While my Spider was in the shop getting some final tweaking done, it was involved in an accident. Left rear 1/4 panel was banged up pretty good. Never having done any body work, I'm wondering what's involved in replacing it? I have several good leads on straight parts so I'm not worried about that. Just the mechanics of actually removing/replacing it. My mechanic says it's a 10 hour job. I thought it would be a bolt off/bolt on job?
Any insight would be much appreciated. The full mechanical resto has put me out about $4K and I'm not about to let the insurance company write me off for $1000.

If you have a 124, Nothing just bolts on. Everything is welded together. If they are going to weld a new piece in the back, make sure they weld it completely and not just spot weld it. If they spot weld it, you'll see the shrinkage of the filler in between the spots. Unless they are putting a complete panel on and the welds are behind the panel, these parts like the front fenders are only spot welded. It's a lot of work to get the cars straight and painted.

azygoustoyou wrote:If you have a 124, Nothing just bolts on. Everything is welded together. If they are going to weld a new piece in the back, make sure they weld it completely and not just spot weld it. If they spot weld it, you'll see the shrinkage of the filler in between the spots. Unless they are putting a complete panel on and the welds are behind the panel, these parts like the front fenders are only spot welded. It's a lot of work to get the cars straight and painted.

OK, thanks. Having to weld, etc. would make sense as to the amount of time involved.

I know it's too late for you, but one should always have full coverage, unless you are willing to write off the car.
I really got screwed when I had a wrech in my '70 Spider, since then I have agreed value insurance.

Replacing the rear fender is best left to a body professional, it's not easy.

vandor wrote:I know it's too late for you, but one should always have full coverage, unless you are willing to write off the car.
I really got screwed when I had a wrech in my '70 Spider, since then I have agreed value insurance.

Replacing the rear fender is best left to a body professional, it's not easy.

Yeah, my plan was to just get it back in running condition, put it away until next Spring, then finish it (paint, interior) and get it fully covered. I also just found out about this "stated value" or as you say "agreed value" policy. I'll be looking into that once this settles.

I replace the rear qtr on my 70. used a 71 parts car for a donor. A bodyman would have to be a good fitter to pull that job off in 10 hours. As stated, these cars are welded unibody. lots of spot welds to drill and redo in some pretty unruly places. not a job for the weak and unskilled.