Help with Rear Quarter Panel Replacement
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 13
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From: Portland OR
Help with Rear Quarter Panel Replacement
First time DIY’er with fiberglass. Have a 1974 Corvette which sustained damage to right rear quarter panel (see images below). It’s believed I’m capable of removing what remains of the panel, but would like some input from those experienced in autobody. To separate panel from bonding strip, I will use a heat gun, 5-in-1 tool and flexible putty knife. Do I want to remove the entire quarter panel? Or, use an air tool and cut the damaged part of the panel - at approximately the black line - (see images below) leaving the undamaged area of the panel on the car? Although I have access to a good used complete rear quarter panel (which with effort will match to the car), should I instead buy a GM Restoration Part (Ecklers)? Do you have any ideas? Any input is invaluable, so lay it on me. Thank you in advance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 904
Likes: 46
From: Crestline CA
Never done it before so take my advise for what its worth but I think Id remove the old one up to the bonding strips, might be a bit tough to get a nice wheel opening if you cut it right in the middle. Id use the used OEM panel if I had the choice, Id imagine the repro press molded ones are pretty nice but you cant beat OEM for fit. Lastly, looks like you may need a taillight panel and rear valance as well, may not want to remove all the panels at once, you'll lose your point of reference for refitting.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
http://www.glas-ra.com/rearhl1968thru1982.html Worth the price of a copy. Volume One covers front clips.
The AIM will also help. It shows how bodies were assembled at the factory.
My advice would be to replace the right rear fender. You're also going to need a right rear splash shield. You can probably save the fender bonding strip.
The AIM will also help. It shows how bodies were assembled at the factory.
My advice would be to replace the right rear fender. You're also going to need a right rear splash shield. You can probably save the fender bonding strip.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Apr 21, 2015 at 02:52 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
Sorry about the damage. There is a CF member who had very similar damage last October. His post thread HERE!
Maybe his thread can help you. I am sure Chris will help guide you too.
John
Maybe his thread can help you. I am sure Chris will help guide you too.
John
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Splicing panels should be avoided. Very easy to end up with a visible seam or bump.
Used quarter or quality press-molded are both fine. Strip all the paint off the used panel first to make sure it doesn't hide old sins.
Replacing the quarter isn't that bad of a job. Use an angle grinder with a 40 grit flap wheel to slowly grind down the seam to the deck. Only grind on the quarter until you hit bonding adhesive (leave the bonding strip untouched and attached to the deck). Don't forget the wheel well part that is bonded to the inside of the quarter behind the wheel.
Used quarter or quality press-molded are both fine. Strip all the paint off the used panel first to make sure it doesn't hide old sins.
Replacing the quarter isn't that bad of a job. Use an angle grinder with a 40 grit flap wheel to slowly grind down the seam to the deck. Only grind on the quarter until you hit bonding adhesive (leave the bonding strip untouched and attached to the deck). Don't forget the wheel well part that is bonded to the inside of the quarter behind the wheel.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
all corvette body panels are bonded/glued at the seams. Study and learn these locations.
this is where you want to remove the damaged section, and replace the whole quarter panel.
I would suggest replace with another oem used panel. good luck.
this is where you want to remove the damaged section, and replace the whole quarter panel.
I would suggest replace with another oem used panel. good luck.
