So I've found myself in a situation were I'm having to redo some sheet metal work that a "professional" shop had already completed for me. They replaced the driver's quarter, rear filler panel and the tail panel with original sheet metal that I had supplied. The car is a 1970 GTO hardtop.

So far I've had to redo some rust repair around the rear window. I've removed the rear filler panel because it was installed crooked. I've replaced the parcel tray from a donor car because of severe rust that wasn't addressed at the time.

So far everything looks much better but now I have to raise the rear of the driver's quarter panel and tail panel about 3/16" inch so that it aligns with the trunk.

My question is, When changing numerous panels like this, especially when someone before you has made a mess of it, what is the best way to ensure everything is squared and true to where it should be?

Thanks.

It's not easy to put a quarter panel on at the wrong height. First, I would make absolutely sure that the quarter is wrong. It could be that when they replaced the filler panel, they displaced the trunk hinge on that side. causing the misalignment. Take careful, numerous measurements before doing anything. Level the car on stands, and start taking measurements off the chassis, trunk floor, even the ground, if it is relatively level. You should be 100% sure it's the quarter panel, not the trunk, or hinges that are 'off'. Alignment to the door, to the rocker, even any body lines, would usually be off, if the panel was put on too low. So don't condemn it, until you check everything.
If everything points to the quarter, you pretty much have to cut the whole thing off, to place it in the correct position, and re-weld it. Not a job for the squeamish! Just trying to do the back half will not work, as it is a strong panel, and won't want to move in only one area. Even if you could get it to move a little, you'd put the panel in tremendous tension, and it would probably warp, or buckle the panel doing so.

I'm really glad to hear that its hard to put a quarter panel on wrong because I was wondering just that at times. I should have made my post more clear because its not the whole rear that I need to raise, it basically just the portion that is nearest the trunk. Its actually quite easily moved because I've separated it from the tail panel in that area.

I've looked over the whole quarter for gaps and body lines as you suggested and it looks good. The rest of the trunk to rear filler panel and passenger quarter look good so it just this one last area that I need to deal with and I want to be sure that when all my work is done that it will look proper.

Pics please Lots of good hi quality pics !

I agree with Chop he has been doing this stuff for a looooong time.

Removing a quarter thats been installed with a Mig welder will end up destroying the panel.
I wouldn't want to do it unless it was agreed to get a New OLD stock original. (good luck with that!) ( I am not a supporter of installing cheap China made quarters. 9 times out of 10 in my experience your better off cutting up China panels and use them for Patches for the originals just my opinion but Your panels are only original once.)