Hi all,
I’m starting to restore my 68 cougar and wanted some advice on how I should go about fixing a damaged right rear quarter (see pics).
Your Cougar will need tied down and pulled on from the rear to try and pull the wrinkle out. That is some severe damage and doubt it can be pulled out and fixed that way. The better way would be to drill out the spot welds from the tail panel and get that back where it belongs. Then cut out the damage area and install a patch from the donor parts car. Someone should have that area as a patch. It’s not a spot for common rust in most areas of the country. The next option is a aftermarket quarter panel. But, I don’t think you need to go that route and expense unless there are other issues with the quarter panel that needs addressed.
I think it is repairable with some talented body shop work. It will need a new 1/4 panel extension (or good used) and a straightened / re-chromed bumper. Both can be had from WCCC. The tail light panel is bent, as is the 1/4 panel. Like Brian said it may be necessary to drill the spot welds that attach the 1/4 panel to the tail lamp panel in the area of the damage to allow easier repair work, then MIG the parts back together again. The gas tank, tail lamps, lower valance, and associated parts will all have to be removed. So it will likely be in the thousands of dollars to repair due to all the man hours.
Thanks for the replies and suggestions everyone.
Just to confirm these are the parts I would need? I couldn’t find a tailight patch on WCCC
We have used cuts that can be cut to your specification.
Thanks Don!
Just got a complete parts list from one of your sales reps!
I would get it taken apart first. Get the paint off the quarter panel so you know what you’re dealing with. Might be other damage or previous problems with the quarter panel which would direct you to a full replace of the panel. Once apart you will have a better understanding what direction to go which will tell you what parts or patch area you need. No sense in ordering parts now just to find out you didn’t get the correct stuff once you get it apart. Depending how bad of a hit the bumper took it might need lots of attention in the bumper mount area to get it back where it belongs.
Thanks for the advice! That makes a lot of sense and is what i’m planning on doing. Now just got to find time to take everything apart…