Forums/Z31P/z31-performance-upgrade-forums how-to-guides-advanced/Quarter panel replacement (FINISHED)
Imported from Z31Performance.com Forums{{#if:reddzx| — original post by reddzx}}{{#if:2010-01-27 17:00:14|, posted 2010-01-27 17:00:14}}{{#if:73| · 73 post{{#ifeq:73|1||s}}}}{{#if:/Z31performance_archive/forum/z31-performance-upgrade-forums/how-to-guides-advanced/9436-quarter-panel-replacement-finished.html|
Local archive: view archived thread on dev.z31library.com}}
reddzx: (2010-01-27 17:00:14)
I have decided to repair the silver 87 turbo with the damaged body. My body man showed me pictures of other uni-body damage and repairs similar to this one. I am confident they can do a good job for the $1617.00 they quoted me.
I am supplying all the parts so this will be a WIP thread.
I started to cut the entire quarter out of the donor car yesterday and had to stop due to darkness. all I have left is to remove the hatch and make the final cut across the top. It should come right off unless I missed some inner connection.
I used a saws-all with 8" metal cutting blades and a small grinder with 4" cutting wheels.
Here's what I have to replace on the 87 Turbo.
[archived image: 3.jpg]
The 87 NA donor car
[archived image: 6-87NA008.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair001.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair002.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair003.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair004.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair005.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair006.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair007.jpg]
vagabond: (2010-01-27 17:52:12)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
This should be interesting.
BLOZ UP: (2010-01-27 18:34:44)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
I hate body work. Really hate it. But I want to see what happens.
mistah mofro: (2010-01-27 22:51:03)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Cant wait to see this, My 86 also has qrt panel damage but on the passenger side. Hope all goes well.
reddzx: (2010-01-28 00:36:41)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
I made a few more cuts and pulled the entire quarter off. The body shop will trim it the way they want. He said for me to just cut the whole corner off even though they don't need that much. It's easier to handle and this way they can use a template to match the cutting.
I'll probably cut the other side off too. Z-karma might need it for the Shiro I sold him.
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair008.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair009.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair010.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair012.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair013.jpg]
DeleriousZ: (2010-01-28 01:01:04)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Shouldn't you have done some sort of bracing before cutting it up?
reddzx: (2010-01-28 01:18:28)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Brace what? I'll put a 2X4 between the top and the cubby spot when I cut the other side off. I don't care if the rest of it fall apart, I got what I wanted for my $50. I'll pull the rear suspension assembly drive line out, pull the doors, t-tops and strip the engine compartment and haul it off.
The quarter came off clean. I saved a few small cuts on top and in the door jam to hold it while I cut the rest.
I leaned against it while I did the top cut last and the piece just lifted out of place
jn1cz: (2010-01-28 02:29:11)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
This is really going to be good. I'll be watching and good luck.
Robyr: (2010-01-29 15:29:12)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
I agree, this is great stuff. Good documentation to point people to. Unibody repair is a bitch and a half.
Greasedmonkey: (2010-01-29 16:24:17)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
I will have to do this to the z I'm about to pick up. I'm not looking forward to it. But I want a z again.
michaelp: (2010-01-29 16:27:14)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Most people have to do different repair work though…
Robyr: (2010-01-29 17:08:38)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
[quote]michaelp wrote:
I agree, this is great stuff. Good documentation to point people to. Unibody repair is a bitch and a half.
Most people have to do different repair work though…
Yeah, I don't envy you at all. My 86 is still (crosses fingers) rust free. Gotta love South Carolina 8)
reddzx: (2010-01-29 17:09:18)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
[quote]michaelp wrote:
I agree, this is great stuff. Good documentation to point people to. Unibody repair is a bitch and a half.
Most people have to do different repair work though…
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e295/ … NY0404.jpg
That has nothing to do with what I'm trying to do. It is an example of the more common wheel well and lower rear quarter rust repair. This type of repair is well documented and commonly done.
I have not seen to many documented examples of the type of quarter panel replacement I hope to accomplish with this car.
