replacing bronco quarter panels
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replacing bronco quarter panels
i have a 78 bronco that i am thinking of repainting, i know i can replace the doors and the fenders they are just bolt on peices, but the quarterpanels are in bad shape, it has rust around the wheel wells and in the seam of the door jamb, i have never welded on a body before, i have a wire welder and can weld ok,
i can get new aftermarket sides for $300 each side, if it was a small patch panel i would go for it but i dont know about cutting off the side and welding on a new one, should this be attemted by an amature or should i see about hiring someone to do this for me
i can get new aftermarket sides for $300 each side, if it was a small patch panel i would go for it but i dont know about cutting off the side and welding on a new one, should this be attemted by an amature or should i see about hiring someone to do this for me
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 999
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From: Willamette Valley Oregon
<cr>
Replacing a quarterpanel for a 1st time project, would be tough without some expert advise to guide you.
My advise would be not to tackle such a project unless you can find someone that can point out the problem areas and what have you.
I learned bodywork from taking night classes in a local community college. It was nice having an instructor with 30+ years of experience, who knew the ins and outs. Do you have anything like that in your area?
Replacing a quarterpanel for a 1st time project, would be tough without some expert advise to guide you.
My advise would be not to tackle such a project unless you can find someone that can point out the problem areas and what have you.
I learned bodywork from taking night classes in a local community college. It was nice having an instructor with 30+ years of experience, who knew the ins and outs. Do you have anything like that in your area?
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i would like to take some bodyworkl classes but with my schedule i dont have alot of free time,
would it be worth it to try to "piece together" the quarter panel with patch panels and do small areas a little at a time, i dont mind paying for work but i like doing things myself just for the satisfaction of doing it myself
would it be worth it to try to "piece together" the quarter panel with patch panels and do small areas a little at a time, i dont mind paying for work but i like doing things myself just for the satisfaction of doing it myself
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Georgetown, Ky
Bodywork glasses are a good idea. As for using individual patch panels, well its going to be alot harder to get a Straight panel out of them. If a wave or two in the panel is alright, I dont see a problem with it. However my Choice would be to replace the whole panel. But that isnt something i would suggest for a First time project.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: green bay, WI
most quarter panels are spot welded on by the factory. You would have to drill out all the spot welds and remove the quarter panel and spot weld the new one in. Might have to remove the side glass too. Only place that would have to be welded solid is where it meets the pillars if I am picturing it correctly.
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Laughing Gas
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from the sounds of it, if i attempt to replace quarter panels with no experience i better find someone with experience to help guide me, or i better start talking to some local body shops and see how much they will do it for, i am thinking of replacing the bolt on parts like the doors fenders and tailgate myself and have a shop replace the quarters and spray it,
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i think the price will depend on what type of winter we have in central michigan, if the weather is mild and not alot of snow and ice, like in the past few winters, i think the body shops are hurting for work, i know alot of the good shops around here will want to do the entire job and do it right becuse they don't want to do bad work and then have people think that is the kind of work they do
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Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Eveleth, MN
I replaced the 1/4 panels, doors, and front fenders on my 83' bronco. It was the FIRST Time I've ever done body work. the 1/4 panels were pretty easy actually. Make sure you have the door lined up with the original body panel then grind the spot welds off the old body panel. I drilled holes in the new 1/4 panels where the orginal spot welds (ALL hidden when the door and top are in place) were and lined up the 1/4 panel with the door and clamped it down with welding vice grips and welded in the holes making sure they "melted" into the orginal inner panels. Don't be intimidated by it, just take your time and it should all go well. I used factory ford panels, aftermarket ones might need a little extra work to get them lined up properly.
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I would like to jump in. I just ordered the tail gate skin for my 78 ford bronco and need to figure out how to remove the old skin properly.
I am also going to replace the entire quarter panel. i understand your comments above but i have one question. there is one seam in the skin near the door jam that runs horizontal from the upper door frame across to were the roof meets the body. there era actually two seems one above the other but i am asking about the lower seam. how is this seam attached? how do i seperate the panel at the seam? thnx for any help. thnx, Duke.
I am also going to replace the entire quarter panel. i understand your comments above but i have one question. there is one seam in the skin near the door jam that runs horizontal from the upper door frame across to were the roof meets the body. there era actually two seems one above the other but i am asking about the lower seam. how is this seam attached? how do i seperate the panel at the seam? thnx for any help. thnx, Duke.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Northwestern Ontario
Another thought when replacing the quarter panel is to use panel bonding adhesive along with your welding. You can do alot less welding and the adhesive seals up your seams real well which helps with corrosion protection.
It is not a difficult job, just take your time and make sure the doors align with the new quarter panel prior to starting your welding. You can't make adjustmensts to the panel after it is welded.
Actually, your job would be fairly easy as the roof comes off and covers alot of your welding. (I'm thinking you have a removable roof) There won't be alot of filler required to cover seams.
Check out this site. http://www.autobodystore.com Go to the forum sections
Alot of amateurs and helpful folks on this site. You may just end up wanting to do the painting yourself after you learn some.
I've been doing this work for 40 years.
--
Gordon
It is not a difficult job, just take your time and make sure the doors align with the new quarter panel prior to starting your welding. You can't make adjustmensts to the panel after it is welded.
Actually, your job would be fairly easy as the roof comes off and covers alot of your welding. (I'm thinking you have a removable roof) There won't be alot of filler required to cover seams.
Check out this site. http://www.autobodystore.com Go to the forum sections
Alot of amateurs and helpful folks on this site. You may just end up wanting to do the painting yourself after you learn some.
I've been doing this work for 40 years.
--
Gordon
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