Got Hit in the Cuda this Morning

[IMNCARN82]

If it was me they'd never find the body....  I'll light a candle for you. Where u at ?  I could buff that out...

[7E-Bodies]

I think I would start with hitting the local car shows. Talk to the guys with the biggest dollar rides and get info on where they would go and who they trust. I wouldn't call around to shops asking, because they're liable to tell you anything. Proven results are the best trail to follow. Glad it wasn't more serious and good move directing the hit to the back end of the car.

[Solarguy]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone.  I spent some time yesterday with a small hammer and an assortment of homemade dolly's and got the original molding pretty good looking.  It's aluminum so it's fairly malleable.   I have a new AMD quarter panel arriving next week which I'll try to fit to that. Then maybe a good sanding and polishing may save it.   A used marker light is also on the way. 

The 2 body shops I met with both wanted me to get parts which is what I wanted also.  I've already laid out $$$ for the quarter and the light which Hagerty said they will reimburse me for.  We'll see how long that takes, I already submitted those invoices. 

The shops gave differing opinions on how to repair.  One shop wanted to replace the entire quarter saying that is the best approach.  Again, the car already has/had lower quarters replaced.  The other guy wanted to cut and replace from  just above the Hockey stripe down.  Obviously those are very different approaches with one involving removing the rear window, getting into C pillar and tail panel sections and door jamb and one does not.  I'm leaning towards full panel replacement, its way more invasive but then the seams are where they should be.  I want what's best for the car.  What do you guys think? 

[1970 cuda Joe]

I would try to save as much of the original car as I could. If it's already had a quarter panel then it really wouldn't matter. I had a guy work on one of my cars where the lower quarters had problem. He cut the problem out. Repaired that piece & welded it back in. Metal finished everything so there would be no bondo. That craftmanship is hard to find today.....Joe

[Brads70]

I would want the entire quarter replaced, not just some welded in patches. But that's just me and I'm no expert.

[Mr Cuda]

 Having done this job numerous times, there are benifits and reasons for either method.
 Typical rust issues, like lower qtr and wheel arch, I like the perimeter cut method. I usually leave 3/4 or an inch, and this is the important part, butt weld the qtr skin on.
 If you use a flanging tool, or overlap the panel, you mess with the surface tension of the skin.
 This way you have the original hard edge fold on door edge, and crisp body line on qtr top.
 Every time I put the full qtr on, you end up fighting some or all gaps.


PS. In my mind the information is all clear, if you want me to expound on details, I can. I have put on over 100 qtr panels
 

[RUNCHARGER]

In this case too bad it doesn't have a vinyl roof to help with the paint blend. In spite of that I would want a full quarter put on it. Did this car come from western Canada (B.C.) by chance?

[Solarguy]

In this case too bad it doesn't have a vinyl roof to help with the paint blend. In spite of that I would want a full quarter put on it. Did this car come from western Canada (B.C.) by chance?

Can Mod Top it.  Both shops said they are going to basically paint the whole back half, blend to middle of roof and doors.  The color looks so nice in person and really flips in different light.  Yes on the B.C. history.  PM'd you

[Solarguy]

Having done this job numerous times, there are benifits and reasons for either method.
 Typical rust issues, like lower qtr and wheel arch, I like the perimeter cut method. I usually leave 3/4 or an inch, and this is the important part, butt weld the qtr skin on.
 If you use a flanging tool, or overlap the panel, you mess with the surface tension of the skin.
 This way you have the original hard edge fold on door edge, and crisp body line on qtr top.
 Every time I put the full qtr on, you end up fighting some or all gaps.


PS. In my mind the information is all clear, if you want me to expound on details, I can. I have put on over 100 qtr panels
 

Thanks for that. Yes, I would like to hear your thoughts. 

[dodj]

Did this car come from western Canada (B.C.) by chance?

You have a photographic memory of all E-bodies from BC? 

[RUNCHARGER]

It's a curse! My wife remembers what meal we ate where 25 years ago, I remember every Mopar I ever seen.

[Solarguy]

The quarter panel arrived yesterday, Thanks for a great packing job AMD     Only had time to unpack and inspect, looks great.  Feels good gathering stuff to get her fixed.  I'll try to fit my original molding while I meet with bodyshops.   

[YellowThumper]

Good to see you moving forward.
Yes, be sure to "fit" the trim piece.
Looks like you will need to shrink the flat portion a bit to un-stretch it. There are ways to "tuck" the face and then hammer it into itself.