Quarter skins

[UNVMATT]

Does anyone know for sure how "skins" are to be installed?
Ive talked to 2 different body experts. One told me they go over top of the existing panel the other said he cuts out the panel and uses the skin as if it were an original. I have some good skins for my rear quarters they are pretty thick..

I was just curious which method is correct..If they are put over the top I think there would be too much of a visible seam.. But since they call them "Skins" Im not sure..

Thanks

 

[randy66gt350]

Neither is wrong. The overlap method is easier to do. Typically when this is done, one of the panels gets flanged slightly so that the overlap is flush, with the flange behind it. I have heard that this method could cause moisture to trap between the panels and rust, but I've never seen it happen.

 

[Ozsum67]

Neither is wrong. The overlap method is easier to do. Typically when this is done, one of the panels gets flanged slightly so that the overlap is flush, with the flange behind it. I have heard that this method could cause moisture to trap between the panels and rust, but I've never seen it happen.

You are correct. Just look at the overlap all of us have in the engine bay near the hood hinges. That place has 3 or 4 layers of metal and it is a meca for rust.

 

[UNVMATT]

So do you mean to cut out the old panel but leave a slight amount so that the skin can be welded to it?

 

[Ozsum67]

So do you mean to cut out the old panel but leave a slight amount so that the skin can be welded to it?

I have never done that repair, but I would think the old panel would be cut out, using the skin as a template, and butt welded. Tack welds would be advisable to get you started to reduce warpage. I just know that when you lap multi layers of metal, corrosion is emminent.

 

[GaPonyFarm]

The best method is to cut out the bad area of the original panel and use the remaining panel as a template. Cut the new panel and leave enough excess (about 1/2") to press in an offset to underlap the new panel to the original. Tack weld the panels together and then slowly complete the welds, as to not warp the panel.

Simply overlaying a new panel over the old rusty one will get you a new rusted out panel in short order.