Are My Fenders Too Bad To Repair?

[Ron Fox]

Are my fenders on my '69 Firebird too bad to repair?

At the moment I can't recall what condition the supports are behind the fenders.

I would like to keep all the original metal I can.

Thanks for the help.

[Ron Fox]

Everyone's thoughts please.

Thanks.

[Mrfixit]

How does the inner support look? Is it solid? If so, then repair the originals. You'll work harder making re-pops fit then fixing your originals. Patch panels are available from National Parts Depot. You can't beat the fit of an original fender. Be sure to weld up the holes in the front of the fender.

Good luck.

[Ron Fox]

Not sure about the inner supports. I will look the next time I see the car.

Another '69 Firebird owner expressed his concern of the crispness of the lines on the "scoops" of the patch panels. I have not seen a "scoop" patch panel so I am not sure how straight the lines are. I wonder what the scoops look line on a full fender repo?

I plan on repairing the originals since everyone seems to have problems with the linement of repos.

Thanks.

[Ron Fox]

Would butt welds be the way to go?

[ProdigyCustoms]

The repro Firebird fenders (get mine at NPD) are actually a pretty decent fit. I threw away better fenders then that for Firebirds.

[Mrfixit]

Originally Posted by Ron Fox

Would butt welds be the way to go?

If you know how to weld sheet metal then butt welding is the way to go. It simplifies the procedure when you have bracing in the way. Just turn the heat down and go slow. Otherwise you'll warp the panel.

[Ron Fox]

Originally Posted by ProdigyCustoms

The repro Firebird fenders (get mine at NPD) are actually a pretty decent fit. I threw away better fenders then that for Firebirds.

Hi Frank. Have you ever patched any '69 Firebird fenders? I know you have built 2 extremely nice '69 Firebirds recently.

If repaired do you recommend using butt welds?

By the way do you have any '69 Firebird parts, especially a 350 hood?

Thanks for your help.

[Ron Fox]

Originally Posted by Mrfixit

If you know how to weld sheet metal then butt welding is the way to go. It simplifies the procedure when you have bracing in the way. Just turn the heat down and go slow. Otherwise you'll warp the panel.

I like the butt weld style but I have heard some say it is not as strong as the flange. But then I have heard problems with the flange showing up in the paint years down the road.

But I would rather go with a butt weld if all possible.

Thanks.

[GregWeld]

Toss 'em on ebay - and buy new. Let someone else fix 'em.