First time Quarters thought I'd share results

Discussion in 'Color is everything!' started by 71ConvtSkylark, Oct 20, 2005.

  1. 71ConvtSkylark

    71ConvtSkylark Well-Known Member

    This is the first quarter job I have ever done. Took me a couple months, but I am super pleased with the results! Thought I would share for all those who wonder if you have to be a pro to get a job done.

    -Jon
     

    Attached Files:

  2. 71ConvtSkylark

    71ConvtSkylark Well-Known Member

    Pic 2

    Quarter installed:
     

    Attached Files:

  3. 71ConvtSkylark

    71ConvtSkylark Well-Known Member

    And Paint!
     

    Attached Files:

  4. 71GSX455-4SPD

    71GSX455-4SPD Nick Serwo Magic Car

    Very adventurous, Jon! I imagine you were sweating as you were cutting metal and heading down the path of no return! :eek2:

    Looks good! :TU:
     
  5. xhp734

    xhp734 Hearing the Voices again.

    That looks great! :TU:
     
  6. Phil

    Phil It really *is* a 350...

    Just a question Jon,

    (since I too am heading down that path in the future)

    Did you weld the panel on or use bonding adhesive? I've seen a couple of articles on bonding adhesive vs. welding and modern adhesives are said to have an exceptional quality that puts them on par with welding.

    BTW - It looks great.

    Thanks,

    -Phil
     
  7. Lon Bauer

    Lon Bauer Well-Known Member

    Looks good :TU:

    I'm going to have to do this on my convertible one day too :(

    Good luck on the rest!!!

    More pictures and discription of what you did are always appreciated.

    Lon
     
  8. 71ConvtSkylark

    71ConvtSkylark Well-Known Member

    Thanks! I was sweatin to the oldies when I cut those off. It actually halted the restoration for about a year while I read up on it, asked millions of questions and practiced my welding and worked up the nerve to jump in. Oh, that answers another question, I welded them, not adhesive. My reason was things arent perfect, and there was an area under really heavy bind. I had to use 20 sheet metal screws just to hold it in place for the weld. I think adhesive wouldn't have taken the abuse, or held. My car was hit gently on that side, but it only takes a minor metal bend to put unusual angles on the new quarter. The biggest tip is take your time. Small welds, keep the heat down, and keep a cool rag handy to cool the metal after the weld. Like I said it took me 3 months to complete the quarters from cut, to fit, to weld, to finish to bondo. I took my time to do it. It would take me MUCH less time to do them again. Just fit everything before tacking the first weld.

    Thanks,
    -Jon

    P.S. Dont waste your money on the Chevelle outter wheel wells. They dont fit, and dont even come close. I could have had better result with flat steel shaped in a vice.
     
  9. wildcat4

    wildcat4 Well-Known Member

    Wow Jon, you got guts. Great job! You can be proud of your work and probably get alot of satisfaction knowing you did it yourself.
     
  10. GStage1

    GStage1 Always looking for parts!

    hmmmmmmmmmmm, wonder where he got some pointers from????? :laugh:

    I also noticed no empty beer bottles on the floor or on the shelves. See.......I told ya......w/o beer googles on.....you can do good work! :TU:
     
  11. xhp734

    xhp734 Hearing the Voices again.

    Were both sides dented?

    The reason I'm asking is because I need to replace my lower quarter panels, just after the wheelwells, because they're rusted through. I was originally going to replace just a little more than the affected area - the patches would've been about 6"x6". Within the past three days, I've spotted a few threads where the entire quarter panels was just out and replaced (similar to yours) and am starting to wonder if this has to be an all-or-nothing task.

    Just thought I'd ask to be sure.
     
  12. GStage1

    GStage1 Always looking for parts!

    Depends on your corrosion. I would carefully inspect the trunk drops while you are under the car if your qtrs are rusted. Those are available new from Sherman. I have them listed on the site under new repro products.

    I would remove your rear seat and then both side panels and look inside the window regulator opening to check the backside of the qtr panels for damage/rust.
     
  13. 71ConvtSkylark

    71ConvtSkylark Well-Known Member

    I did get some advice from George, but he just kept advising me to sell it to him for $500. :Smarty:

    As for replacing your quarters, it just matters how bad they are. Remember, most of this rust happens from the back side through, so just cause you dont see it, doesn't mean its about to pop through. If it were me, I woudl probably strip the paint around the area, and then lightly sand blast to see if you poke through anywhere. My quarters were rust on teh lip, and the back area was gone. The outter well also had to be re-worked.

    The dents were very minimal, and only on one side, but this repro stuff is never dead on, but its close. Hence why I like welding. I know its gonna stay where I put it. I am no expert though, I leave that for George! :laugh:

    Thanks,
    -Jon
     
  14. Brian Albrecht

    Brian Albrecht Classic Reflections

    Impressive!
     
  15. Freakazoid

    Freakazoid Gold Level Contributor

    Do It Your Self.

    Great job,from what I see looks like you did it right . By doing it your self you know its right and or what you got. and saved a load of cash. I do all my own work so I know its right. Also Welding is the only way to go, could you see getting into an accident with bonded on quarters. They would probably fall off.
     
  16. 71ConvtSkylark

    71ConvtSkylark Well-Known Member

    I agree, and I know whats under that paint too! Cant beleive how the polishing/buffing has brought out the shine! Wow! I will post pictures of the rest of thr car soon.

    -Jon
     
  17. goof

    goof Well-Known Member

    I think it looks wonderful; very nicely done! Where did you get your panel? This may be in my future and I've always read that convertible panels were slightly different than hardtops. Did this affect you? Thanks!
     
  18. GStage1

    GStage1 Always looking for parts!

    Goof,
    Can you at least add your first name to your signature line?

    You can get nice qtr skins from www.tabcobodyparts.com

    You use the hdtp skins on the conv and there is no problem doing so. You just need to make the cut below the qtr peak line. You can see where I make my cuts on our site.

    Visit www.buickperformance.com/70GSConv.thm
     
  19. 71ConvtSkylark

    71ConvtSkylark Well-Known Member

    Tabco is the only place to get your quarters like George said. Hes a good guy even if his post seemed a little short..... :Dou:

    I will post pictures of the rest of the car here shortly. Really happy with the results I got on the whole thing! The quarters shown in the picture are hard top quarters, just cut to fit the convertible.

    -Jon
     
  20. pglade

    pglade Well-Known Member

    Great looking job Jon!----and that color looks excellent on the car. Patton
     

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