The process of replacing the rear quarter panel of your truck may sound difficult, but you can follow a few easy steps to get it done without a lot of trouble. You’ll need to identify the panel and gather the materials necessary for the job. Next, you’ll need to remove the fasteners that hold the quarter panel to the truck body. If the panel has spot welds, you’ll need to use a step-down drill bit to remove them. This allows you to avoid cutting through both layers of joined metal.
To remove the damaged quarter panel, you’ll need to take it to a repair shop. The labor cost varies from repair shop to repair shop, depending on the material and the car type. If you decide to do this on your own, it can save you hundreds of dollars in labor costs. However, if you’re unsure about your skills, you can hire a professional to do the job.
How Hard is It to Replace a Rear Quarter Panel?
When an accident occurs, it can damage a rear quarter panel. Replacing this panel may be difficult, but not impossible. With a little bit of knowledge, you can repair the damage yourself. Here’s how:
To replace a quarter panel, you must know what materials you have available and how to identify the panel. Spot welds are often used to join two metal layers together and are stronger than traditional fasteners. First, remove any spot welds from the panel. A step-down drill bit may be used to remove these. Be careful to penetrate both layers of joined metal.
Before starting this project, remove the rear quarter panel from the vehicle. The old quarter is held in place by a few hundred spot welds. With a Blair spot weld cutter, remove these spot welds one by one. Force the remaining quarter apart with a chisel bit. Trim the quarter on the right side. Then, use a die grinder with a three-inch cut-off wheel to remove the area where the quarter welds to the rear body panel.
How Do You Remove a Rear Quarter Panel?
How to remove a rear quarter panel on a truck? Here’s a step-by-step guide. It only takes a couple of minutes, and it will leave your truck looking brand new! Getting to the rusty area under the rear quarter panel will expose the underlying rust underneath the panels. Using an air chisel with a panel cutter bit will help you remove it.
To replace the quarter panel, begin by removing most of the sheet metal. There will be a narrow strip of metal remaining around the perimeter. Remove this section using a cutter, a drill, or an electric metal shear. After you’ve removed the old panel, you need to identify the panel and its materials. You can use a step down drill bit to remove spot welds, so you don’t need to penetrate both layers of joined metal.
To remove a dent, you’ll need a dent removal tool and a water supply. Once you’ve prepared your supplies, wet the damaged panel with the panel dripping with water. Pull the panel straight out while using the tool to press the plunger seal against the panel. A small dent may pop out on its own, but a larger dent will probably take more time to remove.
How Do You Replace a Quarter Panel?
The term “quarter panel” refers to the upper and lower sheet metal sections of your vehicle’s body. The quarter panel was previously one-quarter of the vehicle’s body, before doors and frames were attached to the front sheet metal. The term has stayed the same, despite the fact that quarter panels have become bolted, welded, and stamped as an entire side of the body. Although quarter panels are an integral part of your truck, they may need to be replaced if they’re not attached properly.
A quarter panel replacement can be done in two ways. A partial replacement requires less labor and is less intrusive. The first method, called belt-cut quarter panel replacement, doesn’t require removing the back window. Consequently, this technique is less intrusive and less costly. The second method, known as open-joint quarter panel replacement, may require removing the back window. This method, however, is not suitable for newer vehicles. It may also require cutting through the opening in the upper joint of the replacement quarter panel.
Why is a Quarter Panel So Expensive?
Rear quarter panels can cost as much as $400 to replace, which is an absurdly high price. Some models require the fuel tank to be removed, and the quarter panel is welded on while the fuel tank is off. This requires a separate charge for R&I gas. The reason for the high price? The insurance companies don’t like the way the industry handles collision repairs, so they’ve made estimating guides that require them to follow certain guidelines.
Unfortunately, quarter panels are welded on, so they’re difficult to replace without extensive body work. While the IIHS considers quarter panel repair cosmetic, these repairs are actually essential to the overall structural integrity of the car. When repairing a quarter panel, a car made out of a material other than steel may need welding. If you buy a used quarter panel, the plug weld will be too large. The plug weld won’t break in another accident.
How Do You Fix Quarter Panel Damage?
The rear quarter panel is a key component of the truck’s appearance. It serves as a physical barrier between the truck’s cab and rear undercarriage, protecting the surrounding panels from road tar and dirt. However, the rear wheels can leave a lot of road debris on the quarter panel, grinding into the paint and destroying wax sealant. Replacing the damaged quarter panel is the better option for a number of reasons.
The best way to repair a damaged rear quarter panel is to visit a local auto body shop. While you can repair small dents yourself, larger dents will require the assistance of a professional auto body shop. These experts have extensive knowledge in vehicle dent repair and will be able to provide you with the right advice and quote for repairs. In Chula Vista, CA, we offer free same-day estimates and timely completion of the repair.
In addition to the repair costs, a quarter panel replacement can save you money and time. A new corner panel may cost $500 to $1500, depending on the type of panel and whether it is an aftermarket or OEM part. However, if the damage is only minor, it can be buffed out without replacing the panel. Ultimately, a truck’s rear panel is an essential part of the vehicle’s appearance.
Is Rear Quarter Panel Structural?
The IIHS’s Chief Research Officer said a rear quarter panel is “generally” not a structural part. The answer is dependent on the level of fender integration, which can range from a panel that hangs on the frame rail to one that is welded into the A-pillar. The fender itself is also not structural unless it is welded into the frame rail. This is the case in many trucks and SUVs, although carbon-fiber cars do make a distinction.
The rear quarter panel is an area of the truck that is exposed to extreme heat and cold. The panel is also subject to heat from the exhaust pipe, which can melt metal and ruin paint. Because of these factors, quarter panels are frequently damaged in minor accidents. Accidents with the rear bumper often result in damage to the quarter panel. Thankfully, repairing a quarter panel will not require too much time or money, and will keep you and other drivers safe.
How Do You Weld in New Rear Quarter Panels?
First, identify the panel to replace. Next, prepare the materials. Spot welds are stronger than fasteners and will hold up better when stretched. Wear gloves when replacing a quarter panel. Step down drill bits are helpful because they do not need to penetrate both layers of the joined metal. If spot welds are not strong enough, use a step-down drill bit to pull them out.
Replace a rusty rear quarter panel with a new one. While you could attempt to repair the rear quarter panel yourself, it’s best to hire a professional. Partial repairs will likely rust, so it’s best to replace the whole quarter. It will prevent future bodywork issues from occurring. And you’ll be glad you did. Hopefully, these tips will make the process easier!
The first step in replacing rear quarter panels is to measure the old one and measure the new one. To do this, measure the width of the existing panel. Then, fold it back by the same amount as the thickness of the new one. This is known as flanging. This technique will allow the panel to move and hold together while welding. Moreover, flanging will help you learn more about the welding process.
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