72 GMC C15 Fenderside Question

[72longstepper]

Both rear fenders have major rot/rusted out sections on what I will call the inside bolt flange. The part that would go flush to the bed side and get bolted on with bolts inserted from inside the bed etc. Anyone ever tried to or came up with a fix to this ??? Buying new stepside/fenderside fenders is out of the question as I am in this project way to deep already lol. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[mongocanfly]

Got any pics?...I can visualize what your describing...I had the same issue with one of my IH fenders..I wound up using a different fender..but if it's just the flange, that shouldn't be to hard of a repair...if youve never welded thin metal it can be difficult...

[OL SKOOL]

If your talking about this flange that bolts to the bedside. I have the same problem on one of my fenders. I was going to make a template with cardboard and make a patch panel out of metal and weld it in. I found one fender local for 200 that was perfect i got lucky. I know aftermarket are about 450 plus shipping so i'm going to try and patch my one . The rest of the fender is good.

[72longstepper]

Hi,

Back at it after some issues. How did the cardboard template work out ?
I am thinking of everything from individual L bracket at each hole then tack weld at the step etc. Even thought of how I might rivet them some how. Going to see if I can get lucky as I have just missed two pair around here. Bought a Eastwood welder and managed to weld the radiator support under the battery,
but when I got to the thin stuff that was a way different story. LOL