Topic: Rust repair, can I remove the rear seat back?

I have a 2000 Buick Regal and there are some serous holes in the rear inner fenders (~2" x 10").  I would like to weld in some sheet metal to patch the wholes but the rear seat back and package tray are in the way.  So I am considering cutting the seat back and package tray out.  I am not running a fuel cell so I don't have to worry about that.

Some may suggest, isn't easier to install the patch from inside the inner fender?  In short, no.  The rear strut, mounts in the inside of the inner fender.  Even with the strut removed, the strut mounting location is a cup shape so there isn't a flat surface to weld the patch to.  Another plus of welding the patch to the top of the inner fender is it will give me a nice solid location to weld in the roll cage backstays.

Bottom line, can I cut out the rear seat back and package tray and still pass the tech. inspection?

Alex

Re: Rust repair, can I remove the rear seat back?

You might want to take some pics, and then mark where you are planning on removing.  Then send them to John Pagel (evil genius) for final approval.

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Re: Rust repair, can I remove the rear seat back?

Alex M wrote:

I have a 2000 Buick Regal and there are some serous holes in the rear inner fenders (~2" x 10").  I would like to weld in some sheet metal to patch the wholes but the rear seat back and package tray are in the way.  So I am considering cutting the seat back and package tray out.  I am not running a fuel cell so I don't have to worry about that.

Some may suggest, isn't easier to install the patch from inside the inner fender?  In short, no.  The rear strut, mounts in the inside of the inner fender.  Even with the strut removed, the strut mounting location is a cup shape so there isn't a flat surface to weld the patch to.  Another plus of welding the patch to the top of the inner fender is it will give me a nice solid location to weld in the roll cage backstays.

Bottom line, can I cut out the rear seat back and package tray and still pass the tech. inspection?

Alex

I would send pictures to Pagel.  If you are exposing the outside of the car to passenger compartment, then you need to close it all back up. I would also be concerned about structural integrity/body flex as the package tray reduces twisting.

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Re: Rust repair, can I remove the rear seat back?

Thanks.  I will contact John and let you know what I hear.

Alex

Re: Rust repair, can I remove the rear seat back?

Don't forget that you will need to put appropriate sized spreader plates at the landing point of those backstays.

Re: Rust repair, can I remove the rear seat back?

I emailed John Pagel and he got back to me.  Quickly, I might add.  He said:

"That's frightening. Being from California. I just don't see that kind of thing.  It will need to be totally rebuilt to OE(ish) strength. Yes you can cut the parcel tray out for access.  Do a good job, cold lumpy welds with holes will fail tech."

Thanks again for the replies.  I plan to us 1/8" sheet to make the repair so they can double as spreader plate.

Alex