Fender skirt patch panels overlap vs butt weld

[57barnwagon]

Ive seen opinions on butt welding is the proper method of fitting patch panels yet all of the patch panels for fender skirts are sold with offset flanges. Please advise

[MP&C]

Many makers of patch panels make most of their products with offset flanges because they are trying to make it easier for the novice. They fail to explain that it is not the preferred method and will likely cause ghost lines in your paint. Cut off the flange and butt weld the patch. Or make (have them made?) a completely new one/set...

[Rick_L]

Besides the "ghost line" problem, if you have any warpage due to welding, when you have a lap weld, that area is super stiff due to two panel thicknesses and cannot be straightened easily (if at all) to correct any warpage.

[57barnwagon]

Any recommendations regarding the source of recommended Quality patch panel fender skirts for the 57 wagon?

[57barnwagon]

Decided to replace the rear edge fender reinforcement prior to patch panels being that the bottom ends were rusty Swiss cheese. Is there a tried and true method to releasing the upper end of rear fender reinforcements in that they are tucked under the upper support inside the fender?

[MP&C]

Got pictures?

[57barnwagon]

11694
Got pictures?
I figured out there are spot welds up the rear flange and at the tip through the two supports. [ATTACH]11693[

[MP&C]

Is that from the fender skirt or otherwise? Can't see the forest for the trees..

[BamaNomad]

It actually looks a lot like the inner brace for the front fender....??

PS. Inaccurate descriptions and poorly worded questions along poorly posed photos mostly generate a guessing game rather than informed responses... It makes one think they don't really need a response?

[MP&C]

Do you have pictures to show where that part goes.. Can't see the forest for the trees ie: the pictures are too close to see where the part actually goes. Nice detailed shots though

[57barnwagon]

Sorry I didn't know that questions were so closely scrutinized especially by those not used to doing so
Yes it is the fender skirt support.
Yes I figured out they were spot welded to the upper fender support and the door edge return on the fender.

[MP&C]

56-57 skirts seen on FB Marketplace today...



https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3222357354539970/?ref=browse_tab&referral_code=undefined




Sorry for scrutinizing your questions, but adding pictures helps and adding multiple pictures of the what, where, and how, help even more.... If someone can see what you see, it adds to the exchange to insure you get a concise answer. Thanks!

[57barnwagon]

Here are some additional pics. Though it was figured out 1172211723. Do you know if the rag seal for along the interior wheel well is available. 11724

[BamaNomad]

barnwagon: Most folks just cut out the rusty portions and weld in good pieces to replace them, rather than attempting to replace the entire original piece. In fact, you could probably 'make' the lower inner reinforcement piece if it's not available, and I know the lower fender section is available.

Referring to that part as a 'fender skirt' totally confused 99% of folks, greatly eliminating possibly great feedback you may have gotten. I would refer to it as an inner reinforcement panel for the back end of the FRONT fender, although I'm sure there's a 'chevrolet term' for it somewhere. Most parts on cars (especially older cars) have a dozen different 'names' that various people use, and that is why a PHOTO is almost necessary when you are referencing a part on your car...

[Rick_L]

After scrutinizing a lot, I'm still confused.

barnwagon, did it occur to you that the scrutiny was because these guys are trying to help you?

[HILLBILLY823]

Ol'55 (East Coast Chevy) in Doylestown, PA carries what they call "A" arm dust seals. For 55&56 pn 23-164, and for 57, p/n23-166

[57barnwagon]

the help is appreciated.
The only suggestion I might make is for those applying vinegar instead of honey as it will surely deter those from participating if the responses are as caustic as some. Learning how to post the pics and how to size them takes some practice. some patience is in order.

[57barnwagon]

Ol'55 (East Coast Chevy) in Doylestown, PA carries what they call "A" arm dust seals. For 55&56 pn 23-164, and for 57, p/n23-166

I appreciate the info and the proper name so that the confusion is eliminated.

[BamaNomad]

Note: Most (or all?) of the available reproduction 'A Arm dust shields' are NOT made like the originals (with fabric reinforcement), instead are just cut out pieces of rubber. There are sources for cloth-fabric reinforced rubber much more similar to the original dust shields, IF you want to go the trouble to be *more original* and make your own.

[57barnwagon]

thanks
Yes I don't think i'd want to go through all the trouble of installing only sheet rubber
I will locate the reinforced material and fab them.