How to repair a rusty wheel arch

[@VarandMusic]

This generous man is giving us confidence, backed by knowledge. Yet, not an ounce of cockiness and always ready to learn. True master of his art.

[@zascars]

Well said

[@clements9812]

FYI, you’re an excellent teacher. Basic tools and experience is all you need. Thanks for the tips.

[@evsnova74]

I was at a stoplight today and looked over at a car with a rusted out wheel arch. I started imagining how I'd go about fixing it thanks to watching these videos all the time.

[@ginfizz20]

I'm 84 yr. old and your video's inspired me to try fixing the wheel arches on my Silverado. Burned my shop recently so the only body tools I have, had handles burned off. Took a one-by piece of pine and made a handle. Cut a piece out of a 55 gal barrel and proceeded to make a patch panel-- the way you taught us. Thanks for your videos.

[@robertlamontagne2547]

A man that knows his trade and a master at it not intimidated to share his knowledge and talent few people can teach as this man with no pretense I have learned more from his videos tank you keep them coming

[@troy3052]

Thank you sir!!! Thank you for teaching I was going to pay a guy 7.000 for metal work, started 2 months ago myself from watching your videos. So far I spent maybe $600 thanks from Michigan

[@katykayy]

He’s that good of a teacher isn’t he! Love his videos. My favorite part is that he uses basic tools. That way it teaches us that no matter what tools we have, we can do this! With the basics, we can do anything!!!!

[@ricky107_]

@@katykayy it's pretty incredible what you can do without all the big tools as someone who is just getting started with rust repair I really appreciate it

[@tylervoit9447]

Michigan is also the reason im researching sheetmetal repair lol

[@Meandthesemachines]

Oldie but a goodie! I appreciate all you do for this art! You’ve inspired me to tackle my 84 f150 with confidence and when my confidence starts to trickle off a bit, I just watch another round of videos! Thank you!!

[@dave95377]

Best teacher on the internet!bravo sir It's not often you find 1person that answers all your questions in 1 video👍

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

It appears factory to my eyes. Great job. I very much appreciate your videos.

[@fonhollohan2908]

Never seen anyone build a wheel arch like that before, you cease to amaze me bud.

[@keithshergold9257]

Thanks Fitzee. I’m just after cutting out the bed sides on my Dakota to patch in new outer arches and found the wheel houses or inner fenders or whatever all rusted out. So I’ve been patching new metal into there. I don’t much care what the welds look like up inside the fender, who’s going to look up in there when she’s right side up- but where the outer skin attaches to the inner needs to be smooth. So I used your cut and butt method and it works a damn sight better than what I was doing before. I’m going to be using all your methods to get this done. It’s my first attempt at body work. I started on the inner parts of the box so I could practice welding before moving onto the outer parts. Eventually I’m doing all the rockers and cab corners when the box is done. My friends think I’m nuts but you knows it’s cheaper than buying another truck- even a decent used one.

[@geraldbrown2875]

Lord Tunderin' Jesus you done a good job Fitzee! Wish you were closer, i needs my wife's car done.

[@freddyflint8309]

Fitzee - you are my sheet metal hero, showing never giving up. Thank you so much for teaching us.

[@stevewuertz3598]

I'm just astounded on how much information is located in each video. A true master at work here

[@kobiroar4221]

I play at patching, but I always turn to your videos for the answers and confidence, thanks.

[@hemisidetrack2767]

Thanks for an excellent Ezy to follow video, all I have to do now is copy your work. Your a great man sharing your knowledge with us. Cheers from Australia, mate.

[@michaelrosenlof1084]

A truly gifted artisan with exceptional teaching abilities -thank you very much ✅👍

[@XJRenovations]

I love the fact that you show how to do advanced metal work using basic tools. Not everyone has 10K+ to invest in a shop setup.

