I have read this answer somewhere but my wife says my memory is as short as my..... http://www.chevelles.com/forum/rolleyes.gif I tell her, you cant fit a standard piston into a bored cylinder. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I currently have frame out and body on 2x4's and jackstands. Doors and glass (except rear glass) are still on. Front clip off.

Car is a 71 malibu not a convertable. Can I cut the rear quarter off and replace outer wheelhouse with the body on stands without flexing the body? Just doin the RH quarter.
Thanks in advance.
Chris

Chris, It probably isn't the preferred method but I did both quarters on my convertible with the body off the frame (with a brace installed).

I don't believe you will have a problem.

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TC #364
Aces #4309
Jeff's 69 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/daytonajeff1.jpg)

Chris, Replacing a quarter panel with the body off the frame will guarantee that you will have fit problems later on. Bracing is not a good idea either. Here's the best way to do it. Complete the frame restoration first. Then spray the complete frame with 3-M spraymask. Then bolt the body on the frame. Install the quarter and do all body and paint work. Then you can wash off the spraymask. This will take some time to wipe down the complete underside of the car but is well worth the effort and guarantees you perfect fit. e-mail me for more info.

Gordon VM

Chris replacing a quarter while the frame is out isnt the way you should be doing it. Bracing the car between the door jams and even from the package try to rear bumper mount should be done if you decide on replacing it off the frame. The quarter is a big piece of the structual frame of the car but if you have the car sitting on those 2x4 right...like the frame would... and braced right you can replace the quarter off the frame.

But since you are also replacing the outer wheel well I would strongly suggust you put the car back on the frame. The outer wheel well supports a lot of the weight of the car, and if you remove it without that weight being supported in areas it needs to be, the car or rear end of the car will drop. Fixing it after it drops and getting it back in place is a tough Mother F*****, been there done that.

By all means get your body work done first and almost ready for the final paint before you worry about the frame. The frame is the last thing you should detail. No matter how well you mask or even that 3M sprayable mask will keep urethane primer overspray off. If you have never used urethane primer it gets on every thing and tough to remove. Also that sprayable mask is a great product if it is removed within a week or two. If left on to long it tends remain on even after many washes and hand scrubbing...Eric

Chris, I am with Eric and Gordon on this one. Let me just tell you from experance, you only make that mistake once http://www.chevelles.com/forum/eek.gif



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1965 Buick Gran Sport Convertible
1965 Buick Skylark H/T
"Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

Chris, Spraymask will clean off completely if you soak it long enough and wipe by hand the complete underside of car when you are done with your restoration. As I said, it will take some time, but well worth it. Also, you still need to do a good job of masking wheel wells,rockers, rear end panels, etc. to avoid overspray, but the spraymask will definately protect the frame and underbody from primer or clear overspray. I have done show winning restorations this way. E-mail if you have any questions.

Gordon VM