So I am finally about to get my 67 Belvedere to my house, and last night, as I was out in the salvage yard preparing it for transport, I was finally able to get an extensive look at the lower quarters. Both sides of the car, the lower rear quarters will need to be replaced from the front of the wheelwell, up and around, and 6" up all the way back to the bumper. It has rusted out on the underneath sides of the back quarters too. On the upside, the floorpan and trunk pan are in 95-99% condition with factory paint still on them.

So my first questions: would it be a feasible undertaking to replace that much of the rear quarters? how expensive should I expect this to be? any recommended parts suppliers?

And here is my 2nd dilemna: At this salvage yard, she also has a 66 Ford Fairlane 500 2dr hardtop. Now I know this is a Mopar forum, but please hear me out. The Fairlane rear quarters are 99% solid and do not need replacing, and the car will need minimal bodywork. BUT there is no engine or drivetrain. So my question is this... as this being my first project... would you recommend: a classic car needing major body work but having a drivetrain and everything else to reuse? or... a car with a straight, fairly rustfree body, but needing to find a powertrain. Both have fairly complete interiors (but needing re-upholstery, carpet, headliner, etc)

I welcome any and all thoughts, both publicly hear, or privately in my inbox.

Thank you for your time and understanding of my dilemna!

 

That type of rust is not bad if the front sub-frame and crossmember are good.
Have you thought of rear springs moved in and mini-tubs, this is a great candidate.
I like alot of the mid to late 60's Fords, they do make cool hotrods but that model always bugged me with the 4 stacked headlights.
My deciding factors would be:
1 Complete car with ALL the parts is a BIG BIG plus and money saver.

2 Condition of chrome and trim parts. I used to overlook this part of the puzzle in my buying exitement. This alone can put you in the poor house.

 

i dont like body work myself as id rather do bolt on things in this case id go with the ford. search local craigslist/other for a running ford engine and sure to find trans. Depending what the car had in it for engine. Most of that is just wrenching time and that. The body other hand buy replacment quarters/body work/welding/ect and u have to find out the condition of the drivetrain. running or not? trans in working condition/ect its really up to you.

 

Buy both. Drive the Belvedore while doing the work. Start looking for a drivetrain for the Ford and soon you will have 2 nice classics to enjoy.

 

How skilled are you, or, how tall is your checkbook?

 

I think I am going to take on the 67 Belvedere project. I will have to replace both quarters, but I think I am up for the challenge. I have many skilled friends, and access to any tools I would need. I thought long and hard about it, and every scenario ends with me regretting not taking on the Belvedere project.

My only concern, as of now is, which company to buy the replacement panels from. Does anyone have any recommendations? I have found for about 500bucks, I can get 4 year one panels (2 to do the wheelwells, and 2 for the the wheelwell to the back bumper). does anyone know where I could find a full quarter panel for a 67 Belvedere? I see alot for 68 and newer. :/

Scotts, I am moderately skilled with many things, as in, i can weld and work with my hands in construction work, but this will be my first car bodywork.

also, the car has 90+% of all the chrome, glass, and interior. so once I get these quarters done, it will all be, proverbially, downhill from there. haha.

Tommyboy

 

http://www.autopartsnetwork.com/cata...Belvedere_part name:Quarter+Panel_brand:APN+Auto+Body+Parts_posit ion:Right_sku:CCC186-86R_

it seems like a pair of these will be all I need to take care of my quarters.

 

I see that you have found patch panels for the rear and since you have the rear fenders cut up I would mine tub it, it is nice to have fat tires on a car