Convertible Rear Quarter Panel for 1968

Q: Convertible Rear Quarter Panel for 1968

I have come to the conclusion that I am going to have to replace the Right Rear Quarter Panel on my 1968 Convertible. Now the search begins for a suitable replacement. Any information in locating a RR Quarter for a 1968 Convertible would be greatly appreciated. Has anyone tried using a Camaro Quarter?

A:
…You have a few choices:
1) Use a factory Coupe (used) Quarter Panel
2) Repro Patch Panels
3) Repro Full Quarters (available yet ?)
4) Factory 1967 Camaro Quarter Panel (NOS)- Coupe

*Still readily available despite being discontinued several years ago thanks to secondary ‘dealers’ who stashed them for investments*

Finding a used original Conv. Quarter Panel will not be an easy task. However, finding a used Coupe Quarter Panel (relatively rust free) shouldn’t be that difficult Best bet is check with the South West Wrecking Yards (Stan’s Boneyard). Obviously, no matter what you do, there will be ‘fitting’ and finishing required. The NOS Camaro Quarter Panel will physically fit however, you’ll have to graft in the Louvered area and cut out the Marker Light hole. What you choose to do for replacing the Quarter Panel depends on how picky you are and what degree of correctness you’re seeking. If you want a factory look, seamless patch job, you may want to consider using a rust free (used) original 1968 Firebird Coupe Quarter Panel, cutting off the Sail Panel and having it butt-welded on to your car. If you simply want your car to look nice from the outside and could careless about ‘seams’ inside the trunk, use the patch panels.

A: I owned a 1968 400 convertible that I installed camaro coupe quarters back in 1983. It was a lot of work, requiring additional seams in several places. Not only do you have to cut off the sail panel and add in the stamped section for the chevrons, the quarter window reveal area is different from coupe to convertible. That is the area the outer window weatherstrip attached to, and it was different in height, width, angle, and length. That dictated a seam be added somewhere below it. I chose to add a seam about 1-1/2″ to 2″ below, in the concave area just above the corner/edge of the rear fender. It was a bear to get the shape right and make it work, and when I sold the car a couple years later, there was some cracking starting to show, as this area of the body flexes more than I anticipated.

If there’s ANY way to find a convertible quarter, even a camaro (requiring a patch for the chevrons), that will make for a FAR better job in the long run, in my humble opinion.