Help with install of new stock rear quarter panels on Early Bronco

[72]

The JB weld on my Early Bronco quarter panel no longer holding them in place and need some advice...LOL
I purchased Right and Left rear fender quarters from a Bronco parts house and have a question about welding them in place. Has anyone here installed the complete panel without cutting the flanges off the rear portion of panel. And if so, What did you use to weld inside back corner? How did you remove the back corners? Pictures would be good. Please post as soon as possible as Bronco is in shop. Email or post. Thank you.

 

[NicksTrix]

have you thought about cutting it say 3/4 of an inch from the end flange on the body, then using a stepping tool on the remaining lpanel. trim new panel to fit into step, use some cleco holders to hold in place and check fit. mark flange step coverage on backlside of new panel. in new panel, punch 3/16 spot weld holes centered along area that will sit in step, every 2-4 inches . cleco back in place, then spot weld it in. blend spot weldds in, wipe seams with filler, sand smooth, prime & paint.
if you go buy a cheapo stepping tool from say harbor freight or northern, it should have a hole punch opposite of the flange step.
if & when i where to change one, that's how i'd do it.
HTH
nick

 

[72]

Nick, Thank you. Very Good thinking.

 

[Blue71]

Nice tip Nick. Great idea.

Blue71

 

[2badrotties]

The step idea is pretty good especially if you stay about a half inch away from the rear end of quarter panel.
If you cut the old quarter panels off you can easily get to all those welds on the rear end of the quarter panel. Just drill through to the tail light panel. When you put the new quarter panel on you will be able to reach up and under the new quarter panel with the tire off and do all your welding from underneath. You can also get to most of them through the tail light panel with the tail lamp out. Easier with the rear bumper off also. You will be surprised at just how much welding you can do from underneath. TIP - It is easier to drill the welds that hold the lower quarter panel to the upper all the way through. When you weld the new lower on, do it from inside the rear of your bronco and weld through the holes and on to the top edge of your lower quarter. It is a LOT easier than welding upside down when doing it from the bottom. ( do you understand what I'm trying to explain ?) When you get to the front edge of the quarter panel, it looks pretty simple , all the welds are right there. Wrong ! There are five welds you will need to drill from underneath ( the ones that go from quarter panel to the rear end of your rocker ) BE CAREFUL down there or you won't have a end of rocker panel left to weld to. Do you know what a crash book is ? ( crash estimating guide ). The book gives you 8 hours to change a lower quarter panel so don't get all nervous if you don't have it done in a day. Good luck with your project