Repair or replace fenders

[jvb6648]

I'm debating whether to repair or replace the front fenders. How do the fenders that are made now fit and look. I got a dash panel from AMD and was really disappointed with it. My original fenders are rusted out at the bottom and have a couple of small dings that need some hammer and dolly work and of course the blasting for surface rust. I'm a mechanic not a body man. Just to have someone do the patch would cost as much as a new fender.

[KevinW]

If it were me, I would have the original fenders repaired.  I have one repro fender on my car and the fit was terrible.  My body guy spent many more hours getting that to fit then he would have to fix the fender. I wish I found a GM fender when I was doing the car, but it was my poor decision to use the repro.

[jvb6648]

I've heard of fit issues, I guess I was hoping that the quality has improved recently, like someone has new dies.

[bcmiller]

Repair if possible. 

[69Z28-RS]

repair original (always) if possible...

[x66 714]

I put NOS fenders on mine in 1981 & wish I still had the originals....Joe

[Kelley W King]

More people are repairing now because of fit and quality if possible.

[Sauron327]

I've done six first gens in the past 5 years. Two fenders were late NOS, one was a repro, the rest were assembly line take offs. Late NOS needed a day labor each to correct issues. Take-offs needed the back brace cut to re-arch the fenders to align perfectly with rocker, a very common issue. Repro came with car and brand is unknown. It fit well except for very top of door to fender. Matched the rocker better than any GM product.

Fit is all over the map and varies by manufacturer. Some parts fit very well, and then the company changes sources and the fit and quality is awful. I just went through this with a CHL Dutchman panel that used to be great, now they're trash. Picked up a Dynacorn panel and it was fine.

I'll fix an assembly line take-off first. Tony at Muscle Car Metal presently swears by Dynacorn. But that could change in this industry.

[Sauron327]

I'm a mechanic not a body man.

The previous six jobs I've done were hacked by other shops, and all their work needed to be redone. The job depends on how the car will be driven. value, and storage.

[jvb6648]

OK, thanks everyone, looks like a unanimous decision.