How To Replace Inner Fender Panels on 69 B-Body

[QwikTrim]

Hey,

Been 'lurking' for a long time. I usually do a search and find the answers to my questions. I'm constantly amazed at the expertise and knowledge displayed in these forums.

Anyways, I've decided to come out of the 'shadows' and solicit some advice from those with more experience with this than I have, so here it goes...

I'm planning the next phase on my project car: replacing both (L+R) Inner Fender panels on a 1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite.

Why do they need to be replaced? Well, I've been grappling with the replace vs. repair decision for a while now. Back in the day (well before my time) when the car was raced, both Inner Fender panels were 'butchered' to make openings for race Headers that exited behind the front wheels. Also, on the left side, there's some minor rust perforation under the Battery Tray.

So, both inner panels have huge holes, not to mention other problems (ie. rust holes and flaking paint). Many moons ago, I had fabricated patches for the holes, which was just a band aid solution at the time. Currently, the engine is out of the car (being rebuilt), so I'm thinking now is the time to deal with this the right way (ie. panel replacement) and, while I'm at it, give the engine bay a fresh coat of paint before the engine is re-installed.

The picture shows a 'gapping' hole on right side Inner Fender panel. Left side is even worse. I'll post more pictures when I have a chance.

Here's the thing... the car was painted a few years ago. Why I didn't deal with the Inner Fender panels when the car was going through body work and paint... well, we'll leave that sob story for another discussion.

Needless to say, I would like to replace the inner panels without a lot of disassembly. If possible, I would really like to avoid removing the Fenders (don't want to risk chipping the paint) or front end (ie. front bumper assy, Rad Support, etc.).

I'm not sure how to go about this. Wondering if anyone has any insights to share on replacing these panels.

Thanks in advance.

 

[barelad69]

save your self the headache and just take apart your front end, cause your taking a big risk trying to replace them with the fenders still on. just tape off all your edges between the fenders and doors so when you remove them if they do touch the the chances of a chip will be less. but to answer your question yes it is possible just remove your top fender bolts and drill out all your spot welds around the shock tower the lip on the cowl and the lip on the radiator support and the ones on the frame rail and after its removed clean all those same parts to bare metal then drill holes all around the new fender well then mock up the replacement part bolt it back to the fender and for a good seal you could use some self tap in screws to hold the parts together then weld in all your new spot weld holes.

 

[Photon440]

Oh and by the way QwikTrim...welcome:wav:

 

[barelad69]

drill out all the marked spot weld.

 

[69SportSatellite]

Welcome - from a fellow 69 Sport Satellite owner.

 

[Rodney]

I had to replace the inner fenders or fender aprons on my 70 Road Runner same thing... fender well headers. Arg!

you need to remove the front sheet metal to do the job. have the body setting on jack stands under the A arms setting level and true.
it would be a good idea to measure for square and look over the front end and frame rails and be aware of any damage before you start taking it apart. true it up before and check measurements as you go back together.
if possible leave the shock towers. drill spot welds grind and prep the pinch weld with weld thru primer and
Test fit the fenders before welding the aprons on checking fender and hood gaps.
there is a lot more to it than a few words can described.
wire weld the panel as it was OEM.




View attachment 235638

I replaced both sides