I've got a rust hole that has recently shown its ugly face within the past few months. It is on the driver's side fender. (Common..) Problem is, I have never dealt with rust like this and am unsure exactly what to do. From what I hear, I need to cutout the section and weld a new piece in there, sand it, and repaint. However, with that senario, I am worried that the paint won't match rest of the car. The car is 11 years old (1997) and of course she isn't as dark and shiny as she once was.

Here are a few pictures of the damage:





Does anybody have any comments on any other ways to tackle this issue or should I leave it for a body shop? Thanks.

 

The rust spot is very low and you have a black car which will conceal any minor repairs/repaint. I would try to patch it up myself if possible and paint that area only. You may be surprised about how it turns out.

 

why the hell would you want to patch/repaint?

It's not part of the body. It's a fender
Just buy a used fender from a junkyard (you could be lucky and it could be black.. you also wouldn't have to worry about the paint being too shiney)

worse case scenario
buy a new aftermarket or oem fender - have it painted.

It will be a LOT cheaper than doing body work on your current one

 

You're gonna owe me a big one!

Black 1999 driver side fender
Sass Automotive & Wrecking USA-OH(Cleveland) 877-311-7277
$85!
Located 23 miles from your zip 44035 (ya, i searched)


1995 black driver fender. Says in nice shape
Joe's Auto Wrecking USA-OH(Northridgeville) 800-956-6380 / 440-377-0348
$65
6 miles from your zip



Give them a call and let me know how it goes

 

Thanks for the replies guys. runyun972, I like your idea about getting a fender from a salvaged car...never really thought about that. Thanks for already doing half the work for me. But what database did you use for the searching? I have tried a couple of searches but cannot come up with the same results. Thanks again.

 

try car-part.com

 

Thanks. I appreciate it.

 

autopartshotlines.com also for "auto recyclers"