1994 quarter panel fits 1997?

[iCasper]

I had an accident and need a cutout of the right quarter panel for my 1997 Explorer XLT 4door.
I can’t find any repair body parts, only for models till 1994! Does they fit? Please see photo

Ford part no is 27840 for both models, 194 and 1997 on fordparts.com!

 

[toypaseo]

Taillight opening is different. I dunno past that. @MONMIX should be able to tell you though...

 

[Spudhut]

Using my Body Shop experience; I would venture to say 'No' because '94 is Gen 1 and yours is a Gen 2. @toypaseo is right, the taillight openings are different. Even if it did work, you would have to 'splice in the correct taillight opening after you install the quarter panel.

 

[koda2000]

Lots of '95-'01 Explorers/Mountaineers out there who's qtr panels would be an identical match. If you used a '94's qtr panel you'd end up with 2 different tail lights.

 

[geosnooker2000]

Go to a U-Pull-It with a battery powered cutting tool, and just cut what you need off of the best example you can find.

 

[MONMIX]

The short answer is no, it wont fit.

Did you try calling a local dealership?

A junk yard QP would be a lot of additional work and truth be known I would never do that on a customers car.

If it goes that way I can walk you through the process. It is not a cakewalk though. Getting a NEW OE panel is the best way to go. Let me know if I can help any further.

 

[MONMIX]

Oh, you are from Spain....
Yikes. That makes things much more difficult for you.

 

[MONMIX]

Looking closer at that picture there is structural damage there too.
You might want to see if you can find a bodyshop that has a frame machine to do a quick body pull first. If you don't get that bend out the next step won't ever happen.

Easily at least....

 

[MONMIX]

moving for reference.

 

[waren]

@MONMIX

I have potentially a stupid question. I want to fix the rust around my fuel filler and rockers so I ordered aftermarket quarter panels rockers and doglegs. Waiting on parts and maybe having sober second thoughts.

I have a second gen but planned to trim the panel around the taillight housing. I cant imagine there are any rust free donors in my area and this little project is really more about practicing panel replacement so I figured I would just start with new aftermarket stuff, save myself some time.

I have one question can you confirm if the quarters should have two layers? (an inner and outer skin?)

1991-1994 Explorer Complete Quarter Panel Passenger Side

When I look at the OE body parts ford lists the quarter panel and wheelhouse as the only components in the rear wheel area. I am worried that the repair panel may come just as the exterior skin without the inner. The aftermarket fenders I have two skins and are a true bolt on, not sure if this will be an indication for the quarter. The tail light area definitely has two skins I just cant find a picture of the inside of the quarters anywhere.

As for the wheelhouses they are obviously no longer available, neither is the fuel filler "house". Any ideas on repairs or replacements, or should I just try to source all of this from a wrecker?

As for my skill level … a while ago I took an evening autobody welding class at the local trade school, I have most of the tools I need, my objective is rust repair and a rattle can paint job. I don't mind spending $1000 on learning (practice before I attempt to restore an old bronco) Just trying to avoid a total disaster.