Repro doors and front fenders, 58 Chevy

[keenebolter]

Thanks for the insight everyone. I am going to give it my best and see if I can repair what I currently have. I'm certainly new to welding and panel repair but I'm excited to learn. I figured though it would be good to have a plan B in case I royally screw things up. I'm currently collecting up the tools I'll need then I'll give it a whirl. Thanks again!

[ptc]

Originally Posted by keenebolter

Thanks for the insight everyone. I am going to give it my best and see if I can repair what I currently have. I'm certainly new to welding and panel repair but I'm excited to learn. I figured though it would be good to have a plan B in case I royally screw things up. I'm currently collecting up the tools I'll need then I'll give it a whirl. Thanks again!

If you are building a rat rod, its not a problem to use the use the old beat up parts and practice your body work talents on them.... but

The opposite side of the coin.... If you have a good body shop that you trust , ask them their rate for repairs and to give you a quote on how long it would take to repair fix each piece at that rate ($50-$60 hr). Then compare those costs to the new parts costs and reconsider it overall.

Example: A new front fender is $450 with shipping. Thats only about 7.5 hours at $60/hr to totally repair and prep for paint a fender that is 60 years old and has been hammered to death. (like yours have already been). I dont think a shop is gonna get that done for that amount. It may take 30 or 40 hours to make a fender perfect for a show truck paint job. Thats why people go with new.

Its a big decision to go one way or another and the body is where most people fail and then just give up on the entire project. Dont set yourself up for failure - just sayin....