My Willys 3A and 3B Community

TECH FAQ SECTIONS => BODY and trim => Topic started by: Dan Adam on March 22, 2024, 07:29:28 AM

Title: Rear quarter panel replacement
Post by: Dan Adam on March 22, 2024, 07:29:28 AM

I'm looking for advice on repairing the rear quarter on my 54 3B. Above the rear tire to tailgate.
I would like to find a place that offers an exact replacement based on shape and thickness. I have not had a lot of luck with aftermarket panels. Another possibility is to try and find a doner panel off a scrap tub.

Thoughts?

Title: Re: Rear quarter panel replacement
Post by: Rus Curtis on March 22, 2024, 11:39:38 AM

Dan,
Welcome.  Original bodies should be 18 gauge. Most aftermarket items through the vendors is MD Juan and the quality can be a challenge.

I'd suggest here:
https://www.classicent.com/jeep/mb-cj2a-3a-3b-m38

The only way I'd see an original donor panel available is if the tub was unsalvageable except for the panel you want.  Otherwise, I'd think the seller would want to sell the tub as a whole.  Try checking here for original:
http://www.midwestwillys.com/

Ensure you have the correct channel support inside the panel available for your project (classic enterprise offers both types).

Title: Re: Rear quarter panel replacement
Post by: Chuck W. on March 22, 2024, 04:20:31 PM

I'll second Classic Enterprises, excellent quality parts.

Title: Re: Rear quarter panel replacement
Post by: Mark W. on March 23, 2024, 11:08:38 AM

I built the whole rear of my Tub from panels from Classic Enterprises. They needed a little adjustment to get them exactly correct. That said my panels were not typical of Classic's offerings but as I found out the work of a new employee.

Original Willys sheet metal would now days be 17ga as the tolerances for gauges has changed some over the years. Its a little thicker then 18ga and not quite as thick as 16ga. I used 16ga for any flat panel I made like the Wheelhouse sides and the front floors.