Inner Fender Repair Zane's 71

[rcazwillis]

The inner fenders have two rust spots on each. These are the only two spots. How is the best way to repair these spots. I don't see patch panels. Anyone just replaced the bad metal

[Getter-Done]

Nice Progress on your project.
With the right tools you can fabricate that piece on those fender wells.
That is probably what I will do with mine.
Welding /Hammering/ cutting /welding/grinding then finally painting and then Repeat till it fits.

[ryans69chevy]

I fixed one of mine so far. I'm sure I posted a pic or two on my build thread. The other side I will do a bit differently. Like Getter-Done said - fabricate your own piece to fit. You will have to remove the brace that is spot welded to that area on the bottom side of the panel. Buy some 20 gauge steel and start hammering it to fit!

[brown7373]

My passenger side was all rusted out at the front attaching edge under the battery. I think acid drip over the years helped. I bought a new one from NPD. It was less than $100, but the shipping was double that! OUCH!

[bill3rail]

Originally Posted by brown7373

My passenger side was all rusted out at the front attaching edge under the battery. I think acid drip over the years helped. I bought a new one from NPD. It was less than $100, but the shipping was double that! OUCH!

Shipping is always a beotch on sheet metal. I was going to buy new inners but decided to Braze any defects and reinstall them. Some defects are a little too big to braze so I will cover them up and be done with it.

Bill

[rcazwillis]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

Nice Progress on your project.
With the right tools you can fabricate that piece on those fender wells.
That is probably what I will do with mine.
Welding /Hammering/ cutting /welding/grinding then finally painting and then Repeat till it fits.

Thanks, I owe an update. Transmission is almost rebuilt.

I will cut the rust out and attempt to fix it. If all else, buy replacements.

[AussieinNC]

There are no repair patches made as far as I know...
Good news is the original metal is a strong gauge that will accept welding and beating readily...

or you could try SW Classics in Arlington TX...

https://www.swclassics.com/parts/che.../front-fenders

$74 ea...

[71sierragrande]

I bought a pair of beat up rusted inners for 10 bucks just for the purpose of using as patch panels. I'd let you make a cut on em if you were in my area, but keep an eye out for something cheap, might get lucky.

[Jason Banks]

I replaced the inner fenders on my truck but saved the old ones. If you wanted to come to the other side of DFW you could use them for patch panels...

[rcazwillis]

Originally Posted by Jason Banks

I replaced the inner fenders on my truck but saved the old ones. If you wanted to come to the other side of DFW you could use them for patch panels...

Very generous of you. Going to be in Las colinas the rest of the weekend. Would that be anywhere near you?

[Jason Banks]

Sent you a PM.

[67chevemall]

I cheated. Grinded it all down, body filler, 10 coats of tremclad and nice coat of oil. Only a magnet could tell

[rcazwillis]

Cut the rust out of the fender wells this weekend. Results were good. Not perfect, but functional. Some of the braces beneath were rusted badly. Had to repair those too while I was at it. Stripped the top side down to bare metal, primed with self etching primer and painted semi-gloss black. Did not bother with any filler, won't be seen once bolted to cab.

Thanks to everyone that offered advice and free parts! Awesome group.

[Getter-Done]

Looks good.
As long as it solid/ Like you said it will not be seen.
Great Work.