[@srgore67]

Love this channel and the knowledge that Fitzee has. This channel has inspired a lot of confidence in me that I can do major fab repairs with regular tools in my home garage. I have definitely started looking a body repairs from a much more basic set of eyes instead of making things way harder than they should be. Thanks for taking the time to share your years of knowledge.

[@clark7117]

Thank you Fitzee for this informative video. I often revisit it while contemplating whether to buy new panels or to repair the damaged parts myself. Similar to other videos you've made, my fender has a double layer of sheet metal. The straightforward choice would be to purchase new fenders, but the more engaging and educational option is to undertake the fabrication myself, gaining valuable experience. I'm confident this hands-on practice will be beneficial in my engineering studies. Your videos are greatly appreciated.

[@goldmember3265]

Im well into this stuff on a 1963 galaxy convertible. rusty rockers, rusty sections on the truck lip, spots around the rear lights, rust pits on the lower rear fenders and some funky rust on other sections and an area on the floor behind the top where water channels down and sat on the original floor. all the tricks and tips I'm picking up watching these videos has given me the confidence to attack it all by myself instead of parting the work out like I've done in the past. satisfying.

[@josephgallik2345]

Fitzee, you don't just make it look easy, you make it easy for those of us learning from you. Thanks for another excellent video.

[@David-uu1oj]

I agree, it always seems well explained and doable.....but i might still use a template 😆

[@deconteesawyer5758]

@@David-uu1oj Either way. What impresses me is that he is keeping the pieces small and easily worked. All those other guys with the expensive fancy tools would have me tossing a day's work and sizable panel instead of a few minutes on a little piece after a screw-up. With the bonus that the spoiled piece serves pretty much as a template for it's replacement.

[@robertbyers7275]

You are one of the best teachers I have seen on KZbin I would like to thank you for your help in fabrication a man with minimal tools just like me and have of the rest of the people thanks from newbunswick

[@franstolsma554]

Hi Fitzee, You know how to explain the issues you can get into while doing this body repairs. Great video again. Thanks for spending so much time to make this content. 👍

[@stephenbisig8159]

Great work!! Roughly how much would a quality repair such as that cost???

[@bobgaylord8883]

You are truly a 'Master of Metal' ! and a great teacher. You've shown that one can have excellent results without spending thousands of dollars on specialized equipment. I've learned a lot from you - thank you !

[@timsmith8687]

I'm repairing the rear arches on my car , this video has been has been a great help thanks for making it. You have a great skill it's giving me inspiration to get my car done.

[@charlesturner3139]

I have not seen anyone do such art on a car since I was in school. The shop instructor teaching the another shop did work on his own car and I always told people you could not tell where he patched before it was painted. You my friend are an artist, my hat is off to you.

[@susanpauly2897]

Best metalsmith/body man on the 'Net (ioho), and it's nice to be able to share these vids with young kids w/out fear of 'f bombs' and other salty language being hurled about. Fitzee has motivated us into confidently tackling that rusty, rounded, forward roof portion on our horse trailer. Thank you, Fitzee!

[@crudboy12]

Just bought a rusted out car that needs a lot of welding work and I'm so glad I found this channel because I have never done body work before. Should be a big help and should save me a lot of frustration to have a plan going into it.

[@gregwells2331]

You don't waste any time Fitzee. Great lesson on how to repair a rusted out wheel well arch. Thanks for sharing your expertise and tips!

[@ferdiebiojon8761]

I really admire how you panel beat how you attack the rusty part in fact i always watching your videos. But what i do not like is too much narration before you start working it..Good job

[@brianmaynard7320]

Metal master as usual, Fitzee!! Beautiful work.. Love how you do it in pieces..

[@erniemartin654]

I have a repair I need to do on the rear wheel wells of my 2004 F-150. I've done this repair in the past, but I will follow your technique instead of cutting out the bad metal and remaking that portion. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom; your channel is among my favourite content in all of KZbin!

