New Full Quarter or Patch Panels? - Lateral-g Forums

Ron Fox · #1 08-07-2009, 08:17 AM

I am having my car built. I am a rookie when it comes to cars but I have been reading, watching tv, going to shows and talking to everyone about the correct way or ways to restore a car (with mods). I finally realized that there are so many different ways to build a car (color, mods, details, wheels,etc.) that sometimes it is difficult to choose a direction.

I have heard some people say to keep all the original metal on a car if all possible.

ItDoRun, did you use a butt weld on your patches?

Mrfixit, you mentioned to check the roof carefully. Please explain more.

Are the Full Quarters difficult to line up? Has anyone had problems?

I am also putting in a new full floor. I could patch it but I think it will look cleaner and I will be happy once it is in.

Thanks everyone for the information. This site and everyone in here makes a world of difference.

Bow Tie 67 · #2 08-07-2009, 08:48 AM

The roof can have severe rust under the window trim. I ended up going with a new roof and full quarters. When it comes to original sheet metal dont sweat it that is for people who own rare orginal muscle cars. I'm assuming you will modifying your car since your on this site, so orginality takes a back seat.

Ron Fox · #3 08-07-2009, 09:29 AM

My '69 Firebird is not a rare car. It's only a 4-speed air car. At first I wanted to go back original and maybe upgrade the heads, carb, etc. But as time has gone by the vision in my mind has change over and over many times. It's difficult with so many options out there. At the moment mini tubs, a 4-link, and putting the original engine aside is part of my vision. I bought my Firebird when I was 15 years old (and that was 27+ years ago). I figured that I should build it the way I want since I have no plans on selling it.

The main issue at the moment is getting the body work properly corrected (with all rust eliminated) and to get a very straight car.

Is there an inner structure in the roof that would hold rust? What is everyone's thoughts on my top part of the window (see photo)

Thanks.

J2SpeedandCustom · #4 08-10-2009, 08:18 AM

What about that drivers side rocker? If it's rusted that bad on the outside and in the wheel well I bet the inner rocker is swiss cheese as well! What does the shop that is building the car recommend?

Ron Fox · #5 08-10-2009, 11:13 AM

I actually found an individual who works out of his house and has a nice size shop. It took me almost two years to find someone I could trust and that has experience to back it up. I did my homework on him while looking into around 8 or so references he gave me.

We have studied the car a few times and deceided to go with a full floor and full trunk. Both quarters will need work. He wants to go with a full quarter on the drivers side and patch the passenger side. Both outside rockers will need to be changed. I can see the inner rocker on the drivers side and it seems to look good inside.

I still have issues with the doors and both fenders that I have not mentiones yet. I will start a new thread on both of these. I am sure everyone will say to re-skin both doors. The fenders will need to be patched also.

Any comments about the NOS Full Quarter on Ebay?

Thanks.

ItDoRun · #6 08-10-2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Fox

I actually found an individual who works out of his house and has a nice size shop. It took me almost two years to find someone I could trust and that has experience to back it up. I did my homework on him while looking into around 8 or so references he gave me.

We have studied the car a few times and deceided to go with a full floor and full trunk. Both quarters will need work. He wants to go with a full quarter on the drivers side and patch the passenger side. Both outside rockers will need to be changed. I can see the inner rocker on the drivers side and it seems to look good inside.

I still have issues with the doors and both fenders that I have not mentiones yet. I will start a new thread on both of these. I am sure everyone will say to re-skin both doors. The fenders will need to be patched also.

Any comments about the NOS Full Quarter on Ebay?

Thanks.

I wouldn't bother buying a NOS panel. You'll pay way too much for it and it will still need some work to make it fit. Buy the reproduction piece and use the extra money elsewhere on your car. That's just my opinion.

Ron Fox · #7 08-10-2009, 01:06 PM

Chris, what color are you painting the underside of your car?

ItDoRun · #8 08-10-2009, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Fox

Chris, what color are you painting the underside of your car?

Low gloss/semi gloss black.

Ron Fox · #9 08-10-2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItDoRun

I wouldn't bother buying a NOS panel. You'll pay way too much for it and it will still need some work to make it fit. Buy the reproduction piece and use the extra money elsewhere on your car. That's just my opinion.

He wants $749.00 for the Full Quarter but says "will deal" and gives his email address.

Classic Industries has the Full Quarter for $349.00 or $399.00-I can't remember which.

ItDoRun · #10 08-10-2009, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Fox

He wants $749.00 for the Full Quarter but says "will deal" and gives his email address.

Classic Industries has the Full Quarter for $349.00 or $399.00-I can't remember which.

At $749, I would question if it's really a true GM quarter. I would expect that quarter to be in the $1200-$1500 range if it was an OEM piece, but who knows. If it is a true GM quarter, that seems like a killer deal.