1959 Side Fender Advice

[Tony M.]

I need advice on my 1959 side fender modifications that were done to my car many years ago. I included a picture to best describe the change. I suspect the modifications were done in the past to adapt side pipes that were probably once installed.

Question: Should I purchase complete side fenders and just cut-off the needed section and re-mold to my fenders or should I consider replacing the complete fenders? If cut-off is the way to go...is there a cheaper alternative than $400/side fenders?

My 59 is an original 270HP with all original parts with the exception of the dual quad carbs...may have been replaced at some point!

PS: I am a returning member and congratulations to all for managing such a great technical board!

[Stan G.]

Re: 1959 Side Fender Advice

Tony, buy the side fender piece and replace the entire piece. Just be careful when you take off the old fender that you don't damage the old factory bonding strip that will be attached to the upper fender.You should be able to carefuly peel the old fender loose from this bonding strip that is behind the upper S S fender moulding and reuse it.That gives you a nice joint to reglue your new fender panel to.There is also a seam at the door jamb and straight down the rocker panel.That's the way I remember repairing the fender on my 58 15 years ago.When you get your panels you will be able to see how the factory joined the fender fifty years ago.I may even be able to find a picture of my car with the fender cut off if that will help you. Just make sure you buy a good quality press moulded panel.Paragon has the panels for $320 ea. Stan

[Tony M.]

Re: 1959 Side Fender Advice

Stan,
Thanks for the feed-back. I was evaluating both Ecklers and Corvette Central but never considered Paragon. Paragon pricing is much lower...thanks!

PS: Were you happy with quality from Paragon?

[Jerry W.]

Re: 1959 Side Fender Advice

Must check out Rich M. restoration site...59 project shows all you need to know.

http://home.comcast.net/~richmz/site/?/page/1959_Corvette_Restoration_Project_-_Part_2/&PHPSESSID=7ca63fe93ef3fff96e45ad15ac9f6b78

[Stan G.]

Re: 1959 Side Fender Advice

I got my fiberglass years ago from Sermersheims Fiberglass Inc don't know if they are still in business or not.They were from Evansville Ind. I replaced the lower nose below the bumper and the rh lower fender. They both fit really well.I just picked up my Paragon cat to see how much they were.
Good luck. Stan

[Stan G.]

Re: 1959 Side Fender Advice

Tony , you will only be taking off that part of the fender from the top S S fender moulding down , from the back of the wheel well arch to the door jamb . That video shows taking off all of the fender which you need to leave intact for what you need to repair. Stan

[Tony M.]

Re: 1959 Side Fender Advice

Jerry,
Great site...useful info!

Stan,
Makes sense...thanks again for the info and advise!