I was looking at my car this weekend marveling at how its put together. When it comes to the quarter panel(2004). I was wondering how you remove it. I can see 2 screws hidden under the top. Then I looked at my friends 2000 convertible. Once you open the top halfway you can access the same 2 screws. So then we were wondering how you get to the Z06 top 2 screws. Does the top come off?, and how is it attached to the windshield. Or would the windshield have to come out as well,yikes

 

Whew... I had my flame suit on and half zipped up thinking this was a Vert Z06 thread.

I've actually wondered about getting some of these body panels off myself. This car seems like one of those puzzles that you have to put together in exactly the right order or it won't work.

 

the bolts under the top arent tight- just snug, take all the other ones out and then pull it strait out. there is also some tacky gluy type stuff holding it solid so you may have to pull with some force

 

From the factory service manual ....

Quarter Panel Replacement - Rear (Hardtop)

The hardtop coupe quarter panel will be severly damaged during this removal procedure and should be replaced. There are hidden quarter panel attaching screws under the hardtop roof that are hard to access without cutting the quarter panel.

Suffice to say ... let a body shop worry about this one ... I love the GM statement "hard to access" ... How about "Mother F...ing IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TO"

 

ive had both my quarters off and it didnt hurt them a bit

 

According to your profile you have a CONVERTABLE.

The FRC is a different story ... which is why I posted (Hardtop) in BOLD letters.

The rear quarter panels have to be CUT to remove them from a hardtop (Z06) Corvette.

 

first car was a vert, and i have had 2 Zs since. they dont have to be cut the car i took them off was a 02 Z

 

Maybe you could update your profile, and also explain how you got to the screws located under the roof and rear deck panel ?? (Which is exactly what the first post was asking) GM manual (and my eyes) tell me there's no way to get in to them without cutting the panel.

 

See post #65, page 4. Looks like they didn't have any trouble sliding the quarters out from underneath the screws.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...1595746&page=4

 

I'll bet that if you can slide them out, then those weren't the original factory panels. The panel is not just screwed down. A butyl bonding agent also holds it in place. After you cut the panel the manual suggests loosening the screws (they're now exposed somewhat) and using a knife to help break the bond.

When you put a new panel on, you slide it under the screws for a test fit, adjusting the screws to get as tight a fit as possible while still being able to slide the panel in and out. Once everything fits you're supposed to remove the panel and put a bead of windshield urethane on the bonding surface (two inches on either side of the screws) to help bond the panel in place when you reinstall it. I'm guessing some body shops omit this step.

HTH

 

I had my rear facia replaced, trunk tub, and passangers side rear quarter panel replaced, the body shop didn't cut anything. But in order to replace the trunk tub, the roof assembly had to come off the car. don't know if this helps or not.

 

its like i said the first time, the 2 screws that you see under the roof panel are not all that tight and the quarter panel is actually slotted so that it can just be pulled off. in my opinion it is not wise to glue them back on with urethane because then you will ruin them when you need to remove them again. once the quarter is off u can get a small vise grips or pliers under the roof panel to move them but there really is no need too.

 

Howdy!

This is what I was told by a very reputable body shop - the FRC's rear 1/4 panels are slotted so need for access to those hidden screws!

 

Thanks for the insight everyone..Just for further info. Does anyone know how the front of the top is attached to the windshield? Or is it just glued.

 

Here is how the Service Manual says to remove the quarter panels on a Z.

Install protective covers to the passenger and stowage compartments areas.
Tape a cut line (1) on the quarter panel starting at the rear corner of the stowage compartment opening. Tape down about 75 mm (3 in) and then run the tape forward to a point about 50 mm (2 in) from the lock pillar, and then tape up to the lock pillar upper corner of the quarter panel.
Protect the roof panel along the quarter panel with tape.
Place a wedge between the quarter panel and the surround panel at the cut line.
Place a wedge between the quarter panel and the lock pillar at the cut line.

Cut the upper outer skin of the quarter panel along the marked cut line (1) being careful not to cut into the adjacent panels.
Remove the quarter panel.
Cut the quarter panel flange on a line (2) through the drain holes being care full to not cut into the surround panel.
With a knife cut any butyl that is adhering to the quarter panel flange.
Remove the flange. If it is necessary loosen the screws (3). Be sure and return the screws to their original position.
Clean any butyl from the bonding surface.

Installation Procedure

Wash the bonding surface with soap and water.
Scuff sand the bonding surface with a 3M ™ Red Scotch Brite pad.
Wipe with a clean cloth dampened with soap and water.

Notch the new quarter panel at the screw holes so the quarter panel will slide snugly under the screws on the surround panel.
Dry fit the quarter panel to the opening sliding the quarter panel under the screws. Loosen the screws slightly, if necessary. Elongate the screw holes, if necessary, to achieve the proper gap.
Remove the quarter panel.
Follow the urethane manufactures instructions for preparing the surfaces before applying the urethane.
Install a thin bead of windshield urethane, to the surround between the screws and two inches beyond the screws.

Position the quarter panel to the vehicle aligning and setting the gap to the door.

Install the screws attaching the quarter panel to the door lock pillar. Tighten
Tighten the quarter panel to door lock pillar screws to 3 N·m (27 lb in).

Loosely start a screw in the upper flange rearward hole (the rearward hole aligns the quarter panel side to side).
Set the gap to the stowage compartment lid.
Install the screws in the remaining upper flange holes. Tighten
Tighten the quarter panel upper flange screws to 3 N·m (27 lb in).

Bill