Would you fix or replace this fender?

[myyamr7]

Asking around local, most say replace it with a new one. I know the chances of finding a GM fender will be slim to none, so I'd be stuck with a crappy fitting reproduction.
The only rust/rot is on the lower front cup and the rear lower section.. the rest of the fender is perfect, no dings, dents or rust.

Thanks

[Graham57a]

Depends on how the top looks but those patch panels are easy to fix. Its pretty common to have to replace those so if the rest is good I say fix.

[hayhauler71]

I would replace it JMO

[myyamr7]

Originally Posted by Graham57a

Depends on how the top looks but those patch panels are easy to fix. Its pretty common to have to replace those so if the rest is good I say fix.

I checked up inside on the top and there is no rust

[TBONE1964]

Look in the parts section on the forum here and you will be surprised. If the shipping is not bad, I would have one shipped. Are all the RI trucks rotted like that? I would also look for a GM fender that had those sections in good shape in splice them in before I would use aftermarket patch panels.

If you ask me, keep it all GM no matter what it takes.

[hugger6933]

Well your gonna get into weather or not your doing it yourself or paying someone. also the level at witch you are comfortable at working me that is an easy fix. But not everyone is in a bodyshop or has owned one for almost 30 years. If you are paying someone it could easily cost as much in labor to repair than replace but then again it will all be aftermarket instead of just the corner. Then the dealings will arise about making it fit the rest of the truck, again I would and will on at least two of my fenders put cups on them. I have three of those cups that I have ordered in stock ready for use on my fenders once I get to work on my trucks again [I have three truck that I kinda am building at the same time]

[Fldawg]

replace

[myyamr7]

Originally Posted by TBONE1964

Are all the RI trucks rotted like that?

No, they are usually much much worse than what's pictured.
Once the snow melts, I'll spend a couple Saturdays looking around in some local junkyards to see what i find.
Thanks for the ideas

[jocko]

i'd replace with a solid original. I've purchased a few on here, and it's not that expensive. Since you obviously can't "save the patina" - if you can't find an original replacement, I'd buy a repop before I'd fix it. It IS fixable - but since you have to paint it anyway, I think it's worth replacing.

[black_sheep454]

The good thing about fixing it there is if you plan on leaving the moulding on you can split and weld it behind the trim so if its not perfect you won't see it. If you can't find a good solid one I'd have no problem fixing that one myself.
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[schurg]

I'm in a similar situation with my fender(s). the passenger side has some rot, and the driver's side has some hidden bondo. I found a couple fenders for a good price (repops) and slapped them on. they fit like complete crap, so, for me, it is going to be less hassle for me to fix the bottoms of my fenders (possibly using metal sourced from the repop fenders) then it would be to try to make the repops fit (yes they are that bad). I know my OEM fenders fit lovely, so when I'm done they should (should) still fit. the fender shown above is definitely fixable and would be a shame to trash it for a repop, especially if the rest of it is in good shape. my 2cent

[piecesparts]

One thing to consider, Where you weld is where the next rust spot can start. If you choose to replace, be sure to use a good inhibitor to keep the rust down.