Innerfender removal

[Belgium Cuda]

My innerfenders and radiatorsupport should be replaced on the challenger, how do I best remove them? Drill the spotwelds out and/or
cut them out? Have never done this before.

Per

[72hemi]

I drill them out using a spot weld removal tool like this one.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200397825_200397825

[Belgium Cuda]

OK, so no normal drillbit is used. What size is most common on the E-body?

Per

[Belgium Cuda]

Is it to be used with a normal drillingmachine or a airgun? wouldn't I make holes in other panels?

Per

[CudaNut]

I use the same style spotweld cutter made by Blair, they are a little more expensive but worth it. The cutters are very hard and brittle so go slow at first. Once you cut thru the outer metal you will "feel" the cutter go thru and sometimes you will see a puff of rust. Once you get the hang of it it goes fairly fast. You can also use a cutoff wheel and grind down the spotweld but I prefer to use the cutters with a good variable speed cordless drill. Steck makes a good panel splitter to wedge between the metal to help separate the panels once the spot welds are cut.

[Belgium Cuda]

Thanks, what dimension of the cutter should I buy? Have seen summit has different sizes.

Per

[CudaNut]

I would get two, one 5/16 (most common) and get one 3/8 if i run into a really fat or sloppy spot weld and get several spare cutters. If you cut them out correctly the base metal will remain untouched and you just grind down the remaining spots once the panel is released. If you cut all the way thru you can always plug weld them later.

[Belgium Cuda]

OK, I also thought about buying some spares but then from the cheaper ones or? The most expensive at
Summit was 36$ so with 2 sizes and some spares it make a difference. I rather go for quality then quantity.

Per

[Belgium Cuda]

What about this one, 3 of each included? Innerfenders, complete radiatorsupport, front and rear floorpans and
trunkfloor has to go out.

Per

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/OTC-4485/

[72cudamaan]

   NO, buy your cutters from Eastwood if possible.  Good brand much better price than slumit and most of all, Eastwood helps sponsor this site!

[Belgium Cuda]

OK, but how many of each do I need? Would hate to sit without with one panel to go.

Per

[72rtchallenger]

I would buy Eastwood cutters and at least couple of each size and  two-5/16 most common an one-3/8,,
I got both sides off using 3 cutters but they were getting worn,,a couple more wouldn't have hurt,,but say you need one after your almost done,,your local auto parts store should carry these also,,I bought some extras locally without ordering,,

[Belgium Cuda]

I would buy Eastwood cutters and at least couple of each size and  two-5/16 most common an one-3/8,,
I got both sides off using 3 cutters but they were getting worn,,a couple more wouldn't have hurt,,but say you need one after your almost done,,your local auto parts store should carry these also,,I bought some extras locally without ordering,,

That was my thought now aswell. Maybe better to find them locally, from US I have 2 weeks deliverytime.

Per

[Belgium Cuda]

Went to the best and biggest toolshop in town, they supply all major industries here. This is what they had, only comes in one
size (7mm - 4.5/16) and only 2$. Doesn't look like the ones you guys use.

Per

[Topcat]

I drill them out using a spot weld removal tool like this one.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200397825_200397825

Same exact one but 10 or even 15 bucks less.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95343
vs.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200397825_200397825
vs.
http://www.eastwood.com/ew-3-8in-double-ended-spot-weld-cutter.html


Cheap they are yes. If you break a tooth off, you just reverse it and use the other side. I've done all my own work and used less than 4 total. Since I don't plan on making a carrer on restoring, I don't see any reason the spend 30 or even 40 bucks for these.