Inner Fender Question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,937
Likes: 163
From: OP Kansas
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Inner Fender Question
Can the inner fender be replaced on a '63 with the engine in the car? I'm guessing not, but can it be replaced without having to repaint any of the body?
I'm installing a new engine and cleaning up the engine compartment. I noticed the inner fender on one side is broken in a few places, probably by a previous accident.
I was contemplating just repairing a few visible spots with JB Weld and then painting it over, but if it's not a giant nightmare, I would rather replace it. The best case would be if I could replace it after the engine is in. That way I could do it in the spring at my leisure. I only have a few weeks left before I put the car in storage for the winter.
I'm installing a new engine and cleaning up the engine compartment. I noticed the inner fender on one side is broken in a few places, probably by a previous accident.
I was contemplating just repairing a few visible spots with JB Weld and then painting it over, but if it's not a giant nightmare, I would rather replace it. The best case would be if I could replace it after the engine is in. That way I could do it in the spring at my leisure. I only have a few weeks left before I put the car in storage for the winter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 7
From: DFW
Inner fender is the forward most body mount (via the radiator support). I would fix it instead of replace, and I'd do it with glass matt and resin. Treat it just like a body panel repair. You should be able to get at the repair sites from inside the wheel well. Too much to go wrong if you replace it ( body alignment being the biggest).
Harry
Harry
Last edited by 66since71; Nov 7, 2011 at 08:41 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
The answer is, It can be, but it is not an easy thing, so if repair is an option, then that would be easier. It is a tight fit and previous body damages may play a role in the difficulty. It also has to be removed from the body, and that will most likely require cutting it away, and grinding back to the panels from the inside. Do you realize just what a miserable mess all of that fiberglass is, going down your shirt collar in that confined space?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Nearby Mayberry in NC
Crowd Plow For Now
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,937
Likes: 163
From: OP Kansas
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I guess that's why the previous owner just repaired it (not very well BTW). All the damage I can see is in the spots that are close to impossible to get to. All along the area where the outer fender attaches along the top of the inner fender. There is also some damage at the bottom where it contacts the frame. I guess i'll just smooth out the sloppy repairs and leave it alone. I'm sure it will still look better than it did.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,937
Likes: 163
From: OP Kansas
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
As I went to do some cosmetic repairs I just noticed that this inner fender is hardly attached at all. Check out these pictures and tell me if you still think there would be a lot of grinding to take this out and replace it. Where is the inner attached beside the front back and top?
You can see how busted up this is.
This is the same general area. You can see there is no flange up against the fender, it's been cut away.
And this is the back half of it, you can see there is not much holding this on.
You can see how busted up this is.
This is the same general area. You can see there is no flange up against the fender, it's been cut away.
And this is the back half of it, you can see there is not much holding this on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
From what I see, about the only thing good that can be said for that inner-fender is that it is a real 63. Its pretty damn bad. I think I would give it a go. Obviously it is pretty abused. What does the rest of the glass look like on the underside?
Last edited by wombvette; Nov 10, 2011 at 12:46 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,937
Likes: 163
From: OP Kansas
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Although it's hard to believe, this looks like the only thing they didn't replace. I can see on the frame where it's been fixed after an accident, so I know it's been wrecked at one time.
I don't know what is involved to remove it and replace it with a new one.
Maybe patching it is the best option at this point.
I don't know what is involved to remove it and replace it with a new one.
Maybe patching it is the best option at this point.
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