Re: Rear Fenders

Posted by Fish'n Jim On 2015/8/19 13:10:29

FYI:Fronts usually bolt in on framed cars, rears are usually spot welded.
Patching might be the expedient approach depending how badly rotted. The parts you get may well need patched as well, so you're no further along. They'll have to be prepped anyway.
Take it back to good metal and see how many ft2 need replaced vs how much is left. If less than half, patch it. You need one good side to match the lines. If both are completely rotted on the bottom, you'll have no reference to match, except from another car. Plan on cutting out ALL the rust spots. If you don't and don't seal properly, they'll just pop back through over time and ruin your new paint job.
If you've never replaced a fender or whole quarter before, don't. Take it to a competent body shop. You'll quickly be in over your head and have two parts cars...
A bit of 18ga cold rolled, MIG or TIG, and some hand tools will go a long way but need experience to come out well...
Too many butchered DIY "restored" vehicles running around. Bondo is not panel adhesive and duct tape is not sealer. Metal screws and pop rivets aren't factory seams. Most of these auto shows make it look easy and don't do it right and only show some steps to sell some product.