Access panel or not? Need some opinions!

[AJCK87]

Hey Guys,

Looking for some insight on a fabrication idea.

I am currently working on replacing quarters on my 63, long, panel truck. I found that the major cause of the bottoms rusting out on this rig was the collection of dirt and thus moisture.

The question standing: Add access panel or not?

I figured I'd cut out a channel along the indented strip, painted black in my case, making four 3-4' by 5" access holes then weld some nuts on the inside of the quarter so I could have a removable cover plates.



It would be nice and functional, just wondering if it would take away from the ascetics to much and whether it would be worth all the extra work? Do you think it would take away structural integrity at all?

I'm kinda leaning towards it, mostly to be able to clean away dirt build up and coat the inside well with POR15 but also that the PO cut those haggard speaker holes.

Just wanted to hear some feed back, see how you guys weigh in

[chevylookin]

For me, I hate cutting holes in anything. I even felt guilty making a new hole for in the trans hump cover doing a tranny swap. Are the lower rear quarters on your rig already rusting out? Is it something you think you might have to do sooner or later? If so, dont hack up your inside panels. On the other hand, the whacky PO already butchered a hole or two in it so that needs to be mended and fixed or it needs about 2 more on each side to make it match. Are you going back to stock? Or are you going to put some gucci interior in it someday and you could easily conceal the access covers?

[AJCK87]

Originally Posted by chevylookin

For me, I hate cutting holes in anything. I even felt guilty making a new hole for in the trans hump cover doing a tranny swap. Are the lower rear quarters on your rig already rusting out? Is it something you think you might have to do sooner or later? If so, dont hack up your inside panels. On the other hand, the whacky PO already butchered a hole or two in it so that needs to be mended and fixed or it needs about 2 more on each side to make it match. Are you going back to stock? Or are you going to put some gucci interior in it someday and you could easily conceal the access covers?

Thanks for the response chevylooking!

I hear you about cutting up the factory steel. The lower quarters have rust holes on the inside and out and I have already began the repairs. I could always fix the holes, but I was thinking of putting some speakers there now, but make it cleaner. I thought it would be good to better access the inside to paint after I weld Ingls the new outer. I am going stock ish, mostly with the looks. Already done a motor swap. I'm not likely going to put in all kinds of plush interior. But you never know what will happen in the future hahaha. I was thinking of blending the access cover lines well with those of the indent. Still in contemplation