Post one if you can find one. I'd like to see how someone else has done it.
michaelp: (2010-01-29 17:37:33)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
[quote]reddzx wrote: [quote=michaelp]
I agree, this is great stuff. Good documentation to point people to. Unibody repair is a bitch and a half.
Most people have to do different repair work though…
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e295/ … NY0404.jpg
That has nothing to do with what I'm trying to do. It is an example of the more common wheel well and lower rear quarter rust repair. This type of repair is well documented and commonly done.
I have not seen to many documented examples of the type of quarter panel replacement I hope to accomplish with this car.
Post one if you can find one. I'd like to see how someone else has done it.
Not the entire quarter, no. But I once cut 2 quarter panels off a car at a junkyard with a chisel and a hammer. The ENTIRE quarter panel, which we then used pieces of it to fix that car. I'll be patching in part of my quarter too to fix the dent, but not the whole thing like you. Good luck [archived image: smile.png]
reddzx: (2010-01-29 17:48:26)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
I don't think that the entire piece I cut out will be used. I just did it to give the body man the option of cutting out his own usable section.
Rat1314: (2010-01-30 01:22:24)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Wow, I can't wait to see how it all turns out
Rick88ss: (2010-01-30 01:37:34)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
It'll work out fine. :-D
Make an El Camino Z with the parts car. Throw some plywood on there to make a bed and another piece of plywood with a window cut out behind the seats. LOL
I've seen it done alot around Miami with all kind of cars and old vans.
2slick85z31: (2010-01-30 01:43:08)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
saw someone do that in tampa with a 97 cougar, removed rear seats and chopped the roof about a foot and made a truck out of it with a working tailgate.
as for the OP, this should be interesting to watch, oh btw… how much for the "T-Bar" roof interior trim? :twisted:
reddzx: (2010-01-30 04:29:29)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
You mean the red trim around the inside of the t-tops?
2slick85z31: (2010-01-30 04:33:14)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
yessir! mine is held together with thumb tacks thanks to the PO
reddzx: (2010-01-30 05:10:39)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
I cut through it when I cut the panel off. I have had no luck selling red interior parts so I very seldom save them.
2slick85z31: (2010-01-30 08:46:27)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
ahh! oh noes! that really sucks! [archived image: redface.png]uin [archived image: redface.png]uin [archived image: redface.png]uin [archived image: redface.png]uin [archived image: redface.png]uin [archived image: redface.png]uin well if you can find a decent condition T-bar roof liner and some rear shock-tower covers (minimal scratches/gouges) pm me! im definitely interested!!
reddzx: (2010-01-30 12:16:14)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Red interior right?
2slick85z31: (2010-01-30 23:27:37)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
yessir!
reddzx: (2010-02-01 01:11:03)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Well I cut out the passengers side today. I sold the motor which will be pulled by the buyer next weekend. A few hours work pulling the suspension and diff and it will be history.
I been selling parts and building my car fund so I may have enough in a few weeks to repair both cars. I need to pull the damaged parts off the 2+2 so I can see what the lower A pillar damage looks like.
Passengers side quarter panel
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair014.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair015.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair016.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepair017.jpg]
2slick85z31: (2010-02-01 01:26:30)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
LOL put a tag and some autozone taillights on it and drive that shit around! :nanan?re
Matt89: (2010-02-01 01:33:32)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Z31 dune buggy :-D
Take the rest of the top and the doors off and go have fun.
reddzx: (2010-02-01 01:39:13)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
- lol: Stuck in reverse or I would
reddzx: (2010-02-02 15:23:02)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
87 Turbo 2+2 damage to repair. I might do this repair first. I'll soon have enough money to do both.
[archived image: Wrecked22001.jpg]
nismopu: (2010-02-02 18:22:01)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Come on Tim! That would be fun as hell! Besides its not like you have any blind spots anymore, lol! It would be cool to drive backwards and watch how much the body flexes without all of its key structure. Hmmm. I do need to make a trip that way this weekend. Lol!
reddzx: (2010-02-03 00:40:29)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
It now has a flat tire now due to my overzelous sawsall action. No, I'm gonna pass. I don't want to draw any attention from the police/city to what I do in my back yard. I don't have a title for this car so I don't know if it has any unwanted baggage like being a stolen car.
