Inner front fender crack?

[trishhritz]

nothing surprises me anymore after finding all of the tail light sockets were not only incorrect but glued in place. Today, while replacing the inner fender splash shield's, I discovered what appears to be a cracked inner fender. I was wondering if you all think this is a big deal and should be fixed ASAP or if it is considered normal wear and tear.

 

[70chall440]

I have seen this many times, it is not critical at the moment. I'd fix it at some point but your car isn't going to fall apart if you don't. It is a good indication of how much these cars flex, a set of torque boxes and sub frame connectors will fix it not to mention make the car handle WAY better.

 

[pnora]

It doesn’t look bad to me, but if it really bothers you, it’s a pretty simple repair. Plastic filler, sand, paint.

It needs to be welded.

 

[MWbirdLOVER70]

nothing surprises me anymore after finding all of the tail light sockets were not only incorrect but glued in place. Today, while replacing the inner fender splash shield's, I discovered what appears to be a cracked inner fender. I was wondering if you all think this is a big deal and should be fixed ASAP or if it is considered normal wear and tear.

View attachment 1885805

View attachment 1885806

Weld it I say

 

[Matthew J]

I would weld it up soon if it was my car. It cracked for a reason, i.e. it was carrying significant load. That load has to go somewhere. Hopefully into something strong enough to take it.

 

[trishhritz]

Thanks all. I know it doesn’t look too too bad, but I didn’t want to put the the splash guard over it. Im not a welder, that was my dad and one thing he did teach me about car repair, so I'm looking for a welder. Any contacts for anyone in the East Bay, Hayward CA is home.

 

[Paul_G]

Weld it, yes. What caused it, flexing, abuse, severe abuse? How are the door gaps? Wheel alignment? Probably the unibody is ok, but look for other signs of severe abuse that might require more work. Banged up under carriage, pa el gaps, etc.

 

[trishhritz]

Weld it, yes. What caused it, flexing, abuse, severe abuse? How are the door gaps? Wheel alignment? Probably the unibody is ok, but look for other signs of severe abuse that might require more work. Banged up under carriage, pa el gaps, etc.

Yes there are signs she was in an accident sometime before I bought her 10 years ago. I just finished detailing the rear bumper and there was red over spay and signs of body work on the inside of the bumper. Great body work, too. it didn’t even need to be refinished / chromed. I have lots of receipts from several prior owners, she may have had more than five owners, but sadly, I don’t see any body shop repair bill. One receipt was to install new torsion bars, though. The frame measures good according to chassis manual. This was hidden from view normally being covered by the splash shield.

 

[eldubb440]

30 seconds with a mig welder