everyone's different but this is how i like to put panels in.i try to keep the replacement panel as far below the original body line as possible.the body line is strong and in the past I've kept the weld below/at the body line that way it has less chance of distorting the panel as much because it's a rigid line.body line or not i still like to space the welds out to keep the heat from spreading i.e. less distortion =less bodywork etc etc.the last one i did i was on a van and my weld was an inch below the body line,i was able to do my bodywork up to the body line it worked out nice.i try and keep as much of the original panel as i can.