[6d7gto]

Originally Posted by drewm

My plan is to use it much like I was going to use the skin. Cut below the body line from the jamb to the tail panel and weld it in. So really nothing on the top part of the quarter, that will be the original panel. I know it is not ideal with such a long weld line, but my options are limited. At least with the full quarter, I am hopeful that things will line up and look correct. The skin wasn't even close.

Use as much of the original panel as possible. You have a good plan going below the body line. Might consider using a pro body man with access to a planishing tool and have him take the full quarter off before doing the cutting/welding. Might seem like MORE work that way, but better results in the end. Ask me how I know!

[drewm]

Originally Posted by 6d7gto

Might consider using a pro body man with access to a planishing tool and have him take the full quarter off before doing the cutting/welding. Might seem like MORE work that way, but better results in the end. Ask me how I know!

I can definitely see how this would most likely work better, but hopefully if I just take my time I'll end up with a good repair. When I first got the car, no body guy wanted to deal with it because it was a roller and needed so much work. So I've done all the body work myself so far. It's still a roller, but slowly getting there...

[6d7gto]

Originally Posted by drewm

I can definitely see how this would most likely work better, but hopefully if I just take my time I'll end up with a good repair. When I first got the car, no body guy wanted to deal with it because it was a roller and needed so much work. So I've done all the body work myself so far. It's still a roller, but slowly getting there...

Hats off and commendations to you!

Not having a convertible, I wonder how much work it would be to remove the entire quarter before doing the repair? Especially if you need to replace the rear tail panel or deck panel or wheelhouse(s) anyway?

I wish I had done this on my hardtop because from what I recollect, it was extremely hard to get to the welds from the inside because of the inner wheelhouse and other structural components getting in the way.

Either way, one tip is to use aluminum strips as heat sinks behind the weld (bent to have the same contours as the panel). The aluminum strips would have to be held in place with deep vise grip clamps (or metal duct tape as an alternative to the clamps).