Quarter panel change/Resto

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Apr 9, 2011 | 11:03 AM

Telly899

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Quarter panel change/Resto

Hey guys, i got a 79 f-150, and it needs resto, so im going to start at the rear quarters, whats the best way to cut them off/put new ones back on?

Thanks!

Apr 9, 2011 | 02:20 PM

Action4478

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I find & drill out all the spot welds . I have a tool made for it ,but you can use a 1/4 or so drill bit to do the same .. center drill all the welds with a 1/8 drill &then drill the rest with a 1/4 or you can buy the bit made for the job. You may need a thin putty knife sharpened on the side to hit with a hammer to finish removing the original spot welds .

You can install the new panel by drilling more 1/4 holes in the new panel & puddle weld them shut after proper clamping .. I also have a spot welder , but the puddle weld works better on existing steel that is not perfectly clean . You can also use a weld through primer to help with corrosion resistance at the welds ...

Apr 9, 2011 | 03:59 PM

Telly899

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And I don't have to take off the box or anythimg?

Apr 10, 2011 | 07:46 AM

fordtrucknut77

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pull the bumper, un hook the light plugs and take out the tail lights. Then unbolt the bed and slide it back on the frame 8 or 10 inches.
Also if you use about a 3/8 or 10 mm drill bit to drill the welds out the bedside will practically fall off.

Apr 10, 2011 | 07:47 AM

fordtrucknut77

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another trick is to take a grinder or cut off wheel and grind the outer layer of the weld off and if done correctly your inner structure is already ground down for the install.