Been lurking here for some time now reading just about everything. I have a 67 conv that the previous owner had removed the tail panel, trunk and the part of both quarters around the wheel wells due to rust. He was going to replace it all but lost interest and I picked it up for less than the cost of the new parts that he had. He didn't brace it before removing anything. Seems to me if I push, prod, pull and otherwise contort the body to the dimensions that it should be(underbody alignment from the Fisher Body book)and make sure the doors line up with the rockers and the front of the quarters that I should be able to then brace it and proceed with welding the new parts on.
Anyone see any problems with this(other than I probably shouldn't have bought it in the first place!!)or any tips on what to do/look for??
Thanks
Mark

Been lurking here for some time now reading just about everything so, you're the one who's been leaving the lights on.

Seems to me if I push, prod, pull and otherwise contort the body to the dimensions that it should be(underbody alignment from the Fisher Body book)and make sure the doors line up with the rockers and the front of the quarters that I should be able to then brace it and proceed with welding the new parts on.
sounds like you've got the right idea. ask the convert. guys here for any measurments, tips and tricks that will help.

Welcome to the forum and feel free to use the search function till your fingers bleed. ask any and all questions before you get in over your head. we'll help you any way we can.
good luck!!

graemlins/beers.gif

I get in trouble here for leaving them on all the time...."But honey....I'll be going back in there eventually".....somehow that excuse never works!
Hopefully someone who has done this will let me know of any pitfalls to avoid.
Thanks
Mark

I kinda have some tips because I replaced both full quarters and both door skins on mine....but I really had no idea what I was doing. (15 yrs ago) Don't do anything until someone who actually knows what they are doing verifies what I have to say.

I removed both quarters and the tail pan at the same time. I used spot weld cutters on the welds. A lot of grinding. I left the doors on the car, and lined all of the new stuff up to them. Once the rear half of the car was welded back on, I then removed the doors, and replaced the skins. Then I reinstalled the doors, using the fenders and quarters to line them up.

I didn't do any bracing anywhere while it was apart. Mine is a west coast car and is very solid. I think the inner rockers are a huge structural part of the converts. If yours are questionable, I'd deal with them before doing anything.

I also left my car on the suspension the entire time I had it apart. I think you can really run into problems if you line up your panels and do your welding while the car is on stands or a hoist.

Maybe I should have used bracing - I don't know for sure. I was flying by the seat of my pants back then, but did use some common sense. Perhaps I just got lucky, but it worked out well.

Good luck!

PS I used all GM panels, and had no fitment probs at all.