g1underground

iTrader: (1)

I'm wondering if anyone else had this dilemma, I got used developing in the usual lower right rear quarter panel that's seems pretty common. Numerous shops around here will not repair it unless its collision damage or they tell me it's not cost effective for their shops. Now I know I'm paying for this out my pocket so obviously that's not the issue, I'm I missing something here. One company said they won't do it based on the blue book value and the cost to have it done. My next step is to try to find a place that restores American muscle cars or British imports.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

because it's a lot of time and effort.
probably cant find the rear quarter panel any more, which means totally custom fabrication...meaning $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ or time that the shop doesnt have.

thoiboi

You're finding shops that are refusing your money

g1underground

iTrader: (1)

I'm amazed as you are, the first thing I said was I wanted the quarter panel restored and then said I'll pay for it out of pocket. It's not like those TV shows.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

that means it's super hard and the shops dont have the time or the skills to do it.
if they can find the quarter panel, it's a straight forward job....cut, weld, sand, paint.

if they cant find the quarter panel, it's a lot of custom work....many many many hours of labor. and might not even get the curvature or body lines right.

rancho66

I worked in an autobody shop once upon a time in FL. The boss would only do rust repair without warranting the repairs. He seldom took a rust job though due to the many collision repair jobs we had. Up here in WI where rust is king you would have no problems finding a shop to take your money. Keep searching and you will find a shop I'm sure.

TheWeez

One need only look at the rear quarter to see why it's so expensive. It's a large unit that I believe extends all the way to the front windshield and it's welded to the vehicle, requiring a lot of extra work to remove and re-mount. Runs at least $1000. SortaFit doesn't do panels for the CL, so there's no cheap alternative for new panels. Automotix.net does have one or two available. They're off used cars but may be in decent condition.

g1underground

iTrader: (1)

I got a quote for $1200 to restore without replacing the complete quarter panel and he won't promise me anything longer than 2 years, which is fine with me since I barely drive it now and definitely not in winter. I found a quarter with Delray for a $1000 so I'll take my chances with the restore labor. But this shows me the smallest of accidents will mean this car is totaled. So few CLs left standing.

rancho66

If the shop cuts all the rusted out metal and welds in new metal in it will hold up the longest. Key is to get to good metal. Filler over rust never works. Saturating the inner panel after repair with a wax based spray is key to keeping the rust at bay. Ask them before they start to get an idea of how they will repair your CL. If you have time to take the inner panel/interior pieces out after repair to see how it was repaired is always helpful. You not driving in winter will also make the repair last longer. Rust will always win once it starts, unfortunately.

I use Fluid Film (smelly wax based goop) on my winter beater's (4runner) undercarriage up here to keep the rust from progressing to the eventual frame damage.

Long live the CL!

TheWeez

The truth is, if it's rusting on that rear panel, it's likely already doing the same in many other areas. The front quarters by the headlights are a common spot and the subframes on these things are very well known for rusting out. Once you see rust, it's already in all kinds of other spots you don't see. The amount you'd spend trying to chase it down is going to be several times the value of the car.

rancho66

Being from my neck of the woods you speak the truth on rust that applies to all cars up here. I was trying to give the OP a little bit of hope on his CL. Just maybe his rust was caused by a previous accident in that spot? Doubtful, but only the OP knows what kind of rust is on his CL. Maybe he is independently wealthy and the CL has sentimental value?
Rust sucks!

g1underground

iTrader: (1)

I wish!!!
Broke, cheap and optimistic more like it. That rust area isn't bad in my opinion, I had 1970s Datsun Z and Volkswagens that disintegrated so I've seen bad rust. I'm just trying to preserve an endangered species. I appreciate all the info, but I'll be realistic. If it becomes a lost cause it's on to plan B.