One way that we have done a complete rear end replacement was to do one quarter panel at a time. It keeps the car more stable. If the roof does not need to be replaced then I would leave it. When doing the quarters, make sure to fit the doors and trunk lid before cutting the old quarter panel off, that way you have the door and deck lid to help line up the new panel. I have always done my own sand blasting and once you get the quarter off, you might as well sand blast and paint the supports.

My trunk pan has horrible rust so i need to replace it aswell I'm guessing if i have the quarters cut off this part of the job is a lot smoother

Make sure you do FULL panels....80% quarters or skins don't cut it in the end!!

X2^^^^ I got some 80% quarters with my car and now they are for sale. I will use full panels when the time comes.:cheers:

dropping the fuel tank tommorow and cutting the trunk out anything special i need to know?

The Y-braces are okay. I see now the panel you are talking about. if you're doing the full trunk pan, then the plate needs to be removed.

Now that I'm back to being a broke college student project is at a stand still for now. I did find out where the water is getting in though, apparently i have bad seals in my windshield by the a pillars so who knows what kind of condition the metal is in under the trim. the rear window has the same problem. I guess the cosmetic stuff will come last so for now I'm saving all for performance. Next purchase AME sub frame it's really the only thing that cant snow ball me. When that will be who knows lol

Interesting post. If I were you, I'd stay on the sheetmetal before spending precious project $$$ on high end suspension. Just my .02...