The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Burb Rear Fender Removal...Tips ??s

I need to know my options on rear fender removal on my 49 burb. They are rusty and have asphalt residue on them. I am currently soaking them with PB Blaster but don't expect to get them loose w/o breaking the bolts off flush. What are my options for removal and replacement? I think I already know...

Sir, Suggest using dremel steel cutting disc to sheer off nuts/bolt if force applied doesn't unbolt them readily. Then you will need to weld new sheet metal underneath with bolt pockets within. For the fenders you will need to find metal replacements if they are so far gone that you can't weld new underneath metal lips. Mine were too far gone and I ended up finding 2 practically NOS for $1875.00 including the shipping from KS. V/R, Nick Cavallaro, Bel Air, MD

The area they are bolted to looks fine and my fenders are salvageable.
I have to take them off to work on them and to address the rust behind them plus I'm changing to a s10 frame.
Are they studs or bolts?
Thanks n Advance,

Sir, They are bolts with funny looking circle indented washers. V/R, Nick

You might get lucky, if you don't have major rust issues, the fender bolts will back out without breaking. A little "heat" might be required, but don't start any fires!!! I've pulled fenders off three vehicles and only on my 53 did I break half the bolts. I was able to weld a bolt onto the broken bolt and remove most of them. The rest had to be drilled and tapped. Just clean the bolt heads off so you can get a good grip, and maybe tighten first then back off the bolt? It's difficult to get any PB blaster onto the bolts unless you drill access holes?

try acetone and trans fluid mixed 50/50 to spray on the bolts and let it soak over night. then tighten them a 1/8 turn then you should be able to back them out. has worked for me a lot of times on rusted bolts and nuts

NOFORDS, TAKE YOUR TIME and save yourself a lot of trouble. Even if it means having someone with a torch drop by and heat them up for you. My panel was VERY rusty and all of the bolts twisted off.. well, except for two bolts. Heat will work wonders if yours are not rusted real bad.

I do not know how you can access your bolts from the inside. On my panel there were small metal covers I could take off and squirt stuff down on top of the bolt threads. If you could get at the top side of the bolts you'll stand a better chance. Just my opinion. I "paid the price" for not being more thoughtful and patient.
Good luck.

Nofords another option is a manual impact screwdriver. A mechanic buddy turned me onto these when I was in rust removal mode. They are under $20 and can be purchased at sears etc. they basically work by hitting with hammer which turns screw. If possible apply a little heat then use impact screwdriver. Good luck as rust worms do not give up easily.

I used a hand held propane torch on some of my bolts,all but one came out.The stubborn one broke the weld nut loose.

...UPDATE...
One side off with just 1 bolt twisted off..
I soaked with PB Blaster. I no it probably didn't help what it couldn't reach, but maybe it soaked up onto the bolts up in the cavity. No heat as yet.
Now to the other side..
Thanks to all...
No Really THANKS