretty cheap...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95343

Sean

They work fine. I buy 2 or 3 at a time and that seemed to last me pretty well. You can switch the cutter tip to the opposite if you end up breaking a few teeth off.

Use a good drill bit to drill thru a small hole thru the weld first. A dull drill bit will have you drilling thru welds taking way too long making it take forever.

[usraptr]

Thanks guys!   I swing by harbor freight tomorrow and pick some up.   

[E-Body Products]

One other tip...  Get the larger spot weld remover bit.  Sometimes, I have trouble with the smaller bit not cutting all of the way around the spotwelds.   

I also agree that you need to drill a small hole first, as I have found that the spotweld drill bits want to walk off of the weld when trying to drill.

Autobody Tool Mart sales a spot weld drill bit that is guaranteed to never get dull.  It is expensive though and I have never used it.  They say if it ever gets dull, they will sharpen it at no cost.

Daniel
www.ebodyproducts.com

[mopardave]

3/8 blair cutter with tarbor with the spring centering pin, comes in a 3 pack double sided changable bit, or just use a good 5/16 or 3/8 drill bit.  good cut off wheel hammer and a chisel. have at it.

[heminut]

Another tip; use a 1" wood chisel to separate the sheetmetal when the cutter doesn't get all of the spot weld. The wood chisel isn't as blunt or thick as a cold chisel and doesn't bend the sheetmetal as much as a cold chisel.

[Todd DesMarais]

I've torn down 5 cars by drilling ALL the welds. I started back when using the double sided cheapo ones you get @ H.F. (though back then I bought mine from SnapOn) and can tell you they are only as good as what you paid for them. Sure, they will work but you will go through at least 2-3 double tips on a quarter unless you have the touch of a surgeon. 

 I bought a set of Rotabroach (Blair brand) cuters and will never look back.  The set I have has 7 cutters from 5/16 to 3/4. here is a great place and price for them  http://www.dentcrafttools.com/products.asp?id=23  there is a cheaper set  http://www.dentcrafttools.com/products.asp?id=14  but it is not capable of drilling holes deeper than 1/8" and are really meant for sheet steel. It's worth the extra $10 for the other set. I have used them to punch near precision holes in 1/2 plate. Just make sure to use a quality cutting oil.

 These are the same cutters that Eastwood and others sell and you can get the spring tip or pilot tip plus extra/replacement cutters.

 Also, I use a stiff 1" putty knife for seperating the panels (the kind w/the brass pommel or end cap). It gets in between without any warpage/bending of the panel and you can give it a tap on the back w/a hammer to pop the weld if not drilled all the way.

   sorry for the rant, hope this helps.

         Todd

[73dce]

  Buy quality. Harbor Freight is Chinese junk.

[usraptr]

Thanks for all the suggestions and advise!!   Now for the next stupid question.  When drilling with the blair cutter do you cut through both pieces of sheet metal so you have a hole or just the top layer? 

Thanks

Brad

[elitecustombody]

you'll have a small pilot hole in both ,but most people use the cutter to only cut thru the outer skin

I use a couple different panel busters like this

[cwestra]

Thanks for all the suggestions and advise!!   Now for the next stupid question.  When drilling with the blair cutter do you cut through both pieces of sheet metal so you have a hole or just the top layer? 

Thanks

Brad :feedback:When I did mine I drilled through both panels with a regular bit (small hole then larger hole).  When I installed the new quarter I did not drill any holes in the flange and came in from the inside of the panel to fill.  This leaves a nice looking, almost spot weld look, without having to grind.

[MoparCar]

Just drill through the top layer.
I also use the Blair cutters. They work good. Use a center punch on the weld first and it'll save some frustration.

Wes

[usraptr]

Once again, thanks guys!!   With your help I'll eventually get this project done.   

Brad