Author Topic: Quarter Panel Removal Q? (Read 2264 times)

Sean · « **on:** June 20, 2009 - 12:44:00 AM »

I have most of my driver's side quarter panel removed on my Cuda. Only section left is the area sandwiched between the roof and C pillar support. I don't plan on removing my roof.

What's the best way to remove the remaining section of the quarter panel without messing up the roof or the pillar?

Thanks!
Sean

DMZ73 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 20, 2009 - 08:43:31 AM »

Sean,
If i recall, there are about 6-9 welds on that flange holding the quarter panel on, and there are 2-3 welds in the rear window channel to remove as well. ( those are leaded over, so you will have to remove that first ) I think there is one on the inside by the quarter glass as well.
Start by finding the depressions for the spot welds, then drill them out. The quarter panel skin is actually sleeved under the roof skin.
That and a few beers

should do it.

Let me know how it goes.
Dan

Sean · « **Reply #2 on:** June 20, 2009 - 03:50:41 PM »

Quote from: DMZ73 on June 20, 2009 - 08:43:31 AM

Sean,
If i recall, there are about 6-9 welds on that flange holding the quarter panel on, and there are 2-3 welds in the rear window channel to remove as well. ( those are leaded over, so you will have to remove that first ) I think there is one on the inside by the quarter glass as well.
Start by finding the depressions for the spot welds, then drill them out. The quarter panel skin is actually sleeved under the roof skin.
That and a few beers should do it.
Let me know how it goes.
Dan

Thanks Dan! I'll gve it a try tonight and let you know how it goes.

Sean

67vertman · « **Reply #3 on:** June 20, 2009 - 05:44:32 PM »

Sean,

Here is a picture of my Cuda roof to Q panel so you can see the spot welds.

If you need a better pic I can take one tomorrow.

E-Body Products · « **Reply #4 on:** June 20, 2009 - 08:06:37 PM »

Just wanted to also mention that there is a place or two with about a 1/2 to 1" long mig weld along this seam to. I think the factory did this as added insurance in case the spot welds did not hold. Just trim around the weld to remove the quarter. Re-mig after you slip the new quarter panel in place. Replacing a quarter with the OEM style is so much easier than with skins. I wish they had these before I spent 2 days per side putting skins on my Cuda.

Daniel
www.ebodyproducts.com

Sean · « **Reply #5 on:** June 21, 2009 - 09:22:27 AM »

Ron & Daniel,
Thanks for the pics & tips! That's just what I needed to get me on my way. I shoud have some success pics posted tonight.

Thanks again!
Sean

mrbill426 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 21, 2009 - 04:42:17 PM »

Sean · « **Reply #7 on:** June 21, 2009 - 04:46:01 PM »

With a little drillin', pokin', proddin', and pryin' I got the section out!!!

Thanks for your help guys!

Sean

E-Body Products · « **Reply #8 on:** June 22, 2009 - 11:30:31 PM »

Keep up the hard work. I have been there and you are doing great. Be sure to use plenty of rust converter and prime and paint (Better yet, apply Rust Bullet or POR 15) to those inner structures now. You won't be sorry 15 years down the road.

Keep the pictures coming and if you need anything, I am here to help.

Daniel
www.ebodyproducts.com

Topcat · « **Reply #9 on:** June 23, 2009 - 12:02:38 AM »

Doin good Sean. Are you planning on replacing the Dutchman panel?
You're that far now and I think it would be worth doing.

Sean · « **Reply #10 on:** June 23, 2009 - 10:39:59 AM »

Thanks, Daniel! My plan is to media blast the back half of the car after I finish removing the passengers side quarter and clean up/smooth out the areas where the parts were spotwelded together. Then I'll hit it with a POR 15 or similar product.

I don't plan on painting for some time (months or up to a year). I'm going to move to the passenger area and then to the front of the car. Will I be OK leaving the back half of the car with just POR 15 on it or should I go over it with an epoxy primer as well. I don't want all of my hard work to in the rear of the car to go to waste because I didn't protect it while I'm working on the rest of the car.

Mike, At this time, I don't plan on replacing the dutchman panel. It seems to be pretty solid with just a surface rust. If after media blasting I find that it is worse off than I thought I'll go ahead and replace.

Sean

1970-cuda340 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 23, 2009 - 09:42:13 PM »

I shot mine with a 2 part epoxy while I had it apart. Seen days like you're having. Hope all goes well!!!! Keep the pics coming.

Sean · « **Reply #12 on:** June 23, 2009 - 09:52:48 PM »

Quote from: 1970-cuda340 on June 23, 2009 - 09:42:13 PM

I shot mine with a 2 part epoxy while I had it apart. Seen days like you're having. Hope all goes well!!!! Keep the pics coming.

Did you have any rust to deal with on the wheel houses and c-pillar support? Looks great in white! Thanks for the info!!!

Sean

1970-cuda340 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 23, 2009 - 09:58:55 PM »

I had some surface rust. Used 120 grit sandpaper, cleaned it up, wiped it down with a prep clean solvent, gave her a bath of paint. Here's the driver side for ya.

grimmey71 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 23, 2009 - 11:14:05 PM »

what have you found to be the best way to remove the lead filler, and are you re-leading or using another product