[@philtucker1224]

Just describing your metalworking skills as “wonderful” would be a gross understatement. Big respect to you buddy! 👍🙏

[@ziprock]

The only video anyone needs to watch on rusty wheel arch repair!

[@videogalore]

Stunning! You make me feel like I should be able to fix my husk of a 1970 Ford within a week! Excellent as always!

[@bernonic]

good stuff! The boys first car is a 1967 Cougar and we are working on restoring it for his 16th birthday in a year from now. This series of instructions is giving us confidence to do proper body repairs - thanks for sharing your experience Fitzee...

[@richardbaker5151]

Every video blows me away, I still find it difficult to comprehend how simple it can be when broken down like this instead of working out how to get 3 different curves in to a single piece of metal, I'm beginning to look forward to starting on my Mustang which several people have said it's not worth it or possible! I look forward to proving them wrong.. Thanks Tony

[@3dauto]

I really enjoy your videos. Yesterday I repaired a quarter panel using your methods. They work well but I need more practice. Good thing I got lots of time to learn before I start rebuilding my 1940 Chrysler Royale

[@RestoCar]

Nice work on the wheel arch. I like seeing the patch panels being made with basic hand tools.

[@labrd41]

The most useful and informative DIY bodywork channel on KZbin. Thank You.

[@boxatricks]

That side trim looks like the ideal thing to be scanned and 3d printed.

[@ericpatrick9254]

I want to thank Fitzee for his vids and especially this one. I am not a welder or metal fabricator but using some sheet metal from an old furnace body. a hammer and my rather imperfect welder I managed to copy {more or less} this procedure. The rusted out wheel arch on my ranger looks pretty good. Not even the local body shop wanted to tackle it. Hats off to you Fitzee Thanks Eric

[@NialPowerCork]

I think you’re starting to really enjoy this teaching. Thanks again, lovely repair.

[@michaelrock650]

I really like watching and learning different techniques of working the metal. Your out of the box style and ideas are great....

[@copper2152]

Fitzee, you truly are a master metal craftsman and a great teacher. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge. All with basic tools. I would love to see a dog leg repair too

[@ericebert6404]

Another great video Fitzee. Thank you for identifying the proper sequence to assembling the pieces and the explanation of using the larger gauge of metal versus smaller.

[@allangee]

Just the video I was looking for to repair the rear fender edge on a 2003 Blazer! Unfortunately I'm missing a chunk of the bottom piece that marks the original curve of the opening, so I think I'll replace that first, using the other side to make sure the curve is correct front to back. Thanks again for another great video! Also love you attitude about the unexpected rust. "More videos." :)

[@65oldguy]

Fitzee your ability to teach is just as impressive as your ability to repair these old rusty cars. I love every video, they’re jam packed with excellent information. Thanks for sharing your skill. I have an old Toyota pickup and you’ve given me some direction with making some patch panels for it this spring. 🤔

[@tomferguson4996]

Brother you need to come to Texas! It's rare to see cars that rusty. You'd still have plenty to do, but wouldn't have to spend so much of your talents fixin' holes. THANK YOU though, for sharing your skills. You're an inspiration!

[@uuwalnut]

"Blowing holes in thinner metal, ask me how I know" Yes indeed! Fitzee you are amazing!

[@stevegordon3336]

Another great vid Fitzee we all hope you " stick around" for a lot of years.

[@vonmarko1363]

Great video! I have to do a similar repair on a ‘59 Galaxie. I was initially thinking about doing a basic repair and then covering it it up with a set of cruiser skirts. I think I’m gonna give this method a try.

