AutoBody101.com

Working on a 71 Dodge Challenger.

For the qtr to roof seam, I see that welding it solid, and then bridging the gap with metal and welding that solid is talked about.

I've done one side that way and it looks like it will really cut down on filler. I got to wondering as I was getting ready for the 2nd side, am I supposed to be cutting out the lap entirely, or bridging it like I have?

Let's see some pictures of what you are starting with and trying to accomplish.
That is generally a recessed overlap area that is spot welded and then leaded from the factory.

In that area it will probably show if you don't cut it out and butt weld a patch in.

On my 73 only the two ends are Leaded and the center is filled with Filler from the Factory.
I am gonna do mine exactly like the factory did and lead mine back in.

I have seen it done as you describe by fully welding the panels together and putting a filler patch piece over the top and welding that together, I wouldn't do it that way just to much heat in a concentrated area.