Question about Fenders

[kitran01]

I began tearing down my Z and decided to remove the front fenders. I noticed that underside of both fenders the undercoating was peeling and under the undercoating rust was all beneath it. The passenger side was a little worse being that rust was on the outside also. I think I can save the driver side after I clean the undercoat off and apply some rust bullet or por and recoat it. Not so sure of the Passenger side. Overall I thought the amount of rust wasn't too bad under the fenders. What would you guys recommend?

[cozye]

Looks like after market fenders to me. The rust that's coming through on the outside will have to be cut out and metal replaced, or replace the fender. They make weld on patch panels you can use, I've got some that I don't need.

[jfa.series1]

+1 on time for replacement! When you get your "new" fenders, take some time to clean and prep the undersides before installing. The same goes for the exposed inner fenders and unibody frame shown in your pictures. Get rid of all that surface rust. I personally like the POR-15 products: Marine Clean for removal of grease and dirt, Prep & Ready (formerly Metal Ready) to kill the rust and treat the metal, POR-15 paint for permanent protection. Don't just spray and rinse on the degreaser product - get in there with a scrub brush to knock loose everything. Don't overlook installation of two new weatherseals at the rear of the fenders, actually one on the splash shield (picture) and one on the fender bulkhead. I used a generic product from Autozone - 5/16 X 3/4 closed cell foam, it was a perfect fit for the gaps.

Hope this helps.

Jim

[cozye]

FWIW, Nissan is still selling the original fenders. I was able to talk them down to $310 each. Get them from a local dealer and you wont have to pay shipping.

[Casey_z]

I just bought a pair of Nissan fenders.

Great fit and look.

The time saved in labour is worth it

[kitran01]

Thanks guys, yeah gonna go scrubbing this weekend and see if I can get both sides prepped and sealed. Will check out the local nissan dealership for a passenger fender at least.

[signal34]

I used new Nissan fenders on my last project and my bodyshop guy said they were far better quality and easier to work with than the aftermarket ones he had seen.

(For some reason "quality" shows up twice in the final post but not in editing mode?)

Edited April 11, 2011 by signal34