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Fixing the old truck

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#834384 03/12/2012 2:08 AM
Joined: May 2011
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K
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
K Offline
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I just got my front fenders back from being blasted. There was a lot of bondo on them. I had them take them down to bare metal and this is what I ended up with.
http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/3788/img5069r.jpg
My question is these holes had just been bondoed previously. Except for the holes the fender feels solid. How should I repair this? Should I use body solder to fill the holes? Should I cut in a patch panel or should I get a new fender?
Thanks

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M
'Bolter
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Looking at the various high spots/peaks showing on the outside, it appears there still exists quite a bit of pitting on the backside that, although has not broken through yet, the sandblasting from the backside highlights the extent of the pitting damage to be quite extensive. I think to fix that particular fender, it would require new metal in order to be a more permanent repair not requiring attention a couple/few years down the road. Looking at the amount of work the repair will require, I think realistically you should look for a new fender or a solid used replacement.

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5
Wrench Fetcher
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I agree with Robert. That said, if this was a budget repair, and most of the money was spent on the cab repairs and little was left for the fenders. The fenders could be changed latter as money became available, painted to match, etc.. One way to fix this area would be to coat both the inside and outside of the areas with an epoxy based resin/fiberglass, like WestSystems, as opposed to a polyester based resin that may not hold up to the expanding and shrinking of the metal in the heat.


....David
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You're going to need new fenders. Some quality fiberglas filler work would get those going for the short term, but long-term, they're dead. I'm going to guess that the lower edges are toast, too. If, somehow, the normal lower edge rust spots are all OK, you might be able to find some fenders that are rotted at the bottom but solid where you have holes. Unless you're doing the welding yourself, it would likely be much cheaper to find new fenders, though.

Last edited by GMCpanel; 03/12/2012 4:03 AM.

Get a REAL truck, get a GMC! www.oldgmctrucks.com
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Actually, If You repaired the area with all the holes in it, the fender will break out with rust in another place just as bad..
You will save time & money to buy different fender(s)...


1952 Chevy 3104 Shortbed 5-window
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New Guy
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I'm No body guy but if you do decide to repair them I would stop bye your local powder coat shop and try to score some iron phosphate easy to apply awesome rust pervention when used properly and easy process for the reward


A nut among the bolters sure ill like it quite well here.I enjoy the 60-66 "iron" I like the gmcs,chimys,chevys regardless these trucks rule! Mine 63 gmc fleetside long bed. Custom cab 3/4tfirst truck<being restored smile 62 chevy short bed fleetside 1/2t
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K
Shop Shark
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I was afraid of that. I have another fender that was hit in the front. Anyone suggest a good source for a new fender?
I am finally starting to make some progress on the truck but it is taking so long.

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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
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Check you Private Messages

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'Bolter
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Sometimes dents are much easier to fix than rust. Any pictures of the other fender?

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K
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
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Here is the other fender I have. That section looks good from the outside
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5407/img5078of.jpg
There is pitting on the inside
http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/9026/img5080kg.jpg
This is the section that had been previously hit.

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D
Shop Shark
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lol i would put por15 on the inside of the fender it uses the rust as a binding and dosn't remove any metal ppl are too quick to just say "get new fenders" not all of us have deep pockets smile


1937 1/2 ton
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Moderator - The Electrical Bay
Moderator - The Electrical Bay
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POR-15, If I remember correctly, they have some that is designed to fill small holes and thin areas.

I do all of my fenders (inside) with POR-15 anyway... i'm 10 years in on my 39 Pickup and there isnt any new rust.


Another quality post.
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