'68 B Body Full Quarter Replace

[EngineerDoug]

Hello all,

Got a question about full quarter panel replacement. I am in the process of replacing both quarters on my '68 B body. The new quarters include a short section that runs up the sail panel; this edge is already flanged for an overlapping joint with the existing portion of the sail panel. In this area I see part of the new panel is designed to curve up with the rear quarter window and fit between the roof and the drip rail. The drip rails are in good shape, and I would rather not disturb them. It looks like a pain to get this portion of the new quarter panel mated to the body. How do most folks do this? Do they separate the drip rail from the roof and then install the quarter? Or do they cut away part of the new quarter and sidestep this area?

It just looks like a 3D puzzle that could be a lot of unnecessary work. Advice/experience is appreciated; thanks.

 

[69 GTX]

Your right it's a bit of work but I pulled everything apart and then reinstalled per factory. Afterwards I was thinking I should have short cut it as the seam for me was under the vinyl top. Also would have made it easier to fit up the quarter as You have to slide that in first.

 

[eldubb440]

side step it, unless there are issues there........the less intrusive you are the better

 

[flypaper]

Separate the drip rails a couple of welds
And get in there.
It's not easy but get er done
that part of the quarter
can be the hardest piece on the car to extract
This is what separates the men from the boys. .

 

[EngineerDoug]

Roger that; thanks for your tips.

 

[EngineerDoug]

Before I start drilling......help me visualize this. The upper tab of the new quarter panel fits up between the roof frame and the drip rail, correct? And the drip rail is spot welded to form a three layer sandwich - roof frame, quarter panel, and drip rail? So I will have to drill out some spot welds from the drip rail side, up through the drip rail and tab of the quarter panel, right?

I just want to understand before I start so I don't do more "damage" than I need to. Thanks!

 

[flypaper]

your assumptions are all correct..