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-   -   Welding fender to body (https://allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=19194)

ArtAZ 08-12-2019 01:33 PM

Welding fender to body
 
1 Attachment(s)
I have a Jensen-Healey, old British sports car. The fenders on the car are bolted on. With the rear fenders the factory put a thin metal strip with a bead on top between the fender and body. Trouble was it was a spot for water to collect and rust.

I am thinking of bolting the fenders on and leaving that strip out. I'm looking at welding just the area where the fender meets the top shelf. The area that's by the trunk will be covered in seam sealer. The question is would I need to weld the whole length where they join or could I just weld every inch or two and then fill with filler.

I'm guessing welding the whole length as I wouldn't have to worry about cracking of the filler. But maybe every inch would suffice. I'm aware of what a pain it would be if the car was every hit in that area.

The picture shows the fender just laying there. It hasn't been bolted on so the gap should be a little smaller.

Thanks.

Attachment 53622

blue62 08-12-2019 02:14 PM

You could weld every inch or so and the lead load it. No worries about cracking with lead.

steve.murphy 08-12-2019 02:59 PM

I would probably go back original if it was mine.
Maybe you could tin the mating surfaces to prevent potential corrosion. Your approach might devalue the restoration if that’s important to you.

norson 08-12-2019 03:11 PM

First, do no harm!

ArtAZ 08-12-2019 03:14 PM

@blue62 - I thought about using lead but decided I didn't want to go through that process and I would have to buy some new tools for just this work.

@steve - I have another that is original. This is my take on modernizing a few things with the car. This one was stripped down completely, media blasted, all rust removed and getting rebuilt. I'm addressing all the areas that were prone to rust on these cars. Hoping it lasts another 45 years.

fciron 08-14-2019 08:17 AM

Why not design a trim strip that sheds the water?

That would fit your "update and improve" idea and Alf so avoid furore complications.

rustreapers 08-14-2019 11:26 AM

I agree with Norson. DO NO HARM!!!!!. These cars are getting harder to find so one should keep it as original as possible or be able to re-alter back in the future.
Solve the problem. Apply sealant to both sides of the joint install the trim bolt tight. How about undercoating right up the the turned edge on both halves and apply rubber dip to the trim.

billfunk29 08-15-2019 10:10 AM

make it right
 
I recall a quote from the owner of a 53 Nash Healey when we made a hotrod out of it for him. " If you have the last example on the planet of a given car, you should think twice before cutting it up,... but only twice". The front suspension on those cars sucked. We made it right with a Jag IFS. Now it is a pleasure to drive. Improve the value to yourself or the next owner. Your choice.


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