68 firebird fenders

[ej68bird]

Hey guys i'm new to this forum. I've got a 68 Firebird and I'm trying to decide whether or not to replace the passenger side fender. The original is rusted out in two spots, behind the wheel opening and where the fender meets the fender extension. Patches are readily available for the first part, but there are no patches for the second, so I'd have to fab something with sheet metal.

If the rest of the fender were in good shape i'd probably just go ahead and do it, except the lip on the fender is completely beat to hell (beyond my skill level to repair correctly), and it looks like someone tried to use the fender and a pair of framing hammers as a drum set. I could patch it and schlop it up with filler, but I figure that if I'm gonna bother fixing this car up, I might as well as do it right.

I was wondering what your thoughts are on this. Should I buy a repro fender? I know fitment isn't going to be great. I can't afford an NOS panel. This car isn't numbers matching (Chevy engine =P), so I don't think its worth it anyway. I plan on skinning the passenger door as well which might affect my decision as well. Thanks in advance guys!

[68firebird]

by the way you describe it, first thing I would do is see if you can locate one in a nearby boneyard, for sale locally, or something like that, I'm pretty sure a front fender from a 68 camaro will also fit. If not, get the repro one. I think you'd be better off trying to get the fitment of the repro fender than screwing around trying to repair the old one. just my opinion on what I would do.

[ej68bird]

Yeah i think i'm just gonna bite on a repro. I can't justify the amount of work involved in fixing the old one. Any opinions on OER vs. Goodmark. There seems to be more discussion about the Goodmark stuff. Or you do you just think its pretty much all the same?

[stewy]

Make sure you get a firebird fender (if it is available-I do not know). The Camaro and Firebird fenders are different. The Camaro fender has a provision/notch for the bumper brackets, and the headlight brackets are different. You can still use a Camaro fender if you find a good deal on one, but you must anticipate these differences and make some modifications.

If you can hold out, search for a used fender in decent condition.