Body repair sequence, floor panels, sills etc.

[swood1]

Hi all,

I need some advice from the forum of best sequence for new body repair operations.

To summarise my car needs new inner wings (flitch panels), new floor panels and sill repair scetions. 

I started on the worst side (LHS front), for which I have now replaced the LHS front inner wing; later this week I hope to have the support panel back on also.  But I also want to replace the floor panels and add the sill repair sections.   

So my question is once I have sorted out the LHS front end should I then move onto the RHS front of the car and replace this inner wing or should I stay on the LHS of the car and remove the floor panels and replace/repair the sill and then move onto to the RHS?

I have spent hours trying to work out the best sequence of work but it's not straight forward.  Any pointers appreciated.



Regards

Steven

[Shvegel]

You need access to both ends of the sills to do that job so I would cut it apart and start there.  Floor and sill one side then the other.  As you start to add from that foundation I would work from the rear forward.  Think of it this way: The rear wing position is set by the trunk lid and since you are not changing the rear wing you know that is in the right place. The door is fit to the rear wing then the front wing is fit to the door.  If you begin at the front you may end up with too much space between panels.

[Benz Dr.]

It's kind of like building a house. You start with the foundation and work your way up. On a car you should start with the sill and frame rails and then move on the floors and body panels. I usually start with the worst or more rusted side first so that the other stronger side retains the integrity of the car. Floor pans generally go in last.

[swood1]

Thanks guys,

Your advice is what I was hoping.


Steve