Replacing body side or quarter panels involves quite a bit more work, as most of the interior/boot trim will need to be removed, as well as rear windows and possibly rear screen. Fuel tanks or other mechanical items may need to be removed, depending on the particular vehicle. Sills and pillars must be checked for internal sound deadening, wiring or pipes.
Before removing any of the old panel, make sure you have the new panel at hand. This way you can see exactly how much new panel you get, and also if any brackets, door catches, corner sections, rear lamp holders etc., are included or supplied as separate parts.
Even if the new panel is supplied as a complete section right up to the roof, it is almost always easier to measure, cut and join it across the narrowest or least complex part of the centre and rear pillars. This avoids having to cut into roof support rails and the roof itself, resulting in a major time saving. The same logic applies if the panel includes door pillars or sill sections which are undamaged and do not need replacing
