Expert: William Forster - 9/30/2007

Question
I am restoring a 1980 chevy malibu.  it has a hole in lower rear qurter panel.  how can i patch it.  Can I use fiberglass or metal sheet and an automotive adhesive and cover with bondo?  i don't have easy access to welding.

also there is a hole about 2-3 inches on the rear wheel well.  can that be repaired without replacing the wheel well?  how difficult is replacing the wqheel well (see one on ebay for $39).

thanks
?

Answer
Yes, you can glue  a patch into place- I prefer to glue them, and use rivets to hold them wherever i can't get a clamp. I then actually use the glue as a first coat of bondo, and glue right over the rivets and everything. The wheel well?  If the hole is inside the well, and you are looking at buying a complete wheel well, its nearly impossible to install without first removing the quarter. You could, however, remove a section of the new panel and graft it in to place. In fact, that is my official recommendation.  Bill