Rust In Fenders

[Chevynut]

I need to repair minor rust in a couple of fenders on my ol '73.  The rust is down low on the fender and looks to be double walled in this area?  I'm in no hurry and would like to do it right.  So, what steps need to be taken?

Thanks for the help,
Michel  

[Blazin]

The fenders are made up of two parts. The inside of the fender which you can see under the hood, the hood hinge is bolted to, the inner fender is bolted to, and the fender is mounted to the cab and core support through, a frame work that the outer part ( the skin ) is welded to. Is the skin rusty or are both rusty? If it is just the skin you can cut the rust out sand blast the inner and surrounding outer areas, buy or make a patch and weld it in.  

[Chevynut]

Thanks Blazin,

I think it's just the outer skin with the dreaded rust.  All rust must be removed or it will come back/show through - right?  

[roundedline]

Yep, if you don't get rid of all of it, it will come back.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[Blazin]

Rust Never Sleeps! Even if you cut it all, out sand blast it, weld in new metal, prime, paint, and under coat it you are only slowing it down. The better quality materials and taking all the right steps will ensure that it dosn't come back for a long time.

[Chevynut]

OK - I don't understand???  If I cut out ALL of the rusted area and keep the area from dirt and moisture build up (which is what caused the rust).  How can it come back?  I live in TX and my truck is in AR - we don't have the salted road problems here.  Thank God  

[cooltoolguy]

here try this stuff it is called Por-15, its a metal primer that I have had great success with both my 86-C-10 and 94 Z71 frames.  With proper prepping this stuff will not peel, flake etc, and it dries extremely hard (sandblasting will have a hard time removing it) The website is www.por15.com so after you fix the fenders clean the metal and prime with this stuff you should be good to go. PS I live in northern NJ and the salt has not even scratched this stuff.

[Blazin]

Ahh my mistake I live in New Hampshaa were no mater what you do rust eventually comes back. Its an on going war here. Being you live in a salt free more dry climate you will probably not have any problems.

[Chevynut]

Hey - thanks for all the good info.  I've got to check out that POR-15 stuff.  Sounds like it may just do the trick.  Hope to get started this Spring.

[bigblock73]

I would just replace the fender.  It is by far easier, although it may cost slightly more.  

...Jeff

'73 swb 2wd
'77 Blazer 2wd

73-87.com

[Chevynut]

Yeah, you may be right.  But this truck has been in the Family since 72 and I would like to keep it as original as possible.  If you know what I mean.

Thanks