How hard is it to install Quarter Panels on a '68 SS? Does it require a lot of welding? Would you recommend taking it to a shop?

I'm not experienced with installing these but I've heard a lot about them. Unless you really know what you're doing, I would recommend taking them to a shop to get professionally done. It looks like someone inexperienced put on on my car and it's misaligned with the door (door sticks out more)and it rusted out because they didn't seal it not to mention loads of bondo.

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1970 Chevy El Camino (Custom) Non-SS (http://www.dreamelectric.com/images/pb040001a.jpg)
Will be Green Mist & Silver w/Green Vinyl Top (now black)
350ci/300HP 4bbl & Dual Exhaust
TH-350 - 2.73 Posi Rear - Factory PS, PB, PW, A/C & More
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"..dreams turn into dust and blow away"- Dionne Warwick (1968)

Jeff, I did my own Panels on my 66. These was also the first that I've done. If you take your time and double check everthing you can do this. I put 80% quarters in mine which requires alot of welding (from the taillight housing to the door) Everthing else was spot welding. If you go with full Quarters then I think all the welding is spot welding. My opinion is if you have a friend that does body work ask him to go through it with you. I like doing all the work myself that's the only reason I did mine.Also if you go with 80%, tack weld (real good)all the way around the quater when you weld the seam at top start at the front and weld about a 1/2 inch then move to the back and weld 1/2 inch and then in the middle 1/2 inch. Hope this helps, if you need anymore info e-mail.

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i installed 3/4 full replacement quarters from CARS on my 69 malibu. it takes a ton of welding. i highly recommend a MIG (wire feed) welder. weld very little at a time to keep it from warping...the time you save by welding it fast is spent 20 times over straighening your warped panels.

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Derek Kiefer
ss_chevelle_69@hotmail.com
Derek69SS = AOL instant messenger

69 Chevelle SS 396/325hp 3spd man., 12-bolt 3.31 gears lemans blue, no engine
69 Chevelle Malibu 350/250hp, TH350, 10-bolt 2.56 gears, dark cloisonne met. (purplish blue)
23 Ford Model T runabout, stock 20hp 4cyl (i know it's a ford but it's still fun to drive...slowly)

"If it was really worth doing, i would have already done it"

Mis-alignment is common with FULL panel replacement. Full 1/4's are the trunk opening edges, door jambs and rear sail panels. If you're car isn't completely crunched in the rear, go with 80% panels that only cover the sides. Leave the door jambs & tops alone. Hold the panels up to the existing ones and figure where to cut, leaving an edge of about 1". You'll have to shape the edge with a vice grip tool (Eastwood) to allow a recessed edge for the new panel to adhere to. This process will allow for a smooth transition from old to new panel. Cut the old ones off with an air shear. The hardest part is removing the old ones by drilling all of the spot welds and chiseling a little.
Follow above advice for welding the new panels on. Measure once, twice, thrice then cut & weld. Can you handle it?

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Triple Black 69 SS 396