Panel Beater Quotes With Rust

[lordsnipe]

Hey guys,

I've noticed some rust on one of my rear quarter panels.

I've taken the car to several panel beaters and have received quotes ranging from around $450 to "budget for around $1K" and a few in between.

The $450 quote involves removing the rust and fibreglassing up what is left, painting over etc.

The more expensive ones talk about welding in new metal instead of glassing it over.

Is there a right or wrong way of doing a job like this? Atleast with glass, it won't rust in the same spot

[wrxhoon]

The correct way of doing it is , cut the rusted piece then weld a new piece of sheetmetal .

[Russman]

the downside of welding in new panels is that welding introduces new spots to rust where the weld was done, if it is not painted immediately (also on the inside of the panel that you don't see). Also the heat generated by a crappy welder can cause the metal to warp slightly. However if you take it to a good panel shop with good mig welders and experienced panel beaters, you'll get a good job. You get what you pay for.

It's just one of those bastard things that once it is started is really hard to stop.

Edited January 12, 2006 by Russell GTS-R

[cowie165]

Just for the record, Nissan can provide an R32 GTR rear quarter for around the $600 mark.

I see yours in an R33 but it's worth keeping in mind - rather than have the hassles plus you have a straight/dent free rear quarter.

[lordsnipe]

yeah but fitting rear quarters are expensive! I'd be looking at least over 1.2K to get a new rear quarter, fit and paint!

.....i could 33 GTR panels but

[cowie165]

Of course, sorry mate. I forgot about all the other expenses - my whole car was being resprayed so it was almost drop-in-the-ocean stuff with an extra $600.

GTR panels would be very very nice. Keep the S2 front bar and really confuse people

[Russman]

If you're wanting a good job I reckon go with the replacement guard. For a little bit more money you can be sure that it won't come back for a long time.

Say 1200 for the guards paint and labour.

Welding, patch up work and paint would be close to a grand anyway.

If you do it cheap I can almost guarantee that that rust will be back in 2-3 years.

I'd still like to see some good photos of your GTR cowie!

[cowie165]

snipe I apologise for the hijack/spam at the end of the post

Here a pic of the smorgasboard of repairs already done to my "no major accident damage" R32. In the high res pics you can see a row of welding spots around the wheel arch and see how the rear corner was pulled out into shape - hence we cut our losses and bought a new one.

By the way, inside the rear quarter we found:

a Japanese diary

D-cell battery

rotting right hand woolen glove

rotting original leather gearshift

sparkplug remover sleeve (which I still use today )

And for you Russell Not the best pic, cause still only have the video camera for photos, but you get the idea. You really have to see it in person. No dents no scratches and a great shine. And I've nearly paid off the credit card! hehe

The last pic is a 'before' shot. Fitted Nismo skirts, bonnet lip and front vents. New rear quarter glass and front/rear windscreen seals. New window guides along the tops of the doors too and took the paint off the front lip spoiler.

[lordsnipe]

yeah .. will look into a replacement guard, but will probably go for a cut and weld job as opposed to a cut and glass job... the wallet is quite thing atm! but not thin enough to go for a dodge job

[Russman]

I love what you find in imported cars!!!

when I imported my R31, there was a cassette in the boot under the carpet.

It was like techno from the early 90's.

I love the flares too!

Car looks awesome cowie.

Good luck with the rust repair mate...

By the way, inside the rear quarter we found:

a Japanese diary

D-cell battery

rotting right hand woolen glove

rotting original leather gearshift

sparkplug remover sleeve (which I still use today )

[Beer Baron]

mark you car gave me a chubby. looks nice. very nice.

[cowie165]

Thanks for the feedback guys