If I lived outside the city, you bet. I'd be spinning reverse donuts and some gravel drifting.
reddzx: (2010-03-07 02:24:32)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Scrapping it out.
[archived image: 87300ZXdonorcar022.jpg]
[archived image: 87300ZXdonorcar021.jpg]
Rocker panels
[archived image: 87300ZXdonorcar020.jpg]
Rick88ss: (2010-03-07 05:53:45)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Are the 2 front wheel well liners any good?
reddzx: (2010-03-07 06:08:52)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Yeah, I have several of them. A few have there mounting holes ripped out but still work with a black washer.
2slick85z31: (2010-03-23 22:05:56)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
are those rockers just tacked in? its been a while since i've seen my z but i seem to remember they were.
if you still have those rockers would you mind selling them? im in need of some, since i have a 1" hole in my passenger side rocker.
reddzx: (2010-06-13 20:39:44)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Well I got side tracked doing the 2+2 repair.
[archived image: PIC_0085.jpg]
I sold the black 5/87 turbo and the red 86 turbo and a bunch of parts. I now have enough in my car fund to complete this project. I have been buying up parts from some of you guys and ordering through Z31parts and MSA. Here's some of the stuff.
SATAN: (2010-06-13 21:54:04)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
You should do the same thing SCC (Sport Compact Car) did with a sentra. A fan asked what it would take to get their Sentra into the 14's as cheaply as possible or some shit. So they basically cut some random Sentra down to a seat,windshield and engine. They got it into the 14's too.
Funny shit here.
http://www.aeriostyle.com/forum/viewtop … 95&start=0
reddzx: (2010-07-16 22:06:04)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Rick88ss: (2010-07-17 05:21:11)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
coming along nicely. Were all of those hole necessary on the passenger side to pull out the panel?
reddzx: (2010-07-17 05:48:00)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
I don't know. There is no way to work from the other side with out cutting into the inside. I was on vacation while it was being done. The guy knows what he's doing, I've seen alot of his work.
Careless: (2010-07-17 07:45:14)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
i'm surprised he does not have a spot weld panel puller and uses the old cleco style puller.
michaelp: (2010-07-17 15:58:57)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
I tried using one of the old style ones on my car, was a PITA.
reddzx: (2010-07-17 16:16:46)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
The body guy is in his late 40's and is mute, I have to communicate with a pad and pencil. He can't hear or speak but body work is his life. I'm thinking he learned to do it this way and does what he knows. For the price of all the work I'm getting, I'm not complaining about how he does it. He also did the red 87T 2+2 and the Black 87T car I sold to ponchoz, you guys saw how those turned out.
reddzx: (2010-08-15 02:41:15)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
It's coming along, still have to cleanup the welds inside and paint the tool kit area. Hopfully be done by next week
Careless: (2010-08-17 07:51:23)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
do you have pictures of the welds on the back? I just wanna see what it looks like.
it looks flawless by the way.
reddzx: (2010-09-04 18:48:29)
Re: Quarter panel removal and replacement
Just home from the shop, more pictures later
Rick88ss: (2010-09-05 03:37:01)
Very nice work. Was the whole car repainted or just the damaged sections?
jn1cz: (2010-09-05 03:55:46)
That looks good Tim. Really good.
reddzx: (2010-09-05 04:22:21)
The entire car was repainted including all the black trim.
