[ragman]

I have a 72 firebird in recent years someone cut the lower half of both 1/4 panels off and placed whole 1/4s over top, like a band aid. It iwas then spot welded in place. Poorly I might add. I would like some ideas to get the panels off. They are in good shape and would like to reuse them.

[Mollard]

I would drill out the spot welds and chisle it off.

[MARTINSR]

It really depends on how they are welded and where. I use a die grinder with a cut off disc often to cut spot welds. You move the running disc forward and back in the direction of the shaft, not side to side like you are cutting a line with the disc.

You can work wonders with the cut off disc!

[adtkart]

Lately I have had several times when the factory spot welds were recessed. I have used a 1/2" round burr(rotary file) in a die grinder to cut out the welds. They work and cause very little disturbance to the lower panel.

[MARTINSR]

Very good point, I use a burr cutter as well. If I can't get in to a tight space with the cut off disc, that is the my tool of choice. I use both those along with my spot weld driller, it really depends on the weld.

This is one of the reasons I preach to not use a chisel or other metal damaging tool. I don't care what it is, I don't care what kind of car it is. Using the three tools mentioned you can disassemble the whole car just like unbolting it. Each weld can be removed just like it never existed. All it takes is time, little talent, just time.

[ragman]

thanks for the help. I just finished removeing 2 inches of filler, and it also appears this body specialist brazed areas about 1 to 3 inces long. at various locations on the drivers 1/4.