Alignment on quarters (68 Camaro)

[eburke]

I have finally decided to repaint my car and fix some of the alignment issues on the car. Although they are not bad they irriatate me. So here is my problem as I am sure everyone knows by now I have not really done any bodywork especially when it comes to cutting and welding although I do have the tools I have always been scared if something can get screwed up I AM THE MAN. So now the problem who ever had the car before me replaced the lower half of the rear quarters and did not align them up properly at the bottom of both quarters where they should be flush with the door they are extending out anywhere from about a 1/4 inch to just less then 1/2 inch on the other side. From what I can see the doors are ok they align up at the front and the lines in the middle of the door line up also and the gap at the front of each door is good on the back of the door they start out good at the top but as you go down the gap closes up. I was thinking I would need to cut just inside the door to the bottom of the quarter and then cut the welds between the rocker and quarter and then possably up the panel so that I can not only push it back for the gap but also in so as to align it and then mig weld it in. Does this sound right or am I going about it wrong. Also, before anyone suggests I get a bodyman to help I have tried and all of the shops that I called do not have any desire to fix this as they can make more money on insurance or they don't allow there body men to work on the side and will fire them if they do. Any help would be appreciated a I have alot of work to get done.

Thanks
Ed

[SRDzuess4u]

Ed,

I feel your pain...lol. We got our 67 back from a body shop and it sat for a while with out any attention. This year we started mocking, and we had close to the same issue as you, but on one side. The difference is our quater panel was out at the top about a 1.4.

We took a die cutter to the inner jam and gradually made the cut about 6 inches at a time until the panel would move. I think your on the right track, but Im just not sure the lower portion of that panel will move. Maybe start another post asking some members to post up pics of quater replacment projects, more so the lower portions....you may see a route to take with your repair.....but from what I have seen, Im thinking you may have to make a lateral cut near the lower rocker as well...maybe not.

Regardless, your going to have just as much body work HOURS if you were to remove and replace......if you make the lateral and vertical cuts to the panels.....If I had a panel off Id get you more info.....maybe someone or multipal memebers will post up some pics to help you decide where to try and cut to move that lower portion in.

As far as a body guy, not sure where you live, but try posting on craigslist...you may be pleasntly surprised.

Bob