new rear quater panels for a hatch

[90sihatch]

I live in Iowa, so rust is a major problem on my 90 hatch. I've gone to body shops, and they just want to cut the rust out and put in new metal, but if you can buy new rear quater panels for a decent price, that seems like a better idea. I know the panel goes all the way over the door, but I'm just kind of curious, so any input is appreciated.

 

[Battle Pope]

Assuming you could find them (which I doubt), they'd be an asshole to ship, and assuming you were willing to go through all that, you'd still have to prep/paint/install.

Unless your car is a collector car, I don't think you'll be finding replacement quarterpanels.

 

[confusatron]

Quoted post[/post]]
I live in Iowa, so rust is a major problem on my 90 hatch. I've gone to body shops, and they just want to cut the rust out and put in new metal, but if you can buy new rear quater panels for a decent price, that seems like a better idea. I know the panel goes all the way over the door, but I'm just kind of curious, so any input is appreciated.

Find a competent body man. You can either bondo it yourself or just pay someone to fit some new custom metal in there, and prime it etc.

 

[swanny]

Repairing the existing panel is going to be the way to go. Replacing the quarters is probably a lot bigger task then you think it is. You'll have to drill out about 50 spot welds, drill the new quarter with those 50 holes and then weld it back together. Not to mention replacing the seam sealer, painting the jambs etc. Materials will rape you also. Try doing a search for "rust repair" tab, driver1, hcivic and myself have written up some brief how-to's on the subject if you cant find any threads just shoot me a PM or IM and i'll try to help you out.

 

[hcivic.com]

really swanny beat me to it replacing a quater is a huge job and just trying to get a new pannel is a task.

 

[reikoshea]

yeah, drilling/chisiling the welds aint worth it. a good body guy can have that hole covered, and you would never know. patching rust is like shaving door handles (properly) almost anyone with a welder and a grinder can do it.