Patch metal for 70-71 Chevelle?

[Whistler]

Anybody know if they make rear window area patch metal for the Chevelles? I'm working on one that had a vinyl top, and rotted around the rear window. The rest of the car is nice, 51K original miles, just sucks it had a vinyl top.

[Whistler]

Here's the areas. I really don't want to buy full quarters to get this little bit of metal, but I really don't feel like making it all either.

[Duesey]

That looks like enough pinholes to warrant new quarters. Probably save yourself some grief later if you keep the car and those quarters keep bleeding rust through every year.

[Whistler]

I know I want to replace the metal, but the car is a low mileage original paint car, and has zero rust elsewhere. The top part where the vinyl top was is the only bad part, so I was hoping that someone knew of a place where I can get the top part of the 1/4 around the glass. It's easy to get the bottom part, since that's what's usually rotted.. just not the case here.

[Gordz32]

sorry bud, I was in the same boat, I just got new quarters and I'm in the process of installing them. Nobody makes a patch for that area. I will tell you this, don't skip on the quarters and get the cheapest you can find. Goodmark has two different lines, ones made in asia and the other is made in the USA on much better dies with thicker metal. Everyone get there sheet metal from overseas from some golden lion/legion, I can't remmeber what its called, but these new ones I got fit perfect. Goodluck

[Duesey]

I guess if that's the case I'd make new pieces for the soft spots and I'd run a nice seam of lead over all the pin holes where the bottom of the top sits. If the rest of the quarter is truely nice... Just make sure you can get all of the rust removed and the metal coated on the backside. That will be the key to a long lasting repair in an area like that.

[Gordz32]

You could do that that! But, to do it right, I would most def. replace those quarters. Once you have rust in a panel, it will always be there regardless is you can physically see it or not.

[vintageracer]

Every month in Hemmings there is a company that advertises a special welder they claim will fix the exact problem you have . They claim their process will fill rusted metal EXACTLY as you have shown in your pictures. Spray welding is a good description.

Their pitch is to sell you equipment and set you up in business. Get a Hemmings, find the ad and call the company. IF their system works they must have shops in business using this equipment. Maybe one is near you?

I have no idea if this process works. IF is does, it would really be neat however I would expect that I would have heard glowing reviews by now from those in business in the hobby. I have heard NOTHING positive or negative about this process.

It's worth a phone call!

[BADVELLE]

sorry bud, I was in the same boat, I just got new quarters and I'm in the process of installing them. Nobody makes a patch for that area. I will tell you this, don't skip on the quarters and get the cheapest you can find. Goodmark has two different lines, ones made in asia and the other is made in the USA on much better dies with thicker metal. Everyone get there sheet metal from overseas from some golden lion/legion, I can't remmeber what its called, but these new ones I got fit perfect. Goodluck

I agree, back in 1992 when my Chevelle was done, you could not buy full quarters, we had to by 3/4 ones and make do. I also had a vinyl top, we had to repair the bottom corners of the rear window, made our own patch panels. Also, I could not agree more on the "USA" made panels, especially since you have good companies selling these from the original GM equiptment. The "overseas" panels are stamped several at a time and you guessed it, the wheel well openings are not true. I wanted to install the original chrome trim around the wheel wells, they fit perfectly on the front fenders (GM fenders, new), however, the rear quarters, not a chance. You know the saying, you get what you pay for, just buy the good stuff.

[Whistler]

Thanks for the advice. I'll probably buy a USA quarter for the passenger side since it needs a decent amount of metal, and fab the rest.