[@northerntranquility1614]

That's a really nice clean looking patch ,sure beats patching with pop rivets. Very nice work

[@johanneswalraven9032]

I just bought myself a 1980 4 door Corolla and she is riddled with the usual rust, very happy to be following you Fitzee cheers

[@kellywoiden1359]

Fitzee, many thanks for the tips and more importantly giving me the game plan for how to repair the rear inner wheel house/arches on my 1993 Dodge Dakota 4X4. Would really like to see how you do this in a future video. There are no replacement inner wheel house/arches (inner fender wells) out there that I am aware of, only the external wheel arch patch skins, which I have. Looks like I will have to make the inner wheel houses myself. Again, thanks for all the great knowledge and practical explanation.

[@213davidhunter]

Really enjoying the Corolla, very much in line with the rusty stuff a lot of us work on in Ireland! There is nothing that rusts like a late 70s Toyota!

[@brendanoconnor3695]

I'm sticking around, can't wait for you to tackle the quarter glass section.I have a beetle waiting,thanks for making it so easy for me.You are a great educator

[@elvacanoytuelmamagra]

You are like the father, uncle, grandfather alot of us would've liked to have to learn from and work with please don't stop making videos I know it's hard sometimes to edit videos or it becomes a chore but you give us confidence to tackle our own projects I have a first gen honda civic hatchback that I'm working on that the metal work needed it's all on the tricky hard areas and doing things on it step by step how you teach us is so much easier thank you so much for your knowledge and help....By the way I used STEEL RUBBER PRODUCTS to get all the weather stripping on this car I'm sure you'll find some for yours there great people.

[@mtcoffers8638]

Love your approach to handling various aspects of metalworking and using basic tools when possible. You are a great teacher and the finished product is just amazing. Thank you, and dont change a thing!

[@MikeTheFixer]

Thanks Fitzee, I'm doing my c10 wheel well patch panel and lower door skins on my channel using all the knowledge Ive gained from you. I'm more of a Mechanic but enjoying the bodywork so far!

[@A65impalass]

I'm really enjoying the multiple videos in one week. I know you're busy but I can honestly say I enjoy watching you work. I love the fact you keep it simple for us just starting out. You are a true master at what you do sir, keep up the great work.

[@IY5]

You are a master in the craft, thank you sir, hopefully I could use what I've learn in my upcoming project

[@Big88Country]

Fitzee, The Body Genius. No Body too Tough To Tame! Thank you Sir for sharing your genius with us amateurs! AWESOME JOB as always!

[@endeavour2127]

Another great video!! I must admit it looked difficult and I was thinking I have no idea how or where to even start. You make it look so easy! So simple and methodical! Thank you so much for the knowledge! 👍

[@toddbrady7502]

I can’t wait to see this car done. Another amazing lesson, thank you. I have a ‘62 econoline van and will be using many of these techniques on it this summer.

[@trickyricky12147]

On an old vehicle like that especially because there's not that many advanced curves on those econolines... it's like the more gradual you move on every decade, the more curves the vehicles have even more so than they did in the 50s. Not including 70s and 80s but the 90s.

[@tommythurin1688]

Thank you💕! After watching a couple of your vids I manage to repair two rusty kickerpanels and a wheelarch. With quite good result for a rookie I think. My neewbie welding in thin old metall with a fluxcore has made me an excellent grinder 😉👍

[@jarekdudzio]

I have been looking how to do wheel arch for cheap. I have 73 charger with rusty arch. I'm in UK. Shipping Prices from USA are mad. Buing whole quarter Panel just for repair arch is simply waste of money. Definitely I will do your way. Thank you for showing this metod

[@nath7099]

I keep on coming back to you. Just bought my first welder so I can work on my own and family's car. You simplify everything and your tips are the best. Keep up your ork. I only subscribed the other day. Congrats on your 100k

[@Ian-of9oi]

Drinking coffee watching this trying to get inspired to fabricate and weld in patch panels on my 87 Dakota. I wire wheeled the loose rust out last night so I’m committed now.

