Hi, I am looking to get some help with the following:
- are the patch panels just as good as a whole fender?
- price wise, $70 vs $299 at LMC

I am building a non-show, street truck, will be painted one day.

I would like to know if anyone has installed a patch panel on the original steel, and how well do they fit.

Thanks
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1964 Mercury shortbox

 

The previous owner of my '64 Flareside used LMC patch panels on the lower front of the rear fenders. He did a fine job, and they can't be noticed at all. unless you look inside for the sporwelds. I have no way to measure, but the patch metal feels like the same gauge as the Ford fender.
Larry

 

I would say if you can weld in the patch panel yourself and do the body work your self then use a patch panel, If you have to have someone else do the work then buy the entire fender

matt

 

wwhite:
I have a couple of complete fenders. Depending on your location, it might be cheaper and fit better. Only $125.00 for a fender...no welding/warping to deal with. I'm in central valley of Calif. Let me know if I can be of assistance.

 

First and Foremost, welcome to FTE!! Looking forward to your input. If decide to go entire fender, suggest call 2-3 Ford supplier's and ask about the metal gage, purchased a rear fender for 65 flareside thru outfit in SoCal, no longer in business, and found the sheet metal was about as thick as a can of beer. A good auto body person can weld in a patch and not be noticed but I would also be interested in the condition of the remaining portion of the fender. Again, welcome.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.
I live on Vancouver Island, British Columbia Canada.
Some ebay iitems show shipping costs as high as $400 per fender, so..
unless someone who lives by has one or two I could buy.

Its kinda the half full/half empty glass scenario, ship a whole fender + shipping vs hire someone to do the job, probably similar in price.

I am going to continue to search patch panel quality, probably go that route.

 

oooh, boy, that is a bit of a drive from So.Cal. But, if I had time, how I would love to drive it up to you! Spent two weeks in your area a couple years ago and I'm ready to go back!!

 

Welcome, neighbour. I'm in Vancouver. I got my whole truck from resonateur's neck of the woods. Expensive to move, but no rust. If I were you I'd pursue the idea of purchasing a fender or two and having them shipped. Might be affordable, worth looking into at least.
I always try for real Ford parts.
Eric

 

another route to consider may be to cut (ouch it hurts to type this) and ship the 'patch panel' from a good used fender. This way you know you have the right gauge metal for you patch. I'm guessing it's the size of the package more that the weight that is costing you. A good fender sectioned in 4 pieces will give you multiple patches for you project.

 

I don't know about shipping costs to BC but I bought a complete fender from Dennis Carpenter and the fit and finish was very good. All the holes in the right places and not flimsy at all. Good luck - PS I have relatives in Fort ST John BC.