It's OK...you can actually answer that. I have pretty thick skin. Here's the deal. When I purchased my '70, 6 years ago, it required a lot of work. Some of my friends, though they didn't come out and say it, thought...he'll never be able to fix that thing up with his limited knowledge and tools. Well you know they say a bee shouldn't be able to fly based on the laws of physics, but it doesn't know that. God made it to fly so it does. I'm kinda like that bee. I was too stupid to think I couldn't do the work I've done so far (motor, tranny, interior, trunk, dash, windshield, brakes, etc.) and it all looks great. How tough is it for a rookie welder to replace two rear quarters, deck and tail panel? The car will never be a show car, but I do want it to look decent. When I replaced the trunk floor, I did it myself from cutting out the old rusty metal, to spot welding and seam sealing. But, of course, that's in the trunk. Looks good, but it isnt the exterior finish. Maybe I shouldn't tackle this and just save up a few more (thousands) of dollars and have a shop do it, but what's the fun in that? Be brutally honest. Thanks. Chris.

fine line between hard headed and stupid.ive never done it but i would try.get as many pointers as you can from the guys here and go fer it.

Well, if its any consolation, if you screw them up, you cut them off and redo it. If you send it to a shop, you'll redo them and have the sting of paying soemone in the first place. If you are using the reproduction sheetmetal out there, you can get a pretty good result. The full quarters will end at the same places as factory seams, so you shouldn't have any major outer surface body work to worry about. Reproduction metal isn't perfect, but taking your time, asking questions here, and following what others havfe done, will help a ton.
Take a look on the Projects/Survivors forum here at Moparts and look to see what others have done to get an idea on teh level of effort to restore a car.

Can you practice on a junker first, someone elses junk car or truck, something like that Practice makes perfect, how perfect do you weant yours

First time I welded was when I installed those crappy 90's circa full quarter panels on my 69 Hemi GTX, there was a lot of work involved like moving the side marker openings and making the back edge correct. Just go slow and ask for advice on here and you'll be fine.

Sheldon

Short answer, you can do it.

It takes a strong attention to detail and having some experience in properlt fitting panels would be great. The reproduction stuff is good - but it's been my experience that you will need to work it to get the results as good as the factory did it. And really that's what we're talking about here. Solid and safe, rather than solid, safe, and perfect when judged by others looking for flaws. I've found the finessing to be an art form - and I'm not an artist...lol. So it takes me a longer, and it takes me more effort. You will find the same I'm sure. So go for it - but think about everything, ask questions, and don't be in a rush.

Yes, you can do it if you take your time. Try to find someone who has done it before and pick their brain. Maybe someone who can look over your shoulder from time to time. I don't know what your money situation is like. Perhaps with the money you will save doing it yourself, buy the proper tools. A small mig welder, spot weld drills, a hole puncher for plug welds, an assortment of vise grips. Do you have a compressor? An air chisel makes separating the drilled out spot welds way easier. Also, you can assemble the new panels with small sheet metal screws to check fit prior to welding. Lastly, buy good parts. Don't try to save a few bucks by using no name panels. It will just make the job that much harder in the long run. I've heard good things about the AMD panels. Good luck

Thanks! I'm surprised that there weren't more naysayers. I have a MIG 135 welder and planning on buying the AMD metal. The tips you've given are great. Thanks again. As for practicing on a junker...hmmm...my buddy just purchased a 1973 Charger and it is ROUGH, but it is for his son who is just 17 and he is asking for help. Maybe his Dad (my buddy) and I can help him and as you say, if we mess up we can "do over" and I'm sure he would appreciate any help. You'll probably hear back from me as I get more into it. Will be this fall after the cruise in season. Thanks again for the encouragement. Seriously, it isn't just blowing sunshine, but encouraging with real advice that should be followed. Thanks again. Chris.

Start a project thread so we can all follow along.

Don't be afraid to do it. I myself haven't yet. When beginning work on my Dads Dart someone had welded the trim holes up in the 1/4's and warped them pretty bad. A local body man said it would cost less to replace them than to try and straighten them out. I bought a pair of AMD full 1/4's at Carlisle. He is 73 years old and has never done any type of body work and no metal work to my knowledge, however he is very mechanically inclined. He drilled out the old welds and removed the old ones in sections. We had the doors on and adjusted exact to the old 1/4 panel. I showed him how to spot panels together to look like factory and turned him loose. The new panels fit very well. In the end the car turned out great. There is a lot of satisfaction in doing things yourself. The part I find most interesting is that he will not do bodywork with a traditional plastic paddle. He has been doing drywall finishing for about 40 years and prefers to use a stainless drywall knife to work with body putty.
If you decide to do this yourself I would use a full quarter and not attempt a partial panel unless it is small.

It's doable. Buy a good MIG welder and register for a community college/tech school welding class. Get a couple of books and read up on how. Lots of articles on this in old MOPAR MUSCLE mags etc.

Astrobuf

You guys help build my confidence. Thanks! I've always been impressed by the generosity of those on this site. Thanks again!

Go to a Pick a Part type yard and buy an old fender and door of the same vintage and practice