[@Ian-of9oi]

I’m out in the garage right now. About to do my first “cut and butt”

[@Ian-of9oi]

Half way through the cut and butt. It’s going better then I expected

[@Ian-of9oi]

Done and painted yesterday around 3:00. Went well. But it warping because I rushed it. Could have used another skim coat of filler but I’m satisfied. Matched the paint close enough with some spray paint. Maybe do the rockers next weekend.

[@oceanofmotion6766]

Fitz, your the best! Love the tips and basic approach. Your approach takes away so much of the mystery of working with sheet metal. I am working on a 55 chev 4 door to 2 door conversion and your vids help so much. Thank you. PS, me ol gramma was born and raised in St Johns.

[@quickturn66]

Did you see DandD speed, he’s done a couple of them

[@oceanofmotion6766]

@@quickturn66 Yes I saw his vids. Not too helpful to me though. I just can stand someone doing everything so half assed. "Meh, whatever, close enough" just doesn't cut it. Why do it if your not gonna do it right? I mean he can whip some work out but none of it is quality. Double stick taping trim on a tri5 is criminal. Lovet speed shop was way more helpful for the conversion.

[@quickturn66]

@@oceanofmotion6766 I wasn't sure of the type of conversation you were doing quality wise but it's nice to watch someone else chop stuff up before you chop your own stuff up ,at least you get a preview of what's in there I'm sure there are others doing this conversation more perfectly.

[@davemorgan8388]

Thanks a million, very well done. I've got a project that will need some work just like that and your video has made it seem possible to do it myself.

[@buannajim8091]

Great vid as usual, Tony. It's definitely coming right along and the shop lighting was a great upgrade!

[@CTmoog]

Looks great man! The new lights make the video look awesome!

[@194853DodgeTrucks]

Lol...good point about the new lights!

[@jayjohnston2821]

Indeed yes 48Dodger but they haven't improved Fitzees Rugged looks much ;) Its Okay Fitzee, We are here for your skills not your good looks! :D :D :D #TotallyInJest I have no ability to comment on peoples looks

[@fitzeesfabrications]

I hope so! Lol. Havent got 65000 subscribers cause of my good looks thats for sure! Hahaha

[@jayjohnston2821]

@@fitzeesfabrications ah now Fitzee I couldn't possibly comment ;)

[@danielrunge7294]

Try steele rubber products

[@henryhumada2087]

Wow. Wouldn’t have known that there was a big rust hole there. Great tips. I’m really enjoying your channel. Thanks for sharing.

[@cobrajet8866]

Still binge watching ya vidyas from way back. I like the presentation skills - humble, sensible home made tools, very logical, crafty, creative, can do attitude and again very humble. one of my favorite channels. I'm Stickin' roun'......

[@jk5794]

The tips were great and can’t wait till next time ! Truly appreciate your videos, you have already inspired me to try things I would have never considered, many thanks.

[@hfdzl]

I do watch other metal fab guys. Yours are the simplest and easy to follow thru with. Thanks, Fitz!

[@thistlelee]

Another excellent metal work video. I wish I had access to this kind of thing when I (ameteur builder) restored my '68 Chevelle.

[@rickbarger5161]

Your knowledge is amazing I love how you explain what you're doing completely that turned out really nice thanks for the video

[@rsecosky]

Fitz...your work is FANTASTIC!!

[@michaelvandenhoy1021]

exellent job making patch panels using basic tools, you are a great teacher. Thanks for all the tips.

[@jorgefranco8871]

Your still touching the clean paintles metal. You are totally awesome metal worker the best l have ever seen, if you would only stop touching the clean metal so it doesn't encourage rust .like l previously said Picasso you most sertenly are, Millions thanks for your metaculisum waching you is time very well spent

[@paulblack1811]

Thanks Fitzee! Your channel has helped me get the confidence to do this stuff myself! I have made two dog legs and replaced both rear quarters and tail pan in my 53 sedan using the tips you show here! Keep up the awesome work! Looking forward to more Toyota vids!

[@DougsMessyGarage]

That repair turned out awesome Fitzee. It is amazing how you are able to get the patch panels to match so perfectly.

