How do I get fenders of my Daytona?

[hopinfox]

I'm replacing both front fenders on my 65 Daytona. The manual is very sketchy on how to do it. I have removed all bolts/screws and lower valance. IT appears that the fenders are spot welded to the headlight housing. Am I missing something? Please help! Thanks to all and this wonderful forum.. Mike

M.hopinfox/Kennesaw,Ga.
63 Champ (connie)
64 Commander(commando)
64 Hawk (nite rider)
65 Daytona (pumpkin)

[unclemiltie]

Direct from the factory the outer fender, inner fender and headlight housing or baffle were all spot welded together. I have found the easiest way to replace the outer fender is to remove the 3 pieces as one unit, drill out the spot welds for the outer fender and then reattach the new outer fender to the other two pieces. Once done, you can reinstall the complete unit. One caution, using this method, you have to make sure the newly assembled unit will correctly align on the car. If this is your first time doing this, then you might be better off letting the unit on the car, unbolting the outer fender at the cowl, drill out all the spot welds and then attach the outer fender. THis way there is a better chance the outer fender will align with the rest of the body. There are quite a few spot welds to remove.

Milt

1947 Champion (owned since 1967)
1961 Hawk
1964 Convertable
1967 Avanti
1961 Lark 2 door
1950 Commander Starlight

[Kurt]

What I did was remove the fenders first then drill out the spot welds. Then I reattached the inner fender to the car. Then I fitted the new fender to the car. After I was satisfied with the fit I used shhet metal screws to attach the two pieces tgether. Then I removed the screws one at a time and welded the holes shut. The welds look almost like spot welds.

66 Commander R1 Clone
51 Commander 4dr

[hopinfox]

Okaay guys. So much for bolt on fenders! I'll try the drill method first. Thanks, Mike

M.hopinfox/Kennesaw,Ga.
63 Champ (connie)
64 Commander(commando)
64 Hawk (nite rider)
65 Daytona (pumpkin)

[edpjr]

This post has asked the same question I had. I bought new front fenders from SASCO for my '66 Commander. The car is low mileage and the only rust is in the front fenders, mostly at the top. I thought it would be a breeze to unbolt and replace them. Nyet! I guess I'll have to drill or chisel the old ones loose and find somebody with a welder to help install the new ones. Bummer! But getting the new fenders on is the only thing needed before I get MAACO to spray it for $399.

[Warren Webb]

Do yourselves a favor before installing the new fenders, spray the underside with Por 15 or a like product, especially in the rear vertical brace & the front over the headlamp area where rust really takes hold. As Kurt stated, using some sheet metal screws is the way to go. Some of the big box hardware stores have 1/8" screws with a wide head & self tapping threads that make it easy. After you have removed the bumper, grille, headlamp assembly you will be able to see all the spot welds. If you use a spot weld bit such as made by Blair, you wont have to drill thru the inner structure, just drill thru the outer fender, then grind the leftover metal flat, spray on some weld-thru primer & set the new fender on, get all your gaps even & weld it up. If you dont have access to a welder (preferrably a mig welder) then once your all aligned you can remove the fender assembly with the inner & take it to a welding shop. Now would be a good time to ask your painter if they would paint the front end sheet metal off the car. That way would look more professional & have a factory appearance, but would demand care & patience from you on reassembling.

60 Lark convertible
61 Champ
62 Daytona convertible
63 G.T. R-2,4 speed
63 Avanti (2)
66 Daytona Sport Sedan

[jimmijim8]

quote:Originally posted by edpjr

This post has asked the same question I had. I bought new front fenders from SASCO for my '66 Commander. The car is low mileage and the only rust is in the front fenders, mostly at the top. I thought it would be a breeze to unbolt and replace them. Nyet! I guess I'll have to drill or chisel the old ones loose and find somebody with a welder to help install the new ones. Bummer! But getting the new fenders on is the only thing needed before I get MAACO to spray it for $399.

Please post pics of the paint job. jimmijim

[52 Ragtop]

IF you are going to have them welded on, find someone with a "Resistance Spot welder" (better Collision Centers have them) Get a spot weld drill bit, and drill from the inside of the fender (engine side) Mark them where they need to go, by using self tapping screws, take to the shop, make sure they use a WELD THRU PRIMER or they WILL rust from between the panels! Seam seal with a good 2 part epoxy seam sealer, prime & paint.
Using the resistance spot welder, will duplicate the factory welds, and NO warpage.

Jim

[T-CAB]

Another hint to consider.

One of the primary rust areas is directly above the headlamp assembly. There is a little ledge there to trap mud that will eventually cause rust. It is very easy to fabricate a small baffle that will screw to the back of the headlamp support panel. Fit rubber around the edge to seal the gap. Mustang's used a similar idea to stop rust on their fenders. Although it is harder to make, you can do the same at the back of the fender.

I made these for my T-cab truck 25 years ago. (only did the headlights). No rust after 25 years. Should have done the back of the fenders as they have rusted.

[hopinfox]

Thanks for all the help. I have found the TOOL to drill those pesky spot welds. After much reading different sites, I invested $4.99 plus tax for a spot weld remover bit at harbor freight. It worked like a charm. Just make a punch in the center of the spot weld then using the TOOL on a small drill I cut thru the fender in about 30-45 seconds per spot weld. I felt a slight drop as it cut thru the fender. Stop there or you will cut thru the apron (which I did a couple of times). I bought 2 bits which I think will be good for both fenders. I will replace and align one fender at a time. Hopes this helps. Thanks, Mike

M.hopinfox/Kennesaw,Ga.
63 Champ (connie)
64 Commander(commando)
64 Hawk (nite rider)
65 Daytona (pumpkin)