I'm in the middle of parting out a 72 grabber and I'm planning on removing some of the welded in sheet metal such as cowl, quarters, and tail panel. I want to get the panels off quickly, but I'd like to make convenient cuts that would make the install easier. Any recommendations on cut locations?
Cowl I'd spend my time drilling out the spot welds, lots of them so have fun.. The quarters depends really on how much you plan on patching..
Quickly: Use a saws-all You can cut out the cowl as a complete assembly. Just cut the windshield posts, then cut out all around the sides and bottom of the assembly.
That's what I was thinking. Any recommendation on the quarters for ease of future alignment? I'm wondering if the raised body line is going to be a problem later if I cut across it now.
If you want to cut the quarters, as patch panels, cut the center of the wheel well, straight up, the across, above the body line, then back down thru the tailight panel, and across the trunk floor, and thru the outer wheel well. Most cars also need the small piece of the outer wheel well, if it's good, and the trunk drops can be handy. In my project thread, there is a picture of a cowl I cut out, like Craig mentioned. Here's how Maverocket cut one for me, to use to patch mine
If the entire quarter is good, I would cut it out leaving part of the door jamb on there, about halfway up the roof pillar, half of the inner wheel house, etc. You want to leave as much as you can...never know how much you will need.