[@leonjenkins1027]

The more I watch your channel, the more impressed I am with your skill & technic. I have run across a few other channels that do rust repair & have noticed while they get the rust removed, many fo them have to use a ton of filter to get the outside of the panel straight. The extra time you use making your panels pay hugh dividends in the final result. As mention before I come from a fifty year automotive background. But the time used to prep the surface & clean bolt holes before the assembly, results in a much better, cleaner repair & hopefully in most cases longer longevity. Looking forward to more tips.

[@anthonygiachinta3056]

Your the best ! A grinder and a mig welder . Thanks learned a lot .

[@MegaCountach]

That was a difficult scratch built panel to make! Well done Fitzee! Cheers, Doug

[@andysaunders3708]

Dunno if you've ever worked on a TE71, but those suckers rust everywhere, for no apparent reason. There all sorts of stories about the carbon-content of the steel, but I think they were NOT built with longevity in mind. Gave up in the end, and made up a bunch of patch panels for the common areas, and that was a time saver, especially under the rear side windows.

[@alandust2188]

Always enjoyable and your voice is so wonderful I am able to learn more because I stay as relaxed listening to your relaxed teaching style.

[@mgphotostudio]

Thank you sir! We could learn a lot from your videos, greetings from Argentina!

[@joesfamilyfarm]

Another excellent video Fitzee. As I've said before, I learn so many cool tips from watching you work.. Plus, I like the fact you do it all with basic tools. Keep 'em coming my friend.

[@BREW2LFOXBODY]

Man, this channel has helped me so much! Thanks brother 👌

[@Mongonader]

Same bro... I’m following along on ur 65 can’t wait till ur done 💪🏻

[@BREW2LFOXBODY]

@@Mongonader thanks brother I appreciate the support 🙏

[@seastacker8582]

I commented above. Sounds like he saw your video which is awesome. It really did come out nice.

[@tkirkwood3366]

You never cease to amaze me , I like your work . Thanks, God Bless!!!

[@PM-lk9ph]

Fitzee - The man, the myth, the legend. Another great video.

[@jonhaskell9630]

I used to resurrect the 70's GM vehicles. Something that I found out was... if I was working on a rusted out left REAR arch (as an example), very often the right FRONT would share most of the same contours. (Always use the arch from the diagonally opposite corner) I'd find a donor front fender with a decent arch area, and section it to fit. The horizontal areas on the fronts are generally a couple inches longer to deal with the turning radius, so you've gotta cut out the extra. The bonus on getting donor front fenders is that they're inexpensive if you find one with collision damage that didn't affect the arch area.

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Yes done that same concept many times.

[@sillverspurssaccordionshop8700]

Awesome work! That looks really good.>>>You are a true craftsman>>>Your videos never cease to amaze me>>>

[@tomc2748]

The tips are always great. Keep them coming. Thanks so much !

[@jimmyh7718]

Hello Fitzee. Another awesome video. You give me great tips to help me to repair my rusted Corolla panels as well. I am working on a 75 Corolla TE37. The parts you are after are on ebay. Search under TE31 for left hand drive or KE30 or KE55 for right hand drive. The codes are for the Corolla Model numbers. Hope this helps. Looking forward to more welding and repair tips from you. Thanks again.

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Have you bought the suff off ebay? Looking to find out what it is like for fit and finsh

[@jimmyh7718]

@@fitzeesfabrications Yes, I have purchased them from Indonesia and also from the Philippine. Just like all aftermarket items, there is some stretch to fit. The rubbers are OK but in my opinion , the rubber doesn't hold up as well as Toyota factory Rubber parts. Its all we got so I make do with it. You may find some obsolete factory parts on the internet if you have factory part numbers. Google the part numbers. Hope this helps.

[@lawrenceklein3524]

Clearly, this man is an artistic genius! I am impressed!!