What is this called and why is it rusted out?

[Agontyr]

So I got an '86 C20 to use as a work truck and I've been doing the basics: Belts, hoses, fluids, filters, etc. Today was the day to do the brakes. All went well as far as the brakes were concerned, but I discovered a slight rust problem that has me confused.

In the back of the wheel well under each front fender there is a plate that bolts up to the sheet metal. It almost looks like an access plate or something. On both sides it is a mass of rust. The rest of the inner fender looks fine, not even pitted or anything, but the plates are rusted almost completely through. Does anyone know what these things are called? I don't want to unbolt them until I have replacements, but I can't seem to find them on the 'net. Anyone have a source or am I going to have to fabricate them myself?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[roundedline]

That is part of the inner fender.  There is no "replacement" for that piece.  You have to replace the whole inner fender or you have to cut out the bad part and weld in a piece over it.

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

[Agontyr]

Wow, talk about a fast response!

Thanks for the answer. I guess I'll have to start looking for inner fenders soon since it looks like the plates are both ready to fall off the next time I hit a good sized pothole.

[DnStClr]

Roundedline has inner fenders in the catalogue on this site.

[roundedline]

Yeah I noticed your post before I left yesterday.

Thanks DnStClr.  Yes I have inner fenders in the catalog.

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

[Blazin]

Your inner fenders probably won't fall off if this is the only rusted spot, because there are about 13  bolts total that hold it in place. If the rest of the inner is solid I would recommend taking that bolt out, cut out the bad stuff, make two patches one about 1/2" to 3/4" bigger than the hole, and one about the same size as the outer layer. Fit them up there, mark the hole and drill it. Weld or rivet them both into place, squirt it with a spray bomb and reinstall the bolt.