ChocDog

Hello again.

I've been searching for info on removing the 4" fender flares on my new project, but haven't found anything specific. Has anyone here done a removal and resto on after market flares? Unfortunately these go all the way down the backs of each wheel forming an integrated mud flap. I realize it will be a major repair, but it almost feels like they were put on over the original fenders. Can they be removed or do they have to be cut off and new parts glassed in? Thoughts?

randommj

not one for flared fenders, good move in my oppinion

Miles

parkerracing

If your going for an original look, you will have to break the fenders at the bonding strip and glass new ones on. I would be interested in talking to you about your old flairs. /:\

bj1k

There were fender flairs on the front end that i wanted to use on my 68 and they looked like they were just put over the original fenders, but it turned out they had chopped away the bottom rears and trimmed away in other areas to make them work . I just bought new fenders and attached at the original bonding strips. Made a nice job.

international blue

I do not have any stock fender lips for the 69, but you can buy fender peices on ebay and cut them to fit if you cut them completely off. If possible I really need a set of front flares, so I would be willing to buy the fronts from you!

jnb5101

removing the entire fender is a more involved job than just cutting out the flares and glassing in new rims. most of the time when flares are added, the original fenders are cut back a few inches and those ugly flares are bonded over the cut edges. the only problem i see is getting your hands on some factory style wheel openings.
jeff

erec50

how is the best way to seperate the piece at the bonding strip?

TimAT

If the flares were installed correctly, they cut the original fenders back inside the flare. Best way to replace/restore is to break them at the bonding stip and install new fender panels. Most of the major suppliers will have the original fenders.

stinger12

I've heard good things about corvette image fiberglass parts. They use the original GM molds. They are a little pricy, but apparently the fit is excellent! Good luck with the project

7T1vette

I've heard of a lot of folks who ADDED the flares on '68-69s....so they could get rid of all the rock nicks and road rash [behind the wheels]. Once they are there, very few folks want to remove them.

blckslvr79

Personally, I'd either stay custom and put wide wheels back on it or sell it and buy a different car. Your looking at a lot of work!

I'm Batman

Unless this car was a super bargain or has sentimental value, I think that's the best bet. Removing properly-installed flares is a bear, probably necessitating complete fender/quarter panel skin replacement.

TMU

Good God!

I'd wondered about how many hours a body shop would need to restore flared fenders to back stock.

I'm Batman

Grafting new wheel well openings on would be the less intrusive but far more labor intensive option. Either method is going to be a bunch of work. Maybe RRV will chime in to dispense some expert fiberglas guy wisdom.

ChocDog

Well... much good info here. I've been looking for some partial fenders, but have only seen some later 70's replacements, so I'll likely have to go with full fender replacements. Some of you had suggested possibly buying the old flares - what would they be worth (thinking in terms of off-setting the price of new panels)?

Also, to echo another poster, how difficult is it to take off a panel at the bonding strip? I really wanted to do a lot of the work myself (with my son), but my brother is one county away and could at least bail me out if I got in way too deep. He's a custom car finisher/painter, although his own tastes run to the rat rods. He works more in metal - 1920's - 1950's conversions - than in glass.

School's out for me after the 24th so I can devote a lot of time to it, so that's not an issue.

Regarding just leaving it as is or selling the car... I just bought it and feel strangely attached already so I don't want to sell. She was a great deal though - 69 BB vert, high optioned, all numbers matching, no rust (have already taken it apart to see), new suspension, brakes, most of chassis etc, both tops, all new interior parts included (minus seat covers), all chrome/emblems perfect, strong engine/trans, etc. etc. for $16K

Bro is coming over next week to check it out, but he's admittedly not a glass expert so I thought I'd ask everyone here.

Thanks again!

ChocDog

One more thing... do I need to think about which type of repair would bode better for entering local shows?

Alan 71

Can you get any clue as to how the flairs were put on by looking in the wheel wells? Can you tell how much of the original panels might still be there? The bottom rear of the flares really do look like 70-72 wheel openings.
Regards,
Alan

DZRick

I don't know if you know about the personal message system but I sent you a pm about some partial 68 quarter panels.

Let me know if your interested if that's the way you decide to do your repair.

DZRick

I just enlarged your pictures, I didn't realize they were flared in front of the wheel too. I don't think I've ever seen flares like those before.

My partials would only take care of the backside of the quarters.

427-390

Calling Road Race Vette.....

Your assistance in needed.