Ok, so I have typical rust through above the rear wheel wells that needs to be patched. It isnt a huge amount, but enough to require a fairly significant repair.

Im also preping new front fenders because the old ones have a little collision damage that isnt worth fixing. However, the "lip" around the wheel wells is in good shape.

Im wondering if the contour of this area is the same on the front fenders as on the rear. Its close, but Im just eyeballing. I am talking about the area just above the wheels, about 12"-15" wide and 3" tall. Where the rear well is spot welded to the bed side. Typical spot.

I was thinking I could cut a patch from the old fenders. Aftermarket patches arent expensive, but every penny counts. I was just going to scrap the old fenders anyways.

Any thoughts?

 

Not sure if they are identical, however if u are going to scrap them anyways cut off where you think it should be and dry fit it. Might just be close enough to work...

 

I've never checked but I have heard they are the same.

 

yes they are the same... I have had my body man weld them into my rear wheel wells and it looks great.. I keep all my old bunged up ft fenders just for that purpose..

 

Nice! Thanks guys.

It will be my first patch to weld in. I do have welding experience, but it was over 10 years ago. Need to do a little practice first.

 

Spot weld first and let the metal completely cool. Then very small welds completely cooling in between each weld or you'll get some serious warpage. Good luck.

 

I am not sure what year or box size you have, but I have a 78 F150 long bed and the crome trim that goes along the wheel well edge ios not the same front to back which leads me to believe that they have a different radius. I tried to take some front trim and add it to my rear wheel well and it was off by just a little bit, just enough that it didnt work.

 

I do believe they are slightly different, but if doing both sides than you won't even be able to tell much after it's done. It's a good idea, never thought about it before. I should be looking for dinged up front fenders and stock pile a few just to use as patch panels. As long as the same pattern is cut out, than it will look fine IMO.