A Rear Interior Quarter Panel: What Is It?

The quarter panel is the body panel between the rear door and the trunk of an automobile, protecting it from dirt, water, and debris. It is typically located between the rear door and the trunk and can be damaged in a rear-end traffic accident or parking lot fender bender. The vehicle body shell is the functional backbone of a car, and the rear quarter panels are located between the rear door and the trunk or bed.

The interior quarter panel is the inner structure behind the quarter panel, which is usually made of multiple pieces of sheet metal formed to shape and then welded together. Replacement of a sheet metal quarter panel typically requires cutting off the vehicle and a replacement part to be welded or sometimes bonded to the vehicle.

Rear quarter panels can be found right between the rear door and the trunk or bed, depending on whether you have a standard car or a truck. To remove the rear quarter interior panels, follow these steps:

1. Remove the rear seat cushion.
2. Remove the rear seat back.
3. Remove the door sill plate.
4. Remove the 3 quarter trim panel retaining screws.

In summary, the quarter panel is the most likely part of the car that needs body repair work, and it is typically located between the rear door and the trunk or bed. To replace a quarter panel, you need to cut off the vehicle and a replacement part to be welded or bonded to the vehicle. If you have purchased front door panels from James Duff, you may need a guide to removing the rear quarter interior panels.

What is the rear quarter panel of a car?

A quarter panel is the exterior body of an automobile between a rear door and the trunk, typically wrapping around the wheel well. It is a welded-on component of the unibody structure and is typically made of sheet metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or fiber-reinforced plastic. Replacement of a sheet metal quarter panel typically requires cutting off the vehicle and welding a replacement part to it. However, due to the high amount of specialized labor, a quarter panel may be repaired rather than replaced by hammering the damaged area to a flat surface and applying a body filler to smooth it out. The panel is then usually painted and often clear coated. Injection molding is a common method for repairing quarter panels.

Is it better to repair or replace a quarter panel?

The efficacy of panel repair and replacement varies among technicians, contingent on the condition of the vehicle and the extent of damage, including whether there is inner wheelhouse, tail light pocket, or severe jamb damage. In the event that the issue is severe, it would be advisable to replace the panel.

What is the difference between a rear fender and a quarter panel?

Fenders and quarter panels are often mistakenly considered the same part of a car, but their differences are more apparent when examining the vehicle’s exterior design. Fenders are located at the front left and right of the vehicle, while quarter panels are located at the rear and contain the rear wheels. The design of a quarter panel varies depending on the car’s type, such as coupe, fastback, or convertible. Choosing the right part can be achieved through full OEM panels, panel skins, or quarter panel patches.

Why is it called a quarter panel?

The term “quarter panel” originates from the early automotive industry, referring to the rear side portion of a vehicle’s body. These panels were typically about one-quarter of the vehicle’s body before the frame, doors, and front sheet metal parts were attached. They have been welded, bolted, and stamped as an entire body side. Quarter panel replacement is a significant task, as they are integral to the entire vehicle. Estimating labor amounts for full quarter panel replacement includes basic operations like R and I back glass, R and I rear bumper, and seam sealing.

However, the details of each estimating system and vehicle model can vary significantly. For example, R and I of the antenna, fuel tank, and body insulation are generally not included and need to be added when necessary. It is essential to check your estimating system for specific included and not-included operations, as they may vary among information providers.

Are rear quarter panels replaceable?

The process of replacing an old quarter-panel on a car can be challenging due to the fact that the panel is being welded on. The alignment of fenders, doors, and hoods can be fine-tuned with shims and slotted bolt holes, but if the quarter-panel is not aligned correctly, it can lead to grinding the welds off and starting over. To avoid this, the job was handed over to professionals at Mascar Autobody and Paint Repair in Costa Mesa, California.

John, a passionate reader of car magazines and automotive enthusiast, began his career in the automotive industry at age 10. He pursued an automotive technology program and gained real-world experience with large American sedans. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in photojournalism. John began his career at Motor Trend magazine, managing a photo studio for 18 months before becoming a photo editor for HOT ROD and Car Craft magazine.

