My '67, for some reason unbeknownst to me (I have a sneaky suspicion because of larger tires) have the rear quarters cut. It's quite a bit of metal. The rest of the quarters are pretty much rust-free, but after sanding down to bare metal, I noticed that there's filler in the quarters to smooth out numerous dings. (Looks like someone was hitting baseballs off the side of the car.)
My question is, should I just go with patch panels to fix the cut out wheel wells, and have a good body man smooth out the rest of the quarter, or go with new 3/4 panels that will go from the body line down? I know it's been discussed that you should try and retain the original metal where possible. (Due to metal gauge, and contour.)
Let me know what you all think.
Thanks,

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Mark
Member #605
Better to BURN OUT, then to fade away

Is there any rust or rot?

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Triple Black 69 SS 396

A patch would work if the rest of the quarter is good, and the work is done RIGHT. I have seen many cars that after a few years, the filler over the outline of the patch bubbles the paint, and clearly shows that the panel was patched. I suppose this was because the piece was not 100% welded all the way around, and/or the seam was poorly sealed on the backside so moisture was able to get to the filler. The wheelhouse area is constantly hit with dirt, water and whatever so that patch better really be done right for it to last.

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Dave (NY)
70 chevelle ss396 conv
66 chevelle ss396 hdp/conv
72 chevelle
55 chevy prostreet
69/71 camaros
61 impala bubbletop
TC member #493

Droptop has a good point.Alot of bodyshops fix this kind of thing and don't do it to where it will last. Either way is fine. I recommend full quarters to really do it right. Plus it helps with the resale when the proposed buyer looks in and sees the patches and thinks. HMMM how long will that last. They will last if done correctly. They can even be done to where you can't tell. But it'll cost you because they have to smooth both sides. One thing to remember though. Don't warp em with too much heat in one area. And let the filler you do use set up for about a week in good weather before you sand and primer to let the filler really cure 100%. That's were the tell tale signs of patch replacement comes from. I've seen it a 100 times. You can pick the weld line right out. Let the filler cure properly and you won't be disappointed. I promise. RandyB.. Good Luck.