Removing Spot-Welded Body Panels

Removing Parts Connected to the Panel

A variety of parts can be connected to a body panel depending where the body panel is located. If you want to remove a door body panel, for example, you will first have to take off the plastic door panel inside the door and remove the window motor and several wire connects and the window and window track that are all screwed to the inside side of the door panel.

Removing Brackets Connected to the Panel

For panels such as a front quarter panel, you will also need to remove wires zipped tied to the inside of the body panel. You will need to disconnect brackets attached to the inside of the panel. These brackets may be connected to major components of your engine, such as a bracket that holds your battery up or a bracket that holds the tire wheel well in place. Unbolt and unscrew any bracket and items that are connected to the outside body panel you are going to remove.

Removing Spot Welds From the Panel

Put on safety goggles and long protective clothing and gloves. Use a steel handheld di-grinder along outside outer edges of the panel that are spot welded into place. From the inside side of your panel, grind all the welds off and free the panel from your car frame.