Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

I was discussing this with a bit with SVXCESS last weekend and it got me wondering more about what would be the best way to repair a rusting SVX Quarter Panel? Sanding and rust converter does not seem to be a fix.

If I found a rust free quarters on a parts car where would the cuts be made to to remove the part from the donor? Would it make more sense to order new ones from Subaru?

Seems like it is a common rust point but most bodyshops I've talked to won't guarantee a repair in that area. I don't know if they just don't want to do the work or if it would be so expensive as to not be worth quoting.

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

Are these available? Part number?

Thanks,

Tapani

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

51410PA080 Right side 365.99$
51410PA090 Left side 365.99$

I found it on www.subarugenuineparts.com

http://opposedforces.com/parts/svx/e...llustration_1/

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

They offer no guarantee because any repair that involves body filler is temporary, and doing it right gets to be costly.

dcb

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

I'd like to know what the step would be for doing it right.

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

From what I gathered (since I have the same issue you do) there are spot welds that can be drilled out to take the whole quarter panel out spanning from door to trunk.

Mine started out from dirt accumulating underneath the rubber, mixing with water and salt until it ate itself from inside out. It might be worth giving a good rubberized underbody treatment underneath the fender liner when all is repaired.

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

Yes, they are available, however the labor involved is intensive for doing them properly and will likely result in many more parts being broken.

To be precise, to replace the quarter panel, the rear glass and rear upper glass needs to be removed along with the quarter garnish. Then drilling out a ton of spot welds on each side, then prying them away from the c pillars and other areas as well as making a few cuts. The best and cheapest way seems to be getting a patch panel from a parts car and cutting out the old and replacing with fresh metal that you can get at the backside and ensure no rust or possibly grind/wire wheel and treat any possible slight rust before the patch panel is put on.

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

Where would the cuts be made with this method?

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

There are many, many ways of doing it. Either just by cutting the affected areas, or many times I'll still cut out an entire rust free quarter, then allow the person or their body guy cut what they want.

Sorry to be so vague, but without being in person, and having a car in front of us, it's difficult to fully describe the many different possibilities. :) It would be a great conversation/explanation at Reading next year possibly ;)

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

The temptation is to address rust perforation with a grinder and some body filler. That sort of repair could last for a few years, or a few months. Replacing the panel (or a portion thereof) as described above is the proper way to go for a lasting repair.

dcb

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

In my case I'll be replacing nearly the entire panel with a new factory one on both sides. The wheel arches are completely rotted, not just the corners. In addition, underneath the rear bumper and side skirts the metal is also severely damaged. My plan is to remove the factory welds along the door jamb, bottom, rear, and trunk, and then cut the panel on the B-pillar at the base of the window, and underneath the plastic garnish piece. By doing this I hope to ensure that almost all welds are in hidden areas, and reduce warpage in the panels from welding.

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

I wonder if I would be able to have a shop do the type of repair Crazy_pilot is describing?

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

It's very possible. Just finding a place to do it, and be reasonable about pricing is the trick. What he is describing is basically the best/most "reasonable" way.:)

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

What Nate said! :cool:

Bill

Re: Quarter Panel Repair Discussion
 

No matter how you slice it, this is not going to be an inexpensive repair. I had my rust repaired in the way recommended by the others above.