Book time to replace a factory quarter panel
on an old mopar is usually 16 hours on a vinyl
top car... 14-15 on a non-vinyl top car.
That would be for one perfect NOS factory
quarter panel on 1 car with no other issues and that does not take into consideration refinish time.
Even in a perfect world, that will almost
never happen..There are always other issues!
1) If the quarter needs to be replaced,
usually the the trunk extension and the
outer wheel house need to be replaced too...
That adds time... figure 8 hours for both
panels...each side... the actual book time
is less than that, but that estimate is with
NOS original factory parts NOT REPROS...
Your now at 24 hours per side...
not including the cost of the quarter panels
the wheel houses or the extensions..
2) If your replacing you trunk extensions the
trunk floor will have to be replaced as well..
Add 8 hours for the trunk floor plus the
cost of the floorpan...again they may want
more time due to repro floor pan...
3) The E-Bodies also have issues with the
rear window cowl (dutchman panel)
add 6-8 hours for that) plus $125.00 for
the panel. (if necessary)
4) the rear tail panel /
lower rear valance may also need to be
replaced. add for that as well...
5) Rear framerails may also be an issue..LOOK
first before having the bodyshop replace this
stuff
Now add additional cost for seam sealer,
epoxy primer, and undercoating...
When finished the body shop should finish off
the The inside (trunk floor) with at least 2 coats of epoxy primer, seam sealer and then paint..The factory did not use clearcoat on a trunk - you don't have to either... $$$$ most people do cuz it looks nice and shiny!
your paying for it! = it's up to you!
The outside (underneath the trunk floor,
the trunk extensions, and the inner wheel houses
should have this done as well
The outside of the quarter panels should have
the EDP still in place...so you can leave that alone for now...
Your easily looking at 80 hours * bodyshop rate
(80*50) = 4000 for labor
parts:
Quarter panels $1000 (500 per side)
outer wheel hous 500 (250 per side)
trunk exten 140 (70 per side)
trunk floor 300
plus shipping
plus materials (seam sealer, epoxy primer etc)..
Your in this for easily $6000
if the shop rate is 45 and hour
maybe $5000...
if you have to do the rear window cowl,
tailpanel or valence - the cost goes up too..
Nothing like an old mopar!
to help a man with a FAT wallet!
FWIW, most body shops will NOT sign up for
this job...(i.e repairing old cars most are
late model collision only)..
DO NOT SIGN UP FOR A TIME & MATERIALS quote
from a body shop...that's a recipe for the poor
house... Most will quote this knowing full well
your not going to sign up for it. This is
pleasant way of saying no thanks! Don't argue
with them, smile and take it somewhere else.
Regardless if this is a convertible or a hardtop, I would take it to a frame shop and make sure the
frame is straight before cutting off any
structural sheet metal.
And yes, quarter panels, and trunk floors are structural panels...
Hope this helps.
Best of luck to you!