I just ordered the lower patch and support panel for my 68 chevelle's right fender. The cancer on the bottom of the fender has eaten all the way thru.
My question is about the quality of work after a fender patch, does it turn out good and can you tell it was done? I'm afraid to spend $275 to have the fender fixed and then have it turn out so so. For $375 I can order one from Year One. Input please.

Steve, If a pro is welding and finishing the patch. IMO. redo you old fender, It will fit MUCH better then the new one.
If you old fender in solid and the rust has not eaten through the brace. REPAIR it .

Wayne

Steve, I agree with Wayne patch the fender and if the rust has eaten through the brace well then it might be better to try and find a better one. The patch will last a long time as long as it was installed right and not just slapped together. You want to butt weld the patch to the old fender, a lap weld leaves a joint that moisture will attack and later rust will appear at the welded seem.

I bought fender patches from original parts group for my 70 and the fit was terrible. The curve wasnt even close and just plain out didnt fit. Not saying that all fender patches made by the aftermarket are junk, but I wouldnt install them on my car. The patches for the other years of chevelles might fit just fine, someone in there should be able to tell you that, but I know that the patches for the 70 dont fit.

The best patch to use would be to find an original fender that was hit in the front at a junk yard and use that. Thats what I ended up using was an original fender hit in the front, I called a yard out in CA that I know real well and they sent me out the back halves of fenders for 50 bucks the same amount I spent for repos and they fit...Eric

Man, if it was me and I lived anywhere in Ca. I would look to a yard in Sun Valley called Memory Lane. Used but nice 70 Chevelle fenders run $200 ea., no rust out. Lots of 68-72 Chevelles in the yard.

I'd rather have used GM than any repop part.

Heck for the price of the patch panel you would have saved gas $$ to go pick one up.
If you do a web search you should find 'em. Or send mail to John Muha, he lives close.

DG

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Springfield, Ohio

<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>name: D.G. & my 70 Malibu
<LI>http://www.wright.edu/~adams.41/chevy.htm
<LI>TEAM Chevelle Member #0086
<LI>eBay username: dg98adams
<LI>"Failure is not an option. It's bundled with your software"
[/list]

Thats not an option, I live to far away as I am located in Ft. Worth, TX.

I guess I need to update the information under my name. I have been transferred to Ft. Worth, TX with the US Marines Corps.

Steve,

there is a wrecking yard in Seguin Texas that specilizes in older cars. He has quoted me 150 a fender - I will be getting a pair this summer. The gentlemans name is John - you can call the 830 area code to get the number - Its about 4 hours away from you.

I you need anymore info, drop me a line...

Joe

sorry... its John's Salvage - Duh!

Joe

Steve,

I wondered why I hadn't heard from you. I thought you bought some fenders last year out in the desert somewhere.

Hey Paul,
Yea, I did but the lower had some cancer on it. The gent I bought all the stuff from gave me a package deal: steering column, instrument cluster and dash that goes over instrument cluster, fenders, rims and other misc small stuff for $250. The cluster is original with only 35,000 on the odometer and the plastic instrument was not cracked or even cut up around the radio opening. We are out here in Ft. Worth building up our chevelle. I think I have your e-mail address at work...will write you tomorrow. Steve