North American Turbocoupe Organization

Full Version: Body panel swapping
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My bird's got a fair amount of cancer to her body panels. The frame is nice and solid, but the body looks like crap. About all it's got going for it body wise is the roof, the hood, and the bumpers. It needs new doors and all four fenders.

What will swap in from an older Aerobird, if anything.

From what I can tell, all that they did was change the nose, tail and hood on the older one verses the newer, so would I be able to find any good 83-88 Bird's panels to replace mine?
87-88 are unique and NOT interchangable with 83-86. Furthermore, the rear "fenders" are not replaceable. They are called quarter panels and are integrally welded part of the unit-body structure. Patch panels may be your best bet there.
You can replace the rear quarters but it is an involved process of cutting out the old quarter panel and cutting, fitting, and welding in the new one. And is best left up to a professional body shop or someone that has has the knowledge and skills to do it. As Mike said, patch panels are easier and may be your best bet, but some welding and body working skills are still needed to make it turn out right....Tommy
Ah bugger. Righto, thanks guys. I was afraid of that.

...Bondo here I come!
Quote:Originally posted by WyldeSoul:
...Bondo here I come!
haha thats wat i'm sayin come summertime.
NO! Not the dreaded bondo monster Big Grin If you're going that route, It would be better if you used a fibergalss reinforced filler instead. It'll hold up better than the regular plastic filler. There are several types available to choose from. Good luck
Consider this,you can buy a rust-free car for about the same amount of money you're gonna sink in your present car.That's alot of work you're getting into.
Unfortunately, Bud30pk is right.
Its easier and cheaper to just find a good rust free body. There are still good bodies here in the South. These car don't have alot of rust issues if they aren't being attacked by salt 4-5 months per year.
Doors and front fenders from a 87 -88 Cougar will interchange with the 87 - 88 T-bird. You will have to transfer the trim from your car to the new piece. I also used 87 -88 Cougar rocker panels to save my TC rockers.