I am a bit bummed. I had dents on both my 1/4 panels. I did body work on them a few months ago and used a little bondo. I painted them and they looked pretty good for a while but the bondo changed shape somewhat over time and they are wavy now. I was planning on just cutting out the 1/4 panels and looking for a new set. Has anyone changed them before, how hard is the job and what all do you have to do in order for it to work?


I was thinking about cutting em out with a dremel and then riveting the new ones on (i dont know how to/dont have access to welding tools).

 

My suggestion to you is this. If you do not plan to weld in quarter panels DO NOT DO IT. Quarter panels can be one of the more difficult panels to hang on any car. I would take it to a shop and have them hang new ones if it really bothers you this much.

If you have never done panel replacment before do not attempt this if you want it to look good. You may pay more money now but in the end you'll be much happier that they look like they should.

You don't have to listen to me, but I would not recomend trying this by yourself.

~Jim~

 

Are you going to cut off the whole quarter panel and replace it? How big are the damaged spots? Because you could probably just cut out the damaged areas and weld in some galvanized steel sheet metal formed to the shape of quarter panel, grind it down a little, bondo and sand, then primer and paint. It would be alot easier and cheaper than replaceing the whole quarter panel. Still not something I would be comfortable accomplishing by myself yet, but its an option.

 

you could have a good body shop just repair the dents and you would never be able to tell they were there. I'm not trying to knock your skills, however when it comes to body work, leave it up to the pros.

 

That works too. Ive seen some pretty messed up quarter panels that have been fixed without any cutting or welding. Just be prepared to pay $$$ to have it repaired by a reputable shop. Sometimes its not worth it to cheap out on some things, I learned the hard way.

 

yes, my camaro has been backed into by an ex-girlfriend, my brother and my neighbor- all in the rear quarter area. I think my car is jinxed. Anyhow it's amazing what my body guy can do. The most recent incident was just fixed and the rear quarter was completely crumpled up and he just bumped it out, straightened it, and smoothed it out with filler. I was in shock at how good it looked.

 

If you want to go the bondo route check out my body work write up. a likn to it is in my sig.

Unless you are good with a mig or tig welder and can stitch weld and have replaced a rear 1/4 before do not attept it. If you rivit it in it will flex and not line up right after the first drive. There is an articl in this months super chevy if you want to get an idea on how its done. I would go the bondo route. If you do it right you will not be able to tell the difference.