Split inner fender

[RusTy/SE]

The passenger side inner fender has a split starting above the shock tower going straight up and ending just below where the fender begins. It may go further but i have not taken the fender off yet. Also on the wheel side the bracket(??) is about an inch from actually making contact with the inner fender. I'm leaning towards replacing it (the inner fender) but if it can be repaired that would suit me. There does not appear to be any front end collision damage although someone tried to pull the car by tying to part of the lower grille that attaches to the splash pan. This small piece of metal twisted and tore but i don't see any problem replacing it with another grille. I just wanted to mention this last bit in case these problems are related. BTW when looking at the front it seems to lean to the passenger side.

[mustardketchup]

onefornow:

     Weld that split metal or replace the entire inner fender.  Do a good job, whatever method you choose, because the inner fender is an important structural piece that ties together the firewall/windshield cowl to the radiator support.

     Also, that "bracket" you refer to (it's about 18 inches long) that goes from the radiator support/cowl to the inner fender/shock tower must be welded to the shock tower securely.  It is welded to the shock tower, not the inner fender sheet metal.  The shock tower metal is a much thicker gauge metal than the inner fender sheet metal.

Larry

 

[RusTy/SE]

Thanks mustardketchup. I believe i'm going the replacement route as i plan on driving the car a lot. I'll make sure the body shop is aware of the bracket on the wheel side so that integrity remains - and to check the other side as well. Their book shows 6 hours to replace the inner fender.  

[mustardketchup]

onefornow:

     I went and looked at my car after I posted my reply (sorry, but my computer is at work and my car sits in a garage a short distance from work).  As I originally said, the bracket is welded to the thick stamped steel shock tower arch.  But after I looked at my car, I see it is also welded to the inner fender sheet metal, on the top horizontal surface that would hang above the upper control arm.  I hope this clears things up.

Larry  

[RusTy/SE]

mustardketchup:

my friend who writes estimates (and is also deep into e-bodys having recieved a 73 318 rallye for graduation which he still owns and drives) at the bodyshop that will do the body/paint work came by over the weekend and said there'd be no problem repairing any damage. i made sure to let him know about those brackets so as to avoid any surprises later on.

Russ

[mustardketchup]

Onefornow:

     Cool, sounds like your set.