Expert: Dave Norgardt - 8/23/2007

Question
I am restoring a a 1971 Camaro, I have painted, done bodywork, fiberglass... the one thing I haven don is replace a quarterpanel.  I have a new replacment QP skin, I just need to know the right steps to remove the old on and install the new one.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Thomas! First, check where your overlap will be. Make sure you have at least 1 inch. Next , drill out the original spot welds, and cut as needed. Grind the original panel flanges and overlap down to bare metal. Coat these with weld through primer. Hole punch or drill the new panel for plug welds in the same number as was the factory spot welds. Fit the panel up and weld into place. Make sure you check the door gap, trunk gap and taillite gap before welding. After welding, grind the spot welds just down to a "button" except on the overlap. On the overlap, your first coat should be fiberglass. Finish off with a coat of body filler and then finishing putty. Prime and paint as needed.Hope this helps! Thanks, Dave.