I've removed the outer wheelhouse from my convertible and am wondering how much support the inner brace that's attached to the outer wheel tub provides. I've only cut the face of the quarter off , so I still have the "bracing" effect of the upper part of the quarter ( still attached to the rear tailpan) I plan on fitting the new wheel tub and rolling the car into the driveway for sandblasting. Can I get away with the removal of these portions of the car ( both sides ) without worrying about losing the correct "geometry" of the car? . I've seen posts here where some folks have removed more than I had to and I didn't see temporary bracing .
The car is currently supported as if it were sitting on it's wheels. I want to be able to roll it till I get the sandblasting complete.
Anybody that's been there , done that , looking for input, courage , etc... Thanks!

Are you replacing any other panels besides the outer wheelhouse and the quarter? If you still have the tail panel on and the cocktail shakers and the bracing on the inner wheelhouse I do not see where you should have any problems. I am doing much the same to my 69 vert and the only problem that I have run across so far is the fit of the outer wheelhouse. I see that you are not that far from where i live so if you need any advice, help, or, someone to drink your beers while you cuss at your car, drop me a line. I'd be more than happy to give a hand! graemlins/beers.gif

Doug

removing the bracing will cause you all kinds of headaches down the road.
I know a guy that did it now his quarters looked rippled and there is a few cracks where the rear of the quarter window is.
the brace was put there for a reason.
if anything strenghten it some.

Dawg,
I'm not planning on removing the bracing and not replacing , just worried about movement from me rolling the car in and out of the garage for sandblasting. I fully intend on re-integrating all the bracing back on the wheelhouse once it's re-fitted.
Doug,
good to see another Anne Arundel County Camaro geek lurking on the site. Appreciate the offer , but I tend to work best sober. Save the beer for clean up time. What stage you in on your convertible?
Greg

Doug,
to further answer your question , I've removed the trunk extensions and drop downs. I found the gusset plate under the shakers to be a bit corroded , but I think they'll live. The tail panel is staying on, the bracing inside the trunk for the tail panel is still attached. In fact, as I said earlier, I left the top part of the quarter attached to help "triangulate" that section of the car, removing just enough of the quarter to get access to the wheelhouse.

Greg, just kidding about the beer! Anyhow, I am replacing just about all of the rear sheetmetal. I have installed a new one-piece trunk pan and have replaced the frame rail ends. I am currently fitting the inner and outer wheelhouses and pass side quarter. The inner wheelhouse fits fine...it's the outer one that is giving me fits. It fits around the quarter wheel opening fine but is a couple of tads too tall. I have had to cut out about 1/2" out of the side of it and weld it back together in order for it to fit correctly. Once I get this all squared away, I'll move over to the driver's side and replace the quarter and wheel houses there!

Doug