Fender Repair [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: Fender Repair


hd99fxst
Oct 21st, 02, 12:44 PM
Found out the hard way that what y'all say is true... These cars rust from the inside out.

My front fenders need some patch work. After welding in the panels, I'd like to be able to prime them fully, inside and out. So, taking them off the car is a must.

But this is my daily driver, so I can't keep them off for too long...

1) How difficult are they to remove? (How many bolts, and where are they?)
2) OK to drive for a couple of days without them?
3) Any tips to ensure alignment goes smoothly after reinstalling them?

Many thanks,
mark.
'71 Fodor
"Soon to be... 383"

I Drive A Malibu
Oct 22nd, 02, 6:45 PM
i have a '66 daily driver, and i have to worry about the same kind of things as you do.
yes, it is a must to remove the fenders and prime/paint both sides after you patch the hole.
ive never removed a fender off a '71 (if thats what yours is) and sorry, i havent even been close enough to look at a '71's fenders. but for me, its pretty simple.
after you do it the first time, everytime after that seems to move much smoother.
there should be about 4 main 9/16 inch bolts holding it on the body straight. then there are probably quite a few 1/2 inch bolts fastening it to other minors parts and the fenderwell.
i can imagine the 9/16 inch bolts can be found: (1) underneath the car, to the rear of the tire, (1) in the doorjamb, well there is on mine and (1 or 2) underneath the hood, infront of the cowl.
now, these will/should have shims underneath them- keep the corresponding shims with the correct bolts! and dont mix up the bolts! these are what align the fender straight and streamline so they dont bite the door when it opens/closes (that crap sucks!).
i suggest doing them on a weekend, so you have two full days to work on them. for someone whos never fooled with body panels, it can be a hassel.
just take youre time.
good luck.

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Lucas

MOABDADC22
Oct 23rd, 02, 6:31 AM
The fenders are pretty easy to take off. Use alot of penetrating oil on the bolts near the rocker panel and up front where they bolt to the inner fender and radiator support. The hood hinge actually bolts to the fender so thas would eliminate the possibility of driving it with the fender romoved (besides the fact it looks stupid as hell.) Spray the bolts every day for a couple of days before you try to remove the bolts........it will save you a major headache.

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http://community.webshots.com/user/moabdad The reason for muscle cars & big trucks is for the power. Here is the theory I used: Power=Good

FO_FDYFO
Oct 23rd, 02, 7:45 AM
too bad you cant put a spare fender on while you restore yours. i suggest highly using por-15 on the inside of you fenders. otherwise it will rust back.

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I couldn't repair my brakes, so I made my horn louder.
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