hey all,
just wondering if you can get replacement panels for the rear quarter panels of a 86 XF ute? as ive got a ute that has major rust in both sides and needs replacing. failing that how easy or hard is it to do a transplant of a whole new tub and side panels up to the cab? is the ute frame connected to the front half of the cab making it structual? as one of the plans is to cut the side panels and lower the tray walls down 50mm to run inline with the window trim. as i want to keep the ute as much metal as possible without bog or fibreglassing. can post pics. thanks in advance for any and all help.

ps. if there is anyone around the southeast of melbourne (berwick area) that wants to come and educate me further on how to mod out the back tray id be very interested...just pm me.

pete

Replacing the rear 1/4's and inner panels is a huge job. If it were me, I'd be looking for a better ute shell to start with. Fixing rust sux at the best of times, but with the mods your talking about, it's just more work you don't need. Find a clean straight rust-free shell, XF or XG, and go from there.
Good luck.

ok thanks for that. i know it a massive job to go about doing.... at the moment cash is tight and i have plenty of time on my hands to put in the hours to do it. so it is possible to get replacement panels? and is the tray floor and or side panels structional to the cab at all? thanks

Shame your not up here - a mate has a good XG ute roller for under $1k. It would be the perfect base for a project, the shell is cherry.

Rare spares have some replacement panels. Have a look at their website. Also eBay have some occasionally

What you will be paying for the panels and consumables to fit them would get you a decent rolling shell.

Buy a shell that's good. They go for beer money these days