Do quarter panels exist?

Mondo Poncho · Addicted!

Do quarter panels exist?

Mondo Poncho · Addicted!

I should clarify. I'm aware that there are no repro panels available for the B Body Ponchos and I know that Catalina panels are not the same. I've read here that some of you have modified Catalina panels to fit, but I would guess that no matter what is done with a 68 Catalina quarter panel, it would never be exactly right- compared to a true 68 Parisienne panel. Am I right on that? So... If a guy really wanted to do a proper restoration on a 68 Parisienne that needs quarter panels, is it even possible to find genuine 67/68 (I know they are almost identical- just slightly different side marker cut out) quarter panels?? Or would the car be doomed to have goofy or bondo quarters forever? Maybe somebody has or knows of something that could eventually become available? If available, they wouldn't likely come cheap. I get that. I just want to know what realistic options might be. Thank you

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

I was hoping you'd get an answer from the 68 gurus here (which I am not one!). I am guessing the lack of response is the answer you had not hoped for, nothing available I bet.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Cross Canada has some Canadian specific sheet metal. Worth a call.

LandShark68_2+2 · Guru

I looked into this several years ago and Cross Canada did have some patch panels
but the wheel well lip was not flush with the panel. It protruded some, which is fine and apparently
correct for non-fender skirt cars, but if you want fender skirts, then it doesn't work very well.

I have heard of some guys having success with massaging a Catalina quarter panel to fit.

Regards, Scott (LandShark ...)

427carl · A Poncho Legend!

LandShark68_2+2 wrote:
I looked into this several years ago and Cross Canada did have some patch panels
but the wheel well lip was not flush with the panel. It protruded some, which is fine and apparently
correct for non-fender skirt cars, but if you want fender skirts, then it doesn't work very well.
I have heard of some guys having success with massaging a Catalina quarter panel to fit.

Regards, Scott (LandShark ...)

We have a member (Bud Dewson) who has travelled to USA and picked up southern sheet metal and says they fit fine Contact him I have mentioned this 4 times before

JC2+2 · Poncho Master!

I heard someone made a half quarter. Up to the centre body line. No experience just hear say. Probably also fit like a saddle on a sow. My car has that patch and bondo job done back in '95. Maybe Corrine will pipe in. Her car was redone recently.

OURWAGON · Guru

confuse THOUGHT CATALINA SHEET METAL WAS THE SAME AS CANADIAN PONTIAC OR CLOSE ENOUGH TO WORK . confuse

GOOD USED SHEET METAL !

-- Edited by OURWAGON on Friday 13th of November 2015 08:57:01 PM

timbuk · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

http://www.noramstore.com/Bonneville_Catalina_Grand_Prix_Ventura_67_68_Qp_p/0867760u.htm

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

427carl wrote:
We have a member (Bud Dewson) who has travelled to USA and picked up southern sheet metal and says they fit fine Contact him I have mentioned this 4 times before

Actually 5 or 6 times. I've been paying attention. biggrin

For a '64, a little panel "massaging" is needed, I don't know about a '68.

Mondo Poncho · Addicted!

Sorry about that. I know there is a long history on this site of Q&A and lots of info on all kinds of topics. I have done a lot of searching here of past posts, but there are a lot of different replies and opinions also. I will do my best to not ask questions that have been answered here previously. Thanks for your help.

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

Mondo Poncho wrote:
Sorry about that. I know there is a long history on this site of Q&A and lots of info on all kinds of topics. I have done a lot of searching here of past posts, but there are a lot of different replies and opinions also. I will do my best to not ask questions that have been answered here previously. Thanks for your help.

John, don't be afraid to ask any questions ... besides you getting your answers, other members benefit from the answers also. I don't ask a lot of questions on this site, but I sure benefit from other people's Qs & As.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

I second that. I don't get tired of questions here. I hope for the same tolerance from others if I ask a question that has been previously answered.

Mondo Poncho · Addicted!

Thank you for that. However I do understand that I have some responsibility to do some research here first so as to not drive people crazy with newbie questions. Doing my best.

So.... are there any differences between CDN and USA Pontiacs? Why does my car have a "Chebbie" engine?

Hahahaha..... lol.....

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

One question is forbidden, do NOT ask if a Beaumont is a Pontiac or not!!!

timbuk · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

john did you see the link i posted not sure if that panel is correct

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

"Chebbie" is a derogatory word used primariliy by US Pontiac enthusiasts. It's not used too often on this forum.

Your car has a Canadian Pontiac engine, it says so right on your air cleaner. The reason it was built this way is very long and complicated but is the very reason this site exists.

Mondo Poncho · Addicted!

Hi Ray

I thought the devilish emoticon would signal to everyone I was just trying to be funny and "an agitator"! No disrespect to these great cars or anybody here. I was joking Mon (just got back from Jamaica). Respect Mon!

And Hi Tim

I did see your link. Pulled up photos of the Catalina and Parisienne online, put them side by side and it was clear that the Catalina quarter panels are longer and the overall shape is different. I'm not too knowledgeable about body work but I'd say using those half panels would require some expert craftsmanship. Apparently, some guys have found a way to make it work, but I wonder just how well.

Thank you both very much for your input!

John

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

Mondo Poncho wrote:

Pulled up photos of the Catalina and Parisienne online, put them side by side and it was clear that the Catalina quarter panels are longer and the overall shape is different. I'm not too knowledgeable about body work but I'd say using those half panels would require some expert

Just like '64 Canadian vs American.

Tin Injun · Addicted!

I was looking for a 1/4 for my car back in the early 90s and tried the Cross Canada option. They were not even close to fitting. I finally got a supplier in Lethbridge to find me an original off a Sask. Parisienne in a North Dakota junkyard.

That is probably the best option . There are likely a few left out there if you search long enough. Can Pontiacs are generally orphans when it comes to body parts. The good news is the Chevy Frame and power trains.

Fred