Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Quote:
100%. Been there, done that, including the steel wool!

Thanks all, very useful comments as usual. I am not ready to replace the whole fender. I'd have an even bigger painting problem and I'm not ready to have the whole car painted. Plus I want to get this front end back on and drive her again..

Overall, the metal on this car is very good. This patch area is def the worst of anything on the body. A lot of surface rust here and there on the frame but I've been sanding it back, applying Ospho, priming, then covering with Hirsch Chassis black paint as I work front to back.

As nudged by ewrecks, This seems like a good opportunity for me to practice with body filler techniques to see what it looks like. I'm no worse off in the near term and I can always do that fender replacement when I get ready to repaint the car.

I'll forgo trying to replace any missing undercoating and just use good primer and the Hirsch top coat.

It is hard to find epoxy primer locally, so I am ordering some online to give the wire brushed bare metal a good base for the rest.

thanks for your advice.
-Bob

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Got a little more into it today. A lot of the undercoating was loose, and under it was rust. Even the parts that didnt seem like they were separating, there was some rust underneath. So, going to just grind out it all and prime/paint well. Also have this patch/stiffener on the driver side. A little afraid to take it off but I'll see how much rust is around it etc.

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Do yourself a big favor, invest in an angle grinder and get wire brushes for it. You'll end up with a better job, do it faster and have less muscle ache.

If you want to do it on the cheap look at Harbor Freight or Amazon. Otherwise it is a good investment to buy a better quality.

I've also used a needle scaler (requires a substantial air compressor) and an electric oscillating multi-tool with blade scraper. Both methods make far less dust and are less tiring but usually require a final wire brushing to get the residue off. Probably overkill for one fender but worth the investment when doing an entire underbelly.

I agree that the way to remove rust that you are facing is an angle grinder and a wire wheel. I have purchased several at Harbor freight and got an assortment of twisted stainless steel brushes for the heavy rust and brass for finer work. They are cheap and will hold up pretty well but like most Harbor Freight tools they are not going to last forever.
Another hint...make sure you wear goggles and heavy clothing....the pieces of the wire wheel fly off at high speeds and will penetrate lighter clothing or even tennis shoes. You only get one set of eyes.
I also suggest wearing a dust mask since you will be filling the air...and your lungs...with rust particles and dirt.
I did the entire floorboards and rear wheel wells of my Caribbean before sealing with POR 15 ......it was messy but it got the job done.
Currently doing the same messy work on a 39 .convertible coupe.