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Necoa #: 364
Location: 9(IN,KY,MI)
Joined: Jan 09, 2003
Posts: 1274
Year: 1978
Model: El Camino
Posted: Wed May 21, 2003 8:27 pm Post subject: New 1/4 panel is on!!!
This is my first attemp at removing and installing a welded on body panel. I'm suprised by how little trouble it gave me. I think the most involved step was removing the little triangle window. This was my last major step on getting the '78 done. My goal is 4 more weeks before it's back on the road! The big box in the back contains my full dual exhaust from G-force _________________ 1978 El Camino Conquista/SS, F-41 suspension, 350/T5/3:73
(More pics on pg 6 of 5th gen members rides)
Necoa #: 364
Location: 9(IN,KY,MI)
Joined: Jan 09, 2003
Posts: 1274
Year: 1978
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu May 22, 2003 3:01 am Post subject:
Poltergeist wrote:
Very nice. You're braver then me. I don't think I would attempt that unless my life depended on it. Too scary.
Honestly, it really wasn't that bad. I thought the same thing before I started
Heres my first attemp at body panel welding:
A series of small tack welds = no warpage The whole process had me nervous, it was always in the back of my mind that I was going to burn some unrepairable hole in the panel But, this turned out well, and the body shop would have hosed me for $700-$800 to install it _________________ 1978 El Camino Conquista/SS, F-41 suspension, 350/T5/3:73
(More pics on pg 6 of 5th gen members rides)
Looks good so far. What did it cost for the q-panel and how is the quality compared to OEM? I've know that some of the q-panels available are stamped overseas and they are thinner than OEM ones.
_________________ Ernie
87 El Camino
"To be Old and Wise, you must first be Young and Stupid"
Necoa #: 665
Location: StL Mo
Joined: Mar 02, 2003
Posts: 61
Posted: Thu May 22, 2003 6:17 am Post subject:
Looks really good. I assume you used a small gas welder? How did you hold the panel in place for good fit up? Did you flange the pillar sheet metal or butt weld?
Ageed on that little triangle window. I think it would take dynamite to remove it.
Necoa #: 364
Location: 9(IN,KY,MI)
Joined: Jan 09, 2003
Posts: 1274
Year: 1978
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu May 22, 2003 12:35 pm Post subject:
87ElCamino wrote:
Looks good so far. What did it cost for the q-panel and how is the quality compared to OEM? I've know that some of the q-panels available are stamped overseas and they are thinner than OEM ones.
The panel cost $299 + $100 shipping from Honest Charlies. It is a Tiawan stamping, and it is thinner than stock metal. The quality seems to be very good, it fit right in and lined up great! _________________ 1978 El Camino Conquista/SS, F-41 suspension, 350/T5/3:73
(More pics on pg 6 of 5th gen members rides)
Necoa #: 364
Location: 9(IN,KY,MI)
Joined: Jan 09, 2003
Posts: 1274
Year: 1978
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu May 22, 2003 12:40 pm Post subject:
Mecheng wrote:
Looks really good. I assume you used a small gas welder? How did you hold the panel in place for good fit up? Did you flange the pillar sheet metal or butt weld?
Question #1: I used a 110V wire welder with flux core wire.
WELDER:
Question #2: I held the panel in place with visegrips
Question #3: I cut the sail/pillar panel even with the new panel for a butt weld. _________________ 1978 El Camino Conquista/SS, F-41 suspension, 350/T5/3:73
(More pics on pg 6 of 5th gen members rides)
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But, this turned out well, and the body shop would have hosed me for $700-$800 to install it 
What did it cost for the q-panel and how is the quality compared to OEM? I've know that some of the q-panels available are stamped overseas and they are thinner than OEM ones.
