72 needs fender repair -metal or fiberglass?

[n10zf8]

I have a 72 I picked up a couple a week ago, got the mechanicals and electrics all sorted now I am starting on the body work. The problem is I can't find a replacement driver's side front fender (within my budget) so I decided to repair it instead. The question is whether to use fiberglass, which I have some experience with from boat repairs or do I weld? It is a pretty smallish area so welding in a whole quarter panel seems like overkill.

The picture was taken before I put rust inhibitor on the underneath parts.

Your experience is appreciated, I want to do this the best I can just unsure of which method.

[4uall]

Do not mean to be dis-respectful however, you can get the whole piece for only $48

http://www.alfaparts.net/fiatspider.html

[n10zf8]

None taken...I was meaning the entire fender within my budget. Not an accomplished welder so I didn't want to consider a piece of fender over fiberglass. But I suppose no time like the present to fire up a welder and give it a go.

[124JOE]

yes id give it a try if i were you
you can always buy the fender and have it put on later
if you can get to the back side and hold a peice of copper behind it,it wont burn thru when you weld
then grind it down flush to see what needs more weld
filling spots as you go

however you need to remove the sill plate and cut out all the rust before you start

[seabeelt]

Check the bottom of the door post/pillar and door hinges while you are in there

[n10zf8]

Did check all up in there all good as far as I can see, some rust but all only surface...wire brush took it right off. The only orange under the sills was the factory paint and the door hinges, rocker panels are good. The rust on this car comes down to this,the two rear floor panels and a smidgen on left rear quarter panel, which from what I understand is pretty standard. *knock on wood* I have gotten pretty lucky so far. Just a bit of body work, and some regular maintenance type such left...i and the d*** 40 yr old wires.
Thanks all for the input it is appreciated.

[n10zf8]

UPDATE -
Repaired the fender using fiberglass as my wire feed welder is not fit for welding these cars, did purchase replacement quarter panel and have been getting estimates around the area for the welding cost, figure I'll have it done this fall when i have paint done. I will post pic as soon as I get it uploaded.
OK here it is...
before -
during -
After, note, it is only temporary -

[nibbes123]

How did you match the paint to look so awesome?

Nick

[n10zf8]

Sorry, Nick, that was photshop and I uploaded last night in a hurry and not paying attention adding the mock up rather than reality to my previous post.
This "mock up" I was using to try out different color combinations and it was easier for me to do that without the grey square.
Again my apologies...the below picture has been digitally edited


-Mike

[jamesrobert]

hey i was just interested in your repair as i am going through a very similar process with my rear right qtr panel and i was wondering what you where quoted for just welding the replacement panel in ?? i had a guy tell me it would cost up to 2000$ to fix mine ( with some on the door as well)

[124JOE]

hey i was just interested in your repair as i am going through a very similar process with my rear right qtr panel and i was wondering what you where quoted for just welding the replacement panel in ?? i had a guy tell me it would cost up to 2000$ to fix mine ( with some on the door as well)

he just wants to buy it off you
you could buy tool and fix it yourself for that price
then do a job for him
its not a nack thing to weld its practice
they might do it three times to get it right before you even see it
witch tells me its all about time involved
and as owners we have the time and love to do it right NOT QUICK
he has the tool and the materials only cost $300
the paint and clear being the biggest part


up here in WI these cars folded in two when rusted out
so take care of it please
and remember if you do it right your FIAT will out live you
with all luck you wont be its last owner

[n10zf8]

A friend of mine who is a welder told me the same thing as 124Joe just said... get the tools, do it yourself. Most places will charge as much for the fix as you would spend buying the tools, and if your car is like mine there is more than one spot to fix. I have the welder and have ordered the quarter panel and I will be welding this fall. Although the fiberglass looks right from two feet, I am sure that a new piece welded in will look right from 6 inches or maybe better.
Good luck and remember love of your car will help you get it right, and practice on some scrap first, I did fiberglass because I am pretty competent with it and it corrected the issue so I can drive this summer and now I have time to practice with the welder.

[jamesrobert]

yeah i think ill try and learn a new skill which at the end of the day is part of the reason i bought the car in the first place. they are great cars its always funny because no one ever expects a 19 year old to be driving it. i never get pulled over by cops which is kinda cool. also does anyone know if using 20 guage steel will negatively affect the end result to a great degree ??

[124JOE]

its best to use the same gauge as the metal your fixing
because ti could burn thru the thinner one