After three years on the production side, he moved to Car Craft magazine and eventually became editor of Car Craft in 2014. He was promoted to Executive Editor of HOT ROD in 2018 and later to Editor-in-Chief in April 2019.

Is quarter panel structural damage?

The commotion over quarter panel repairs is due to the IIHS’s classification as cosmetic, but they are crucial for vehicle structural integrity. Cars made from metals beyond steel often require welding, making it impossible to deliver repairs with a used quarter panel. The OEM requires 8mm plug welds, making it impossible to deliver the repair with a used panel. Bigger welds are not better for collision repair, as they are not about ensuring the vehicle will never break. Instead, it’s about repairing the vehicle exactly as the OEM instructed.

Can you fix a dented quarter panel?

Dented quarter panels or body sections around rear wheels can be easily repaired on your own. To fix the panel, use a hot glue gun to glue the bottom of a dent remover suction cup over the dent, attach the crossbar, and turn the knob clockwise to pop out the dent. Pour water over the dent and push a plunger into it, then pull the plunger back towards you. Most shallow dents are fixable, but if you need to take your car to a shop, it typically costs $150 and up.

Small, concave dents on smooth surfaces are the most likely to be fixed. Some smaller dent repairs take minutes, while others require more patience and hard work to restore the panel to its original shape.

How much does it cost to replace a rear quarter panel?

Quarter panel repairs can cost anywhere from $100 to over $3, 000. These repairs are essential for maintaining the vehicle’s functionality, but they are not always immediately necessary. For instance, if only one quarter panel section is covered with rust, the costs will not be too high. While quarter panels are structural parts of the vehicle, they don’t directly affect performance. However, this approach is incorrect.

Ford, the only remaining American automaker with plans to continue building gasoline-powered muscle cars after 2024, is not wasting the opportunity. The 2024 Mustang comes in a new Dark Horse variant that outperforms its GT counterpart, highlighting the importance of quarter panel repairs.

Can a quarter panel be repaired without replacing it?

Detroit classic cars, now over 40 years old, often require quarter-panel repair due to their large size and proximity to rear tires. These panels are prone to dings, dents, and rust damage. To address these issues, one can patch the quarter-panels, install new skins, or replace the entire panel. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, but taking the right steps and using proper techniques is crucial for long-lasting results.

The availability of parts is a key factor in choosing the right repair method. For example, if you’re working on a ’69 Camano, you have many options, while if you need to repair the quarter-panels on a ’64 Ford Falcon, you may struggle to find the desired panels. Assessing the rust area is crucial, as most rust forms in front and behind the rear axle, window frames, and window frames. Patch panels can be used to retain as much original sheetmetal as possible, making it easier to maintain body lines and gaps. However, patching may not catch all rust present, as hidden areas may only be revealed if the entire panel was removed.

Quarter-panel skins can be both a savior and a worst enemy if not installed properly. They are large panels that cover a lot of surface area and typically have the entire wheel lip and edges folded over on the ends. However, they require significant welding skill and can warp easily, so it’s important to take time when welding. Additionally, skins may increase the amount of body filler required, which is not a bad thing if done correctly. Despite this, using a skin allows you to keep your original gaps, and aftermarket panels may need modification to recreate factory gaps.

How many hours to replace a quarter panel?

Replacing a quarter-panel in a car is an expensive hobby, especially if the body is in poor shape. Some panels, such as the rear quarter-panel, have succumbed to rust and dents over time. While some areas like front fenders and door skins are easy to replace, rear quarter-panels require more time and skill. In the case of the Bad Penny ’68 Camaro project, the driver’s quarter-panel, rear panel, and trunk lid were damaged by a truck slammed into the back of the Camaro.

The process for replacing a quarter-panel is similar, regardless of the cause. Having high-quality parts from suppliers like Goodmark Industries can help make the process easier. Whether you’re going to tackle the project yourself or hire professionals, it’s essential to understand the process. Follow along as we rehab the back of our battered F-body with new sheetmetal.