71 Quarter panel replacement

I am repairing my rusted quater panels with quater "skins" (not OEM thickness). Where should I cut the old quater off at? Should I flange them or butt weld?

No clear cut method on these. They are made by different manufactures and have a little bit of differences in height.

I would personally like the flange weld.

What you could do is hold the new patch panel up against the car and trace around it. Then cut 1/2" to 1" back from the line. Weld it in place with it overlapping. The only downfall to this way is when you look in the trunk, you can see where the two panels fit. I'm not a body guy but I've seen them done like this before. This is how we did my car the first time I had patch panels put on. I know there is a good thread on here with someone who put patch panels on. I tried searching for it, but no luck. Someone might know which thread I'm talking about. I'm pretty sure it was one of the Tom's that posted it.

I replaced the lower quarter on my 74 last year. On my quarter, the wheel lip and back lower half of the quarter was gone. I cut my quarter about 6 inches shy of the door jam and 4-6 inches in front of the rear bumper. I flanged the seam. Being a novice, I noticed that the cut would have to be extremely straight to do a butt weld, so the flange was much easier. I also had to replace part of the inner fender. This I did butt weld. Since the piece was much smaller, it allowed me to manipulate the piece slightly to weld in place. Hope this helps, let me know if you have more questions.

I do have pics, but doesn't seem like I can post, I'm willing to email them to you.

Lou

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w144/windsma/72%20Nova/DSC06399.jpg


http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w144/windsma/72%20Nova/DSC06389.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w144/windsma/72%20Nova/DSC06440.jpg

Some tips:
Cut the replacement panel to fit the car. Don't the car to fit the panel.

Do it w/ the tires on the ground.

Grind all spot welds and extra sheet metal out of the way.

I used a crimp tool to make the lap weld.

It is a 2 man job.

I found out that the manufacturer of the panels that I have are made by Classic. Not sure of the quality from this company but they came with the car.

At our shop we order everything from Classic Muscle. Best price around and luckly they are 40 miles away and deliver to my shop. :yes:

http://www.oldmusclecars.com/

all replacement sheet metal will be very thin.:rolleyes: I dont like it but what other choice to we have.

Yikes, makes me cringe at the thought that I have to change one of mine, or maybe both. :eek:

how come some 71 quater panels look diff than others in the same year.....or maybe its me....the distance between end of the q panel to the wheel well...or maybe 68'-70' are shorter.