Customizing a quarter panel

More of an art than a science - discuss metalworking and welding here.



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PostPosted: Tue Jan 12, 2016 11:10 pm
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I need to replace the quarter panels on a Triumph GT6. The quarter panel has a pinch weld running front to back on the top that is covered by a piece of stainless trim. I would like to get rid of that pinch weld in order to smooth the body line.

The pic above is a salvage quarter panel that I will be using to replace the rotted one on the car. My thoughts were to use my cutoff wheel to cut the pinch weld and then plug weld a backer strip to the underside of the body tub in order to set the quarter on and get everything lined up. I would plug weld the quarter to this same backer strip.

I would prime the backer strip for future rust protection.

Any reasons NOT to do this?



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PostPosted: Wed Jan 13, 2016 1:13 am
just take your time, stich weld it, stagger your weld, let it cool , use .023 wire, you`ll be ok



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PostPosted: Wed Jan 13, 2016 11:10 am
So you think I should be fine just butt welding it together at the top? I know probably most other vehicles quarter panels are butt welded together.

My concern is gap....my guess is that once I cut the flange off and grind it smooth that there would be a gap there and I would have to struggle with fitment.

I am a complete newb to all of this.....I am not going to rush anything but I want to set myself up for the most success.



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PostPosted: Wed Jan 13, 2016 3:40 pm
if you want to butt weld it you can, if your worried about fit-up, tack it up first, install it and check the fit, using a filler piece will make it easier to fill the gap when welding , specially if you don`t have a lot of welding experience, there`s no strength advantage of butt weld over a lap joint, providing that both welds are done correctly

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PostPosted: Wed Jan 13, 2016 7:23 pm
You might try grinding a section of the pinch weld down flat before cutting it all off. This will give you an idea of the gap that will be left after removal.
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 14, 2016 9:45 am
That is a great idea....thanks!

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