I was just wondering could someone tell me an average cost to replace the quarter pannels and wheel wells (inner and outer). I am just trying to put money away and i know i should get a quote from the shop but i waould like to hear from some of the gang here first. I just want some idea of a fair cost and an outrageous one. I really apperciate any help with this. I can't wait to get the bird flying again.
Thanks again

I think a good guess would be 20 to 25 hours per side. (I wouldn't be surprized if it's more because that time is pretty lean body time.)

That means that you might want to question the quality of the repair if it's less than $1,000 per side--25 hours @ $45 hr. = $1,125. It's not a case of the actual work time that the technician spends on the car. In one hour, most body technicians run 3 to 5 labor hours. Remember a good bodyman doesn't work for 10 to 15 bucks an hour, wage that many wharehouse workers earn.

I was quoted by a shop in Sturtevant, WI. $1000.00 per side. I thought it was to high so I did the work myself.

I apperciate the responses. I was thinking of doing the work my self but i haven't done it before. I am afraid to botch it up. I am more of a mechanic than a body worker. I would like to have it done right the firstr time .
Thank you for responding.

i did my own front fenders and wheel wells about 1.5 years ago



reasons where when i was undoing the old fenders from the old wheel wells, they where fused (rusted together at the bolts) and undoing took chunks out of the wheel wells

working at my own pace it took me almost a week a side (only have like 2 or so hours a night) but the satisfaction you have is greater than paying someone, plus you learn how to get it done

i as well are more mechanical than body work, but i gave it the old college try. as for the rear quarter... ...i can't weld my way out of a wet paper bag, so when doing the rear, i think i may just pay someone

Nice job on the car. THe rear quarter panels are the ones i need replaced along with the rear wheel wells. I have a convertiable so there are some braces welded on the wells. I would really like to try it but i keep on looking at it and it looks like more than i can handle. I have a very nice welder but i haven't welded in a few years. I am sure i could pick it up again. I am so confused . If i do it and do it right that is more money i have to put into the rest of the car sooner. Oh well i guess i will keep on pondering the thought iof doing it myself unless someone is close to me here in Wisconsin and wants to lend a hand .
Thanks
Dennis

If you have a conv. with quarters and both inner and outer wheel wells shot, you most likely have more hidden rust on the inner rockers, trunk extensions, floor boards, etc. At least I did :)Maybe not, though. Also, the wheel wells that you can get don't "fit" the verts without some messaging of the sheet metal. Here's my current progress. Notice how quarters were replaced at some point and improperly welded on.

http://home.maine.rr.com/lanesrus/MVC-054F.JPG
http://home.maine.rr.com/lanesrus/MVC-056F.JPG

Check out JimCs website on Qtr replacement- very helpful:

http://www.geocities.com/jims68fb/Quarter.html