[Greg Reid]

I'm wanting to replace the lower rear quarter panel on my '74 Trans Am. I have a pretty solid partial quarter panel from a '77 (or about that year).
The donor panel still has the inner skin attached. I'm only wanting to replace the outer skin as my inner is good.
My question is this; How do I separate the inner and outer skins without destroying or severely mauling the donor panel's outer skin?
The welds are totally invisible to me on the inner panel.

Greg Reid
Palmetto, Georgia
1974 Trans Am w/455
1969 El Camino ('cause Pontiac didn't make trucks)

[Greg Reid]

I'm wanting to replace the lower rear quarter panel on my '74 Trans Am. I have a pretty solid partial quarter panel from a '77 (or about that year).
The donor panel still has the inner skin attached. I'm only wanting to replace the outer skin as my inner is good.
My question is this; How do I separate the inner and outer skins without destroying or severely mauling the donor panel's outer skin?
The welds are totally invisible to me on the inner panel.

Greg Reid
Palmetto, Georgia
1974 Trans Am w/455
1969 El Camino ('cause Pontiac didn't make trucks)

[455Turbo]

There are a number of spot welds holding the outer lower quarter panel to the quarter panel extension. I'd start by stripping off any paint on the outer panel and rustproofing off the inner panel. The spot welds are located on the lip of the fender right behind the tire, and also along the bottom of lower panel. They are just spot welds and are difficult to see. All that is visible is a slight indentation in the steel, it doesn't take much paint or crud to hide them. There should be welds spaced 2-3 inches apart.

Once you locate them, use a die grinder to grind away the inner panel in the area of the weld. You should be able to see when you're getting close to going through the weld, there will be a fine line visible in the metal. It's a little like pulling teeth trying to get the two pieces apart. A small chisel and a lot of patience helps.

[Greg Reid]

Ok, that's helpful.
I did see a small indentation and drilled it out with no result except a hole in the panel. Out of frustration, I started gently probing and prying with a screwdriver and found the weld. I was able to get it apart with a chisel and it turned out to be very, very near the indentation.
I was just concerned that maybe I was going about it wrong and was going to ruin the donor panel. I suppose I was on the right track but need to refine my technique a bit...and add a double dose of patience.
Thanks for the help.

Greg Reid
Palmetto, Georgia
1974 Trans Am w/455
1969 El Camino ('cause Pontiac didn't make trucks)

[TA76]

Thanks for asking that question Greg and thanks for the answer 455Turbo... I was wondering the same thing myself.

[455Turbo]

Glad it helped. How about posting some pics when you get the panel on the car?

[Greg Reid]

Yeah, I will definitely do that. It's probably going to be a while though. I'd like to get my compressor wired up first and then a bunch of "honeydoos" out of the way.

Greg Reid
Palmetto, Georgia
1974 Trans Am w/455
1969 El Camino ('cause Pontiac didn't make trucks)

[Blackfoot]

I would wire cup the flange from the inner fender well with a wire wheel or wire cup. (gently, not too much heat) And brush( lightly) White vinegar over the area. Overnight the spot welds will appear, and then just drill them out. A little trick I learned from the Indiana State Police. Chemistry is your freind, use it!

I've got a babys brain and an old mans heart,..............

[Greg Reid]

Well, that's an interesting suggestion. Thanks, I'll try it.

Greg Reid
Palmetto, Georgia
1974 Trans Am w/455
1969 El Camino ('cause Pontiac didn't make trucks)