I went to go see a Chevelle today, and the only problem with it is that it has rust on the bottom of the rear quarters. This is the area behind the wheels and on the bottom under the bumber. It is a fairly big area on both sides. My question is if there are patch panels that can be purchased to fix this? If so, how much work is it to install a patch panel? I don't want to spend the money if I have to replace the whole quarter. Let me know your opinions! Thanks!

Mike

Rust just dosen't hit one area. Look in the trunk, and outer wheel wells. Crawl underneath and look for daylight with the trunk open.

What year? Is the rest of the car mech. sound concerning trans/engine/interior? Need more info here.

As per your question....sounds like you are jumping the gun worring about replacing the quarter panels or just patching them. But I have seen $500 labor for both quarter replacement plus parts. Patching can run less in parts but not much lower in labor as patches take more work.

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DG
Springfield, Ohio


My 70 Malibu http://www.wright.edu/~adams.41/chevy.htm
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Sorry I should have gave more info:
The car is a 1970 standard Chevelle. The engine is a 350 and it seems to be working great. The interior is also great with just a couple of slits in the seat. Everything else seems to be great it is just that rust on the lower rear quarter panel. What do you guys think? The guy wants about 4000 for it

Yes, there are patch panels available but it's hard to advise you without seeing the damage firsthand. Goodmark quarters run about $500 plus shipping. You should also check the area around the rear window very carefully for previous rust repair. The best way is to take a magnet with you. A magnet will not attract to bondo. I would also check the quarter at the top of the wheel well opening. If you find more rust or bondo, then a full quarter would be the best option. You can try offering less for the car, but I wouldn't try to get him down too much. That's the law of supply and demand. About three to four thousand dollars is the average going price for a restorable, driveable Chevelle these days. If you don't pay it, someone else will.

A lower patch is available if the rest of the quarter is good. I think they run about $30 each. I installed them on my 72. If you know how to weld, your set!



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Bob (Pa.)

1963 Impala 283
1966 Chevelle SS 409
1969 Malibu 307
1972 Malibu 307
1969 Chevy stepside 350

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Ok, I know a friend that can weld real well, but I just want to know what the actual process of installing one of the patch panels is. Do you first have to cut out the bad part of the quarter and then weld in the new patch, or does the patch panel go on top of the existing quarter? mr409 maybe you can explain how you did it exactly? Thanks!

Mike

Do a search on the key words 'patch panel'. There are several to choose from. The one dated 04/20/99 specifies several ways to weld in a patch panel. I personally prefer a butt joint to the overlap method. Read 'em all and figure out what works best for you.

Go to www.autobodystore.com. (http://www.autobodystore.com.) Look under class room projects. Excellent section on how to do a patch.