Rear Body Panel - Everything You Need To Know

Are you aware of a rear body panel? Don’t know? Well, Parts Avatar has mentioned here all the information you need to arm yourself before proceeding further. A vehicle when broken down into parts integrates into numerous auto-parts. All of these parts are connected with each other in what could be called a disorganized clutter, and apparently not very aesthetic to look at. For this reason, a complete body panel set, made up of steel materials, makes the outer covering for the vehicle. The body panels determine the shape of the vehicles, and are important as they also act as a protective cover for all the auto-parts which are placed in the vehicle under the hood, the car’s interior and the car’s undercarriage. A car requires many kinds of body panel for different functions and at different places. Examples of the body panels include the quarter panel, which covers the portions between the car’s back door and trunk, and the cowl panel, that shapes the area below the windshield. The vehicle’s body panels also include car hood and fenders. The body panel makes up for the most exposed part of the vehicle and therefore prone to damage because of the natural elements such as the sun’s rays or rain or snow and the other issues such as accidents or dents because of collisions. Even the best material body panels are impacted by these problems, and even the smallest scratches on these panels or the car paint can expose the panel underneath to become more susceptible to damage because of the elements.

There are a number of skilled auto mechanics who have a goal of opening their own car repair shop at some point in their career. But let’s face it; if you want to put up an efficient as well as profit making shop, then you might need much more than mechanical skills. There are a number of tools which you might need to perform the car repairs quickly as well as reliably. Auto repair equipment that you will need to repair your Rear Body Panel may include:

• New body panel
• Ratchet and socket set
• Screwdriver
• Lubricant spray with rust inhibitor
• Rags

Most of the people have a nature to avoid risk and seek safety. That is the reason why they would go with a familiar auto parts brand than a new one. It would prove to be safe and they know what to expect. Have a look at our top brands for rear body panel which would offer safety and at the same time decrease the risk of disappointment:

Confused? No worries, only for our precious customers we have listed out everything that should be known. Here’s how following the given instructions you can change the rear body panel easily:

1. Straightening - Firstly, in order to straighten the rear body panel, you should ensure that the vehicle is properly hooked to the straightening system. You should make the upper body measurements for determining the location of the rear body panel. Utilize numerous pulls and stress relieving for retaining the apt dimensions of the rear body panel. We advise you to consult the manufacturers' recommendations. In case, you use heat for relieving stress, follow the vehicle’s time and temperature recommendations. Replace or repair all the damaged, kinked or rusted components (during straightening) if required. It is essential to use a corrosion resistant primer in all the interior and exterior areas that have been damaged while performing the procedure. Seam sealers should be used to restore the normal appearance. Also, anti corrosion compound should be applied to all the areas that are enclosed. Finally, refinish all the cosmetic surfaces now that all the body repairs have been made and reassemble the vehicle.
2. Complete panel removal - So, if you want to completely remove the rear body panel, you should perform the upper body measurements and adjacent panel alignment and straightening. Then all the spot weld marks should be located and marked. Next, remove the spot weld, although make sure that you don't damage the parts connected to the rear body panel (such as rear floor pan). Then disconnect the damaged rear panel. We advise you to not discard any of the labels until the changes have been performed. Then, disconnect all the burrs and spot weld nuggets from the mating surfaces. Don’t remove the zinc covering. Lastly, straighten the mating panel edges if required for the procedure.
3. Complete panel installation - First and foremost, perform a complete trial of all the replacement parts and clean the mating surfaces. Don’t remove the zinc coating at all. For performing the welding method, we advise you to consult the manufacturer’s specifications. Refer to the location, size of plug and weld holes from the guide. Place the rear body panel and position it well. Then, proceed forward to checking the alignment to the tail lamps and the deck lid or hatch. Then utilize the adjacent panels and three-dimensional measuring system to check the parts that have been properly aligned. Coat weld-through primer on all the weld mat surfaces that don’t have zinc coating. Then again mount the panel on the vehicle and fasten it. Adjacent panels and three-dimensional measuring system should be used to check all the parts that have been positioned properly. You need to tack weld and properly hold the rear body panel in position. Perform a proper recheck of the reinstallations. Note that it is important to perform weld tests before using it on the vehicle itself and then perform the welding procedure. Put the three-dimensional measuring system and adjacent panel to use again to check the parts that haven't been aligned yet. The dress the welds as per the requirements and apply primer to all the interior/exterior surfaces that have been damaged during the process. Seam sealer should be used to restore the appearance back. Finally, try to finish well the exterior and interior parts of all the straightened parts that were put to use and were anchored. Give final attempt to restore its appearance. Use anti corrosion compounds on all enclosed areas and refinish the areas that had been damaged due to collision. Complete the labels back again that were there and continue with the vehicle assembly.

Step 1

The plastic skirting of the old body panel has to be removed. A screwdriver may be used for this purpose. It is important to take out the skirting completely, and the lower side of the car may be having to be reached.

Step 2

The next step is to remove the nuts and bolts which connect the panel to the vehicle. These are placed in the metal tabs behind the panel. It would be helpful to pour a small amount of lubricant in case the bolts are too tight. Next, take out the old body panel.

Step 3

Once the replacement body panel has been placed on the car, note down the position of the bolt holes. The bolts should be reinstituted through the tabs, and the nuts should be set relatively loose. All sides of the panel should be inspected and it should be made sure that all gaps are uniform.

Step 4

For the new body panel to be set properly, it should be made sure that all nuts are in place and tightened. Once this is done, the protective skirting should be secured under the vehicle again. Even though the installation process can be managed by one person, it would be better if assistance can be sought out to carry the replacement body panel. The process is fairly time consuming and can take a few hours, even for the experts.