Is this fender worth saving?

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palerider94

Member

Feb 21, 2006

573

1

19

Mar 14, 2011

#1

• Mar 14, 2011

• #1

I think I'm going to give it a shot. Looks like there are patch panels that will cover up to the rot and original tooling fenders are a little pricey. Just curious what do you think?

<a href="http://s242.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/Palerider94/?action=view&amp;current=100_0605-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff65/Palerider94/100_0605-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

jackson0215

Member

Dec 10, 2009

101

3

19

Mar 14, 2011

#2

• Mar 14, 2011

• #2

The only issue with patch panels is that they rarely fit correctly and it will require some modifications. Any thoughts on on a reproduction fender?

 

2

2+2GT

10 Year Member

Apr 25, 2009

3,333

10

79

Southeastern Pennsylvania

Mar 15, 2011

#3

• Mar 15, 2011

• #3

"Original tool"

 

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palerider94

Member

Feb 21, 2006

573

1

19

Mar 15, 2011

#4

• Mar 15, 2011

• #4

I've heard enough problems with repo fenders that I have decided to stay away from them.

2+2GT based on your response - I assuming you suggest that I buy new fender instead of trying to patch this one. Correct too far gone?

 

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Flying Dutchman

Member

Sep 26, 2007

48

0

7

Nothern central Massachusetts

Mar 15, 2011

#5

• Mar 15, 2011

• #5

Most repro have problems with line ups, The original tool can be a cost you dont want $$$$$ check craigslist As for repair you can do it the patch panels do need a little adjusting but do work out, shows and swap meets are starting soon check them out also.

 

jlangholzj

Mustang Master

Oct 23, 2006

248

31

93

MI

Mar 15, 2011

#6

• Mar 15, 2011

• #6

palerider94 said:

I've heard enough problems with repo fenders that I have decided to stay away from them.

2+2GT based on your response - I assuming you suggest that I buy new fender instead of trying to patch this one. Correct too far gone?

Click to expand...

no he's saying its not really the "original tooling" and if it is they're usually so wore out that they make crappy panels anyway.

as long as you're good with a hammer get some automotive sheet metal (i can't remember the fancy steel term designation) and patch it yourself. It doesn't look that bad and its at the bottom of the fender so if you need a little filler when you're all done you shouldn't notice it that much

 

NasaGT

Founding Member

Sep 19, 2002

1,993

2

49

Virginia

Mar 15, 2011

#7

• Mar 15, 2011

• #7

If that's the only damage I'd patch that fender. Piece of cake!

 

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palerider94

Member

Feb 21, 2006

573

1

19

Mar 15, 2011

#8

• Mar 15, 2011

• #8

Going to try it - what do I have to lose.m Any tips?

 

2

2+2GT

10 Year Member

Apr 25, 2009

3,333

10

79

Southeastern Pennsylvania

Mar 15, 2011

#9

• Mar 15, 2011

• #9

This is an "original tool" fender:

 

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gregski

Active Member

Mar 13, 2010

577

0

28

Sacramento, California

Mar 15, 2011

#10

• Mar 15, 2011

• #10

depends, how's the rest of the car, it probably has rust too, so you won't mind having body filler on this when it is patched properly with new metal first, cause there will be body filler on other parts as well, if this was the only piece like that then you may wanna replace it and tell people you have a bondo free car, lol

could also be good sheet metal work practice, so if you have the time go for it, if you screw it up, then buy a new one, what do you have to loose righ

 

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palerider94

Member

Feb 21, 2006

573

1

19

Mar 16, 2011

#11

• Mar 16, 2011

• #11

So far I replaced about every major parts (cowl, floor, rockers, torque boxes, started on qtrs). This will be the first external piece I will be patching. But like Gregski said what do I have to lose. Pretty good how to article. I'll practice butt welds on something else first.

Rust Repair Panels - Patch-Panel Save - Car Craft Magazine

 

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Pony66

New Member

Jul 23, 2010

124

0

0

Mar 16, 2011

#12

• Mar 16, 2011

• #12

Go for it!! Worse case is you learn something and still buy a replacement.
But you will do a great job and you will be proud of your work.

 

NasaGT

Founding Member

Sep 19, 2002

1,993

2

49

Virginia

Mar 16, 2011

#13

• Mar 16, 2011

• #13

palerider94 said:

Going to try it - what do I have to lose.m Any tips?

Click to expand...

That's right - you got nothing to lose at this point. And if you cut as low as possible on the fender, if you mess up the first time, you could always buy another patch and cut a little higher on the fender and do it again!

I'd take the patch, massage it to fit whats left of the bottom of the fender, then use a couple sheet metal screws and/or clamps to hold the patch onto the fender. The only tricky part would be the wheel arch and making sure that matches well. Then cut the patch and the fender at the same time with a cutoff tool. You should end up with nearly perfect alignment and be ready to butt weld the patch to the fender. Go slow when welding a body panel - just make spot welds to minimize distortion (you probably already know this). I always use copper welding helpers to absorb the heat and minimize burn through on butt welds.

 

Realmongo

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"

Founding Member

Oct 10, 2001

2,468

86

99

Western Mass

Mar 16, 2011

#14

• Mar 16, 2011

• #14

For the price it's worth a try. I had a similar fender for my '64-1/2 that I took to a body shop to have a patch welded to it and they said I would not be happy with the result.