Hey team,

I have a quater panel needing to be replaced and have never done it before. I'm thinking about doing a frame off restoration, so will it be easier to do it while the body is off? Or is it, for whatever reason, easier to replace it while on the frame still to do any aligning etc?? I need some suggestions. Also, what are some good tips when digging into this project and replacing a quarter panel? Anyone done one before or have any pictures of the process? I'm also debating where to get the actual replacement quarter panel from. I want a good price but I want a good GM steel panel. Any info, pics, and tips would be great! Thanks in advance!

Im not sure how the guys do there full frame-offs but I would do the body work with it on the frame, seems like it would be alot easier to line things up correctly, then again it may be easier to get into those tight spots with it completely off. Any pictures of your project?

From everthing I have read I would not try to change the quarters while off frame. I am in the middle of one now and I can see why you would not want to have it off the frame. It would be flexible. The body bushings are holding it in place. The quarters supply a lot of structure to the back end, so when you remove that the back can shift.

From what I have read check the frame mounts and if you are going to frame off and mounts rusted through, remove and fix frame mounts. Then replace bushings and remount. Replace rear quarter while on frame.

What if the frame is a bent up a bit? I fish-tailed next to a semi on black ice last winter (shouldn't have been driving her), and I really can't tell if the frame needs straightening or not. What's the best way to do this? Should I pull the body and check the frame, and maybe cut the panel out then set her back down on the frame to put the new panel on? I imagine the body wouldn't go back on that well with the bent up QP if the frame is straightend before setting her back down. Let me know what you guys think. So far, sounds like all of you suggest putting the new one on while on the frame. Thanks!

Well first I would MAKE sure that the frame is square and true. What good would come from installing a WELDED on panel on a car that is out of whack???

Take your car to a body shop that has a frame machine and they can tell you if its bent and if it is they can fix it.

Once the frame is true THEN install your 1/4.

A car is just like a house. You wouldnt build a new house on top of an old crumpling foundation would you???

Of course not... just wondering if the body had to be off to straighten the frame, and if so.. how would the busted up body go back on correctly..? I would have to cut the QP out to get it back on the frame. But I guess that depends on if they can do it with the body on or not. Haven't done it before so I'm curious as to how they do it. Thanks.

most frame repairs can be done with the body on. Just how bad was the car damaged? If you fishtailed into an object I would assume the damage to the frame would have been a swayed condition. Did the rear bumper get damaged? Some simple crossmeasurements on the frame can verify if it is swayed.

The rear bumper just has a minor gash in it, but wasn't really damaged. QP was just kinds pushed in from the side, so I can't really tell if it damaged the frame or not. I have some pics if anyone is interested... I can email them. Thanks guys!