When is it better to buy a patch panel over making one?

[Blackbyrd]

I'm in the process of repairing the sheet metal on a 71 camaro. I bought some floor pan patches to repair the floor, and I have a full quarter skin repair next on my list for the passenger side.

These may seemed like an obvious answer at first but from those way more experienced than me, when do you buy a patch repair panel vs making the panel? This not a decision on if the original steel is saleable or not, it's more about the hrs. I can lament over trying to make a panel fit and conform to the curve of the body, but when is the time involved not worth the effort? I'm not a professional by anymeans. I'm a guy restoring an old car in the basement with some decent skills but not all the right tools at my disposal, but not always a lot of free time.

I have some repair to do on the driver side quarter as well on the wheel well below the body line. I find myself 2nd guessing cutting and forming a panel vs just buying the pre-made jobs.

So how do you guys decide?

 

[rdoty]

My general algorithm is IF there is a patch panel available AND the area contains complex curves (such as the bottom of an inner door shell) THEN order patch panel ELSE fab up a patch.

The pictures you have shown are places where I would just make a patch. Having said that, if you have to go into the body line on the second picture that would be a bit of work and might justify purchasing a patch panel.

Making a patch is more an exercise in patience than anything else - skill comes with time.

 

[Blackbyrd]

Thanks for chiming in!

What you said about that body line is exactly how I feel looking at it. I think I just need to start cutting cause I'll be shocked if I don't have to dip down into that body line. Lucky for me that panel is pretty inexpensive compared to others I've purchased.

 

[cgrutt]

Way back in the day I had a '71 Formula 400 which was pretty much same car. I recall making my own patch panels in same area. Wound up buying new quarters and new front fenders and having the whole car done professionally. It came out so much better with factory panels. A few years ago I bought a quarter panel for my F150 and wound up cutting it into a much smaller patch panel to repair some rust in wheel well. That may be an option for you as well. Gives you all the right curves but you can cut the panel as much as you need to keep repair as small as possible. If you are not original owner of the Camaro I'd do some investigation on that quarter panel it has likely been repaired before and God only knows how much Bondo you'll find in there (don't ask me how I know lol). Good luck! Awesome car!

 

[NakeDiesel]

For me it is based on complexity of the area/size, do I have the equipment to make it or is there even one available. My mud race truck, I made my own patches, cause I couldn't find 46 power wagon patch panels. My 69 camaro, I'll be using full quarter patch panels, whole floor and trunk pans when I pull it out of the shop corner and start on it. My 61 gmc d860 dump truck will most likely be me building patch panels for it.

 

[Copymutt]

For me it’s all about the challenge.

 

[Blackbyrd]

I don't mind the challenge....... already converted it to a t top car.

Once you've chopped a roof off there's no not much left that scares me hahaha.

Hard to tell from the close ups but that areas stripped to bare metal save a few left overs. This side was definitely bondo light. Passenger side on the other hand....... hot mess hence the whole skin. It's been a pretty solid car, small floor pan patch. Small hole in the dash under the windshield and pin holes in the rear window tray, rotted lower quarter, and the 2 patches in the first pics. I think there's some issues under the t tops seals but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

I've got a small metal brake, but not stretcher Shrinker or roller. Bent stuff over pipe a time or 2 to match a contour. Been pretty convinced I could make most of the patches for the small stuff, but wanted a gut check.

 

[Jim greengo]

Depends on how good you are,how much time do you have.
I know a couple of people who are incredibly talented at making panels from nothing.

 

[danielbuck]

Depends on how good you are,how much time do you have.
I know a couple of people who are incredibly talented at making panels from nothing.

this. how much time do you have, and how much effort to you want to spend, versus paying for something that will save you some time.

 

[36truck]

I would say the right side do the whole quarter. On the left side make your own patch panel.