Replacing Inner Fender Panels on a Mopar B-Body

[QwikTrim]

Hey,

I'm planning the next phase on my project car: replacing both (L+R) Inner Fender panels on a 1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite.

Why do they need to be replaced? Well, I've been grappling with the replace vs. repair decision for a while now. Back in
the day (well before my time) when the car was raced, both Inner Fender panels were 'butchered' to make openings for race
Headers that exited behind the front wheels. Also, on the left side, there's some rust perforation under the BatteryTray.

So, both inner panels have huge holes, not to mention other problems (ie. rust holes and flaking paint). Many moons ago, I had
fabricated patches for the holes, which was just a band-aid solution at the time. Currently, the engine is out of the car (being
rebuilt), so I'm thinking... now is the time to deal with this the proper way (ie. panel replacement) and give the engine bay a fresh
coat of paint before the engine is re-installed.

The picture shows a 'gapping' hole on right side Inner Fender panel. Left side is even worse. I'll post more pictures when I have
a chance.

Here's the thing... the car was painted (exterior only) a few years ago. Why I didn't deal with the Inner Fender panels when the
car was going through body work and paint... well, we'll leave that sob story for another discussion.

Needless to say, I would like to replace the inner panels without a lot of disassembly. If possible, I would really like to avoid
removing the Fenders (don't want to risk chipping the paint) or front end (ie. bumper, rad support, etc.)

I'm not sure how to go about this. Wondering if anyone on the forum has any insight to share on replacing these panels on
Mopar B-bodies.

Thanks.

 

[dhutton]

I would not attempt replacement of those panels without removing the front clip. Too many things bolted and welded to them. They are structural panels in my mind. Patch them if you don't want to remove the front clip.

Don

 

[Bob Hollinshead]

I'd pull the fenders and also anything behind the firewall that might catch fire, weld in some well fitted patches and it would be done right. If you want to take the quick and dirty route with the clip installed you MIGHT be able to glue some patches in with panel adhesive.