Hello all,
I am writing to find out where to start with new panel installation. It appears that I need new rear quarters, lower rear valence, new rear lower corners, and possibly the tail light panel due to a bad dent. It also needs trunk floors.
I am new to all of this body "work" stuff. I do have from the doors forward in black epoxy primer after stripping to bare metal. Now I am really wondering how or where to start, so everything lines up right.
I wanted to ask you guys because there are a LOT of brilliant, experienced people here! Please advise, my "project 69" and I thank you!!! :popcrn: :popcrn: :popcrn:
If you need a trunk and a light panel you can run the new one piece trunk floor and slide it in through the back. All the new pieces should be test fit with clamps and self-tapping screws.. many times. Fit everything. Deck lid, valence, put everything together. Get the rear of the car together and then fit the doors to quarters and then fenders to doors. Then let the taping begin! We're about to do an e-body right now, can fill you in along the way. We basically set the lines in the car with tape, once and done in my book.
Thanks for the info, looking forward to learning more!
Are you looking to do this work yourself and do you have the tools needed?
I am looking to do the work myself. I have most of the tools I believe, up to and including a miller tig welder. I have a background in aircraft maintenance, so I do have moderate skills but have NEVER tackled something like this. I figured that if I was going to get the right answer, this group would be the place! Everything I have learned here so far has been GREAT!
Thank you for any input and ALL of the advice!
Jason
A tig welder is great but for most of the welding on the car a mig will work better. One thing to watch is when joining new panels to the existing structure. The new metal has a different carbon content than the older steel so you really need to watch that the old steel is heated enough for good weld penetration without blowing a hole in the new metal. This is where a mig will be easier than a tig.
That being said the best way is to start with the innermost structure you are replacing and work your way out. To ensure the car is level and straight will be a good start then dig into the car. Don't be surprised if you come up with hidden rust and be sure to address it correctly by cutting all the bad away and welding in good.
Quote from: 69hemi on November 13, 2013, 09:05:05 PM
A tig welder is great but for most of the welding on the car a mig will work better. One thing to watch is when joining new panels to the existing structure. The new metal has a different carbon content than the older steel so you really need to watch that the old steel is heated enough for good weld penetration without blowing a hole in the new metal. This is where a mig will be easier than a tig.
That being said the best way is to start with the innermost structure you are replacing and work your way out. To ensure the car is level and straight will be a good start then dig into the car. Don't be surprised if you come up with hidden rust and be sure to address it correctly by cutting all the bad away and welding in good.
Very good and to the point advice :2thumbs: The foundation of the project needs proper attention or the finish will suffer.