Hey Guys, New to the forum, anyway, wanted to get some direction on where to go with restoration and bodywork, here's the details....

Picked up a 1968 rolling chassis a month ago. Since then I have totally disassembled the front end (subframe is off the car). Front fenders have rust behind the wheels. One of them has some small rust holes around the fender well. Rocker panel on RH side was replaced but not coated with anything yet. LH side needs to be replaced (already have replacement rocker). RH door is good condition, LH was reskinned with overseas repro skin. RH rear quarter has new skin welded on ready to go, LH has skin fitted but only clamped on, rear valance is beat up and needs replaced also. There are new rear wheel wells panels already welded in.

RH floor is good, LH rear was replaced but not welded in yet, LH front needs cut out and replaced (have replacement panel). There is a new trunk pan and trunk has been cut out, but pan is only setting in place.

That pretty much sums up the body conditon...

1st and most important question it this: I plan on just getting new fron fenders, first thing that comes to mind of course is panel quality... of course the NOS panels are the best, but just how much better than repro's? I've been watching ebay for any old decent panels to come up as well. Will I have to worry about my bodywork/paint being affected by the repro panels down the road any sooner than NOS panels?

2nd: I plan on replacing both rear quarter panels with 100% quarters. Is there any one qtr that is better than another (brands??). Also, can I remove both rear quarters and rear valance and still be able to to properly replace both rear's and valance without any of the old panels in place?

Any other tips on those other area's are also greatly appreciated... I have pics and can post them.

Thanks in advance!!
Buddy P

I would first look at what NEEDS to be replaced. The repros are getting better but are still not as good as GM. If you can do the resto with patch panels in the front fenders (keeping the GM fenders), I would. Also, if you can patch the rust holes I would. It all depends on how bad things are. Do you need to use full quarters on the car? The reason I ask is that I used new skins on mine and it seemed easier. I did not have to delve into the trunk seam, door jamb area and adjustment to fit was easier sine one I got the quarter aligned, I cut out only the metal needed to fit and had no seams to worry about. I guess it boils down to exactly how much new metal is needed. By the way, welcome to the site. Emjoy!

I do have patch panels for the fenders and I could go that route. Although there are a few dings in the fenders as well. My only thoughts there was, since I don't have bodywork experience it would be more cost effective just to buy a new fender vs fixed/welding/etc. the old one... but I havne't weighed that option out yet. I would prefer to use original panels.

As far as the rear quarters, yeah I think they will need completely replaced. The part of the quarter that comes up and turns in that the rear window sets into is ate all the way through. I could patch there also but by the time I'm done you have some metal over metal (where the old qtr is under the new skins) and welding seems and what not that could later become moisture holders or crack. But these are just my thoughts. Since the one quarter is already done, I'm sure the skin is the easiest whay around it, but just want to do it right the first time.

Thanks for the input!
Buddy P

ttt

Why do some of you guys type "ttt" in some of the messages? What purpose does this serve other than to advance your total posts?

ttt means to the top. brings the post back to the top of the list to hopefully generate more discussion.

It seems to me that if the rest of the fenders are o.k. (just some minor dings), it would be better and cheaper to patch. With the repros you still will have bodywork to do on top of shimming for gaps, etc. The originals will be better quality and should already be a good fit. This website is a great source for learning bodywork and the money you would have spent on repro fenders can go toward tools and supplies you can use for a long time. Second hand fenders you find probably will have some or more of the same problems as yours. It is a common area of rust for Camaros.

Originally posted by 67CruiseMasterCamaro:
Why do some of you guys type "ttt" in some of the messages? What purpose does this serve other than to advance your total posts? They're not being post whores.
Sometimes people are in a hurry for an answer or response, so "Taking it To the Top" puts their post back in front of the line.
Either that or they're just impatient. ;)