Final price for everything encluding rust removal and repainting the inside hatch spare/tool area was $1927.89
The-Dude709: (2010-09-05 04:24:01)
That is one amazing job. Wow lol
reddzx: (2010-09-05 04:27:20)
Believe it or not, this was done at Maaco.
nismopu: (2010-09-05 04:35:29)
Almost doesnt look like the same car Tim! I am glad you kept it after all, I also like how you kept the lighter silver color!
michaelp: (2010-09-05 04:48:14)
Looks good but....whats with the rubber bump guard on the drivers side. That is NOT the proper one for there.
reddzx: (2010-09-05 05:01:15)
WOW I didn't even notice that, I'll check that out tomorrow.
matico40: (2010-09-05 05:06:57)
not to sound discouraging or like an ass but you can definetely tell it was in an accident and that they didn't do a "great" job (it doesn't line up w the hatch properly, bumper has gaps, etc)…however, I understand how hard it is to do what they did and (for the type of job) it's very good!
It definetely looks WAY better and like a proper Z [archived image: smile.png]
Enjoy it!
michaelp: (2010-09-05 05:10:29)
[quote]reddzx wrote:
Looks good but....whats with the rubber bump guard on the drivers side. That is NOT the proper one for there.
WOW I didn't even notice that, I'll check that out tomorrow.
You should take the pics of the driverside down, everytime I see it it drives me crazy. Its annoying…
sprtcrazy17: (2010-09-05 06:56:29)
^ then don't look at it? ding ding ding.
Looks awesome dude
reddzx: (2010-09-05 14:02:48)
Go rattle can something. N
Nobody gives a rats ass what you think about my car
matico40: (2010-09-05 14:34:52)
so red, what are the plans for this car? DD? or are you going to surprise us lol?
reddzx: (2010-09-05 14:50:53)
I'll drive it for a while until something else catches my eye. I have a 59 Chevy hot rod truck project going also.
I still have alot of mods to do on it. All poly everything, MSA camber kit, ST springs, Illumina's, FMIC with MBC, Z32 front brakes, 1" adapters, Taurus e-fan, 90amp alternater, Blauplunk sound system, rear hatch area speaker unit, Recaro seats. All these parts are in boxes or laying around waiting to be installed.
You guys know how I am, always something new. I'm still looking for an SS in good condition locally that I can steal for a good price.
sprtcrazy17: (2010-09-07 04:33:56)
[quote]reddzx wrote:
^ then don't look at it.
Go rattle can something. :nanan?re
Wait… what?
NissanXRMA: (2010-09-07 17:13:45)
[quote]sprtcrazy17 wrote: [quote=reddzx]
^ then don't look at it.
Go rattle can something. :nanan?reWait… what?
I'm guessing it was directed at mike.
Careless: (2010-09-07 18:07:35)
yeah, cause people spend money on aesthetics to not look at things…
reddzx: (2010-09-07 18:37:11)
They're going to repair the trim today after work.
reddzx: (2010-10-28 23:55:41)
Sig picture is the finished product.
michaelp: (2010-10-29 19:20:46)
Yeah, looks good [archived image: smile.png]
jjcuff1: (2010-11-01 20:02:44)
I had the same damage and same repair work done
here is my story
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=24718
reddzx: (2014-08-16 02:52:20)
The damage
[archived image: 3.jpg]
[archived image: IMG_0682.jpg]
[archived image: IMG_0680.jpg]
[archived image: 4.jpg]
The repair
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepairs007.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepairs003.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepairs004.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepairs005.jpg]
[archived image: Quarterpanelrepairs012.jpg]
[archived image: 4-87003.jpg]
[archived image: 4-87004.jpg]
td06z31: (2014-08-16 04:55:41)
Nice looks good I'm a big fan of silver on z31 and z32s which is weird because I hate silver but it looks awesome on thesw.
Augustus Maximus: (2014-08-16 16:31:31)
Nice work, Tim .
reddzx: (2014-08-16 16:48:08)
this is an old thread from four years ago that had broken links. A member asked me to restore them.
Augustus Maximus: (2014-08-17 13:31:22)
Grabbed a dent puller on account of this thread. I also used a grinder to remove a quarter, I went through discs at an alarming rate.
reddzx: (2014-09-16 13:44:03)
Grabbed a dent puller on account of this thread. I also used a grinder to remove a quarter, I went through discs at an alarming rate.
That's why I used disc grinder to start the cut and sawzall to do most of the cutting