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Front fender replacement

Forum: C3 Electrical, Body and Interior

11 Messages
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Front fender replacement

Posted: 5/12/06 1:01pmMessage 1 of 11
m
mikes71
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Albuquerque, NM - USA
Joined: 3/11/2006
Posts: 47
Vette(s): 1971 454 BB , matching numbers, 4spd,a/c,pb,ps, Blue

I need to replace the left hand front fender that was botched by one of the previous owners. I don't know which kind to buy as to hand laid or press molded. I want the car to look good but am not interested in trying to impress NCRS types. Any advise to accomplish this task would be appreciated.   

 

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Front fender replacement

Posted: 5/12/06 7:34pmMessage 2 of 11
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Adams' Apple
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22720
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The press molded would be the best choice, in my opinion. The finish is much better on both sides than the laid up panels. They also usually fit a little better, and are stronger.Adams' Apple38849.8163078704

Joel Adams
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Front fender replacement

Posted: 5/12/06 7:54pmMessage 3 of 11
m
mikes71
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Albuquerque, NM - USA
Joined: 3/11/2006
Posts: 47
Vette(s): 1971 454 BB , matching numbers, 4spd,a/c,pb,ps, Blue
Thanks ,as I really need a good fit at the drivers door and am tired of trying to fix other peoples goofs.Any supplier better than others? I have had good service with both  Corv Central and Eklers. If you know any special tricks or suggestions I'm open. I'm OK at minor cracks and repairs ,but, this will be my first glass panel replacement.
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Front fender replacement

Posted: 5/13/06 2:46pmMessage 4 of 11
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daveb12
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KERNERSVILLE, NC - USA
Joined: 1/13/2004
Posts: 1355
Vette(s): 1968 L-71 convertible
I don't think either of those you mentioned sell the press molded. Apple is dead on, you really need to go with the press molded.
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Front fender replacement

Posted: 5/14/06 9:07amMessage 5 of 11
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mikes71
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Albuquerque, NM - USA
Joined: 3/11/2006
Posts: 47
Vette(s): 1971 454 BB , matching numbers, 4spd,a/c,pb,ps, Blue

Well 2 votes for press molded is good enough for me. Thanks for the advise.

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Front fender replacement

Posted: 6/3/06 6:15pmMessage 6 of 11
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fedexbicman76
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HARROD, OH - USA
Joined: 7/25/2003
Posts: 335
Vette(s): 1976 - L-48 Auto, A/C, AM/FM, Power Windows, Tilt Telescopic Wheel, Factory Aluminum Wheels, Inferno Red Matalic Custom paint with Black Leather Interior.
Just had to chime in on this one. I am starting Monday on my Right side complete front fender and nose on my 76. Like yours, they were patch fixed before and the so called repair is coming apart. I was fortunate enough to find a complete right front fender assemble and nose for $250.00 and now have all the materials and parts to do the job. I have some good professional guides to help me along the way. But, I want to do the work myself. Personal kind of thing I guess. Besides, if I get in over my head I can always take it to them and pay to have it done.

Make sure you have the correct bonding cement for the fiberglass type you are working with. SMC type is what is used on the 75 and later but, up to what year I don't know. I have photos I obtained from the pro's that did a complete front end replacement to work from and that way I know what to expect when I start to remove panels. Good luck with yours I will keep everyone posted on my progress.
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Front fender replacement

Posted: 6/7/06 2:35pmMessage 7 of 11
m
mikes71
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Albuquerque, NM - USA
Joined: 3/11/2006
Posts: 47
Vette(s): 1971 454 BB , matching numbers, 4spd,a/c,pb,ps, Blue

Hi folks! I bought a press molded LH fender and inner fender and expect it in the next couple of weeks. Vincent if you have any pictures that might help me I would appreciate same. I did buy the DVD from Eklers and that is quite helpful. Since my car is a 71 it will require the polyester bonding agent. Does anyone know if the epoxy wiill work and is it better?

Mike

 

 

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Front fender replacement

Posted: 6/8/06 2:41pmMessage 8 of 11
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daveb12
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KERNERSVILLE, NC - USA
Joined: 1/13/2004
Posts: 1355
Vette(s): 1968 L-71 convertible

When I replaced a couple of panels on mine, I used the polyurethane adhesive. Body shops are using this more and more. It comes in a 2 part tube and mixes in the nozzle, Downside is a special gun is required and is a bit pricey. Upsides are it's really close to the color of the original bonding adhesive, bonds better (IMO) and is easier to lay down a pattern along the bonding strip. It also gives you more working time. It didn't shrink and doesn't bleed through as well.

Any of you other guys/girls tried it?

On another note, the SMC type bonding adhesive will work on the earlier panels. The early polyester adhesive however will not work on SMC.

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Front fender replacement

Posted: 6/8/06 5:04pmMessage 9 of 11
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Kiltime
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Piscataway, NJ - USA
Joined: 10/16/2002
Posts: 106
Vette(s): 1973 coupe silver Eng.383 stroker. Tremec 5spd 1977 L48 Stock
 I used fusor made by the Lord Corporation. The gun is about $60.00 and the adhesive about $35.00. As mentioned above it is two parts mixes as it comes out the tube.  
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Front fender replacement

Posted: 6/9/06 8:58amMessage 10 of 11
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mikes71
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Albuquerque, NM - USA
Joined: 3/11/2006
Posts: 47
Vette(s): 1971 454 BB , matching numbers, 4spd,a/c,pb,ps, Blue

Thanks for the info. I think I'll try the polyurethane as it seems much easier to work with. The shelf life of the old style bonding agent is short and very sensitive to heat. I have had 1 quart go bad already.What is the address, phone or distributor of this polyurethane agent?

Mike

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