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73 charger quarter panel

Najib

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So I’m buying the Sherman quater panels on both sides for my 73 charger se and I am a halfway decent mig welder. I haven’t done body panels before and it looks like these quater panels cut off at the sharp body line of the car, I love the sharp body line of the car but if I weld it on there how can I ensure that it stays sharp and how can I properly cut the old one off? And for welding with mig what settings should I go with. By all means I’m not a body guy or a welder. I’m looking for advice before so I don’t screw up a 480$ quater panel and if anyone knows a place that sells them cheaper let me know
Thanks
 
So I’m buying the Sherman quater panels on both sides for my 73 charger se and I am a halfway decent mig welder. I haven’t done body panels before and it looks like these quater panels cut off at the sharp body line of the car, I love the sharp body line of the car but if I weld it on there how can I ensure that it stays sharp and how can I properly cut the old one off? And for welding with mig what settings should I go with. By all means I’m not a body guy or a welder. I’m looking for advice before so I don’t screw up a 480$ quater panel and if anyone knows a place that sells them cheaper let me know
Thanks
Are these panels you intend to buy E-Coated?? (Black)
 
I think they are the only quater panels around that are decent
 
I know it can be done, but I couldn't imagine welding right across the quarter panel successfully. I'm speaking about my mig abilities! Did you see my thread in the 1971 - 1974 Mopar section? Full quarters are coming from AMD. Of course they will be more than $480, but you are mainly just doing spot/plug welds. No warping to deal with!
 
I know it can be done, but I couldn't imagine welding right across the quarter panel successfully. I'm speaking about my mig abilities! Did you see my thread in the 1971 - 1974 Mopar section? Full quarters are coming from AMD. Of course they will be more than $480, but you are mainly just doing spot/plug welds. No warping to deal with!
Oh i didnt know that, I will look there
 
I've never done it but my research indicates the preferred method is to tack/screw/cleco the replacement panel on as close as possible to the final alignment, then cut both panels at the same time (avoiding cutting right on a body line), to insure a consistent gap, then butt welding the panels using very short (1/8th" or smaller) welds, and then moving the torch far enough away for the next short weld to avoid heat soaking.

It's also advised to cut around the marker lights and keep the factory metal attached in order to insure they retain the proper placement.
critical if applying stripes that reference the markers.

The Tabco sourced panels marketed by both Goodmark and Sherman are not bad.
I have one hanging in my shop and would be satisfied using it.

There is another panel available that is terrible, with flat surfaces, questionable body lines, and awful flanges.
 
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At our shop cuts are made with a 3" cut off wheel.
You are correct in that you do not want to splice right at the body line.
Without being there I would say drop down 6 inches or so.
Welder settings ..... each welder and machine is different. I will say use a gas system ( no flux core wire ).
220 is preferred and a good voltage supply any extension cords need to be heavy gauge wire.
I like a hot weld , flat and good burn through. If your blowing through your bottom panel is rusty or your set to hot.
Fenders and doors need to be hung and adjusted with good hinges on the doors.
Trunk lid needs to be in place , Dutch panel also.
Replace trunk extensions if needed and inner wheel housings.
Now lay your qt on and make your adjustments. Screw or tac on & check all body lines and fit to next panels.
All looks good ? Check again the simple crap will get you. Look at the door to A pillar ect. Will it need moved later ?
Once welding take your time, couple welds the change spots on the panel go to the far end ect. Switch sides, careful not to warp it.
Grinding welds is the same , you can warp the panel grinding just as easy as welding.
Skim seam with a short chop fiber glass aka tiger hair.
In the trunk , under coat the seam. Main thing is dbl. Check everything and take your time.
Other guys will have different methods this is how I do them.
 
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