I've read about replacing quarter panels but how do you go about spot welding the front edge where it mates with the top of the rocker panel? The only thing I can think of is cutting access from the inside and then welding it up afterwards. The existing seam has seam sealer in it, what about just doing a continuous weld along that seam from the outside? While I'm at it, has anyone fitted the available quarter made for coupes to a 2 door post car? I know the top is different but from the lowest body seam down it "looks" the same.

If it's the area I'm thinking about and where you are talking about you can get in there by taking off the interior side panel and having the quarter glass rolled up. There should be access openings in there so ther factory could install the regulators and glass.
If it is that area, when you get the old quarters off, see if there is any drain slots and if necessary slot them out lower so less water can sit in that area and then put in enough seam sealer on the backside to keep any water from standing in there and to help direct the water to the drain slots.
You could just weld up the seam on the outside but if you don't seal it up or have a way to keep water from sitting on the backside, you will be dealing with the rust problem again later.
When I did full quarters on my car I did a lot of plug welding and had holes drilled in the lips of the new or old panel edges (depending on how I could get in there with the wire feed welder) to where when they were clamped or held together tightly I could weld both panels together.
Jim

On my 65 you would need arms 4' long to reach, OK maybe I could reach but I didn't think I could actually see what I was welding. I agree 100% about the seam sealing and water control you're talking about. I guess If you just have a trailer queen and never wash it, it wouldn't matter. A guy with a very nice old Hot Rod Ford told me you never wash a custom car just polish. Maybe so but living in New England I will definately need to wash it weekly.

Use panel bonding adhesive. It is as strong as welding and you will have 100% rust protection in the joint. Cost is about $35-$40 a tube. You could do both quarters with 1 tube and spot welding. Have fun.

I found an interior shot with the rear side panel off and the slotted opening on the inner panel should be enough for you to get in there to plug weld unless you are built like the Hulk.

http://www.chevworld.com/images/chevelle27.jpg

I do like the idea of glue. Before it hardens you could smooth it out on the inside to direct the water where you want it to go.

Jim

Originally posted by Jim Streib:
I found an interior shot with the rear side panel off and the slotted opening on the inner panel should be enough for you to get in there to plug weld unless you are built like the Hulk.

http://www.chevworld.com/images/chevelle27.jpg

I do like the idea of glue. Before it hardens you could smooth it out on the inside to direct the water where you want it to go.

Jim That would be no problem to get in there and mig weld it. I have done many and its no problem.
Ron

me too

This is with panel bond. If you try it you will like it.

http://img222.exs.cx/img222/3240/convertible1998vr.jpg

Jim, Thanks for the picture but my 2 door sedan has much smaller openings. I looked at it again last night and I think I can weld it if I get the drop light just right. The panel adhesive is a possiblity too.

Where do I get the panel Adhesive? How do you put the panel on with it?
Just apply the adhesive and then put the panel on and hold in place with clamps till dry?

Originally posted by Deadcarny:
Where do I get the panel Adhesive? How do you put the panel on with it?
Just apply the adhesive and then put the panel on and hold in place with clamps till dry? You can get it from an auto paint store. The panel basicaly go"s on the same way as if welding it. Sand prep the areas to be glued, both the panel and the mateing surface on car. Make sure fit is perfect as you would when welding. then apply adhesive. I like to use a disposable brush to sread it around and cover all bare metal. Put panel in place and clamp. You will need about 20 clamps on a quarter panel. Let dry and your done.
I like to use the 90 minute adhesive on a big panel like that. You should still spot weld in a few places around the panel.

Thanks! I am going to try it!

You'll be happy using the adhesive on these areas, just make sure the bond areas are ground to bare metal and that you apply the adhesive to all areas. I usually apply it to both pieces and tool untill all the bare metal within the flange is covered then apply a bead. let the excess squish out and wipe away. Make sure you test fit the panel well before putting it on because there will be no way to move it after the glue sets. I like Fusor adhesives but they do have a tacky surface after full dure which will need to be wiped off with laquer thinner or sanded away. Lifetime warrantee. Check out Lord Fusor's website for instructions.

I just got finished replacing both quarters on my 70. One thing I learned is to pre-plan everything and fit it over and over. During pre planning I used a marker and marked where I wanted each hole to be to drilled for plug welding. With the holes drilled I then made sure all primer was removed on both pieces. If any thing will mess up a weld is the primer left behind. As far a the area on the rocker I did the same thing. I was able to plug weld, by gaining access from inside the rear quarter window. I removed the window and all the the raising arms. It was not to bad. As far as the panel glue goes I used some to fill in some small pin holes. I had to borrow a glue gun, the panel glue I used is called "panel bond" which needs a special gun to push out the glue in equall amounts. This stuff is great sands like bondo, but holds like a weld. Good luck

I'm in the process of replacing the d/s quarter
on my 64. Do the replacement panels come with
a an inside "lip" to weld to the inner rocker?
thanks, Rich

Originally posted by rich64:
I'm in the process of replacing the d/s quarter
on my 64. Do the replacement panels come with
a an inside "lip" to weld to the inner rocker?
thanks, Rich Yes, if you have the full panel and not the patch panel.