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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 289 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 289 | My '57 Suburban needs front fender patch panels. Several are available online, and I wonder if there is a better brand, or a brand to avoid. Prices also vary from around $50 to over $100 for one piece!
So, where should I order from? I want to spend as little money as possible (of course!), but I do not want to end up with bad parts that need a lot of work, because, as I do not weld, I also have to pay for someone to get the job done...
Thanks!
'57 Chevy Suburban; '70 Chevy Impala.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 4,392 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 4,392 | wave1957, Just a note here that your post has been moved to the Paint and Body Shop as the best place for your question and replies by fellow Bolters. Am sure folks will reply back soon. 
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,189 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,189 | Which part of the fender needs a patch? Most of the vendors get their parts from the same supplier. I always use the three strike rule, if it needs the heel, brace and eyebrow I'd look for a better one. If you have to pay for body work, it's almost always cheaper to just buy a complete new fender, at $100+ per hour shop time it doesn't take long for the patch job to cost more then a new fender...same with doors. Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 289 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 289 | They both need the lower rear patch.
As for buying a better fender, I am in France, so finding a good old one is not an option; a new repro is horrendously expensive and the shipping is worse! So, asking for a friend (not a body shop) to weld in the 2 patches is really the best/only option.
'57 Chevy Suburban; '70 Chevy Impala.
| | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 9,830 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 9,830 | What Mike B said about patch panels usually coming from the same factory overseas (not the Atlantic.) Although sometimes there are differences. Dynacorn brand is generally good quality.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 232 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 232 | | | |
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