How to repair a rusty wheel arch

Repairing rust on a rear wheel arch on my rusty project corolla called "Crusty" by making your own patch panel with basic tools

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@geraldbrown2875]

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

[@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

[@gdunham1]

30 years in the camera end of the film business.... you rock the camera.

[@fonhollohan2908]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@freddyflint8309]

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

[@boxatricks]

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

[@irockz281982]

I can watch these videos all day. So awesome.

[@stevewuertz3598]

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

[@tomc2748]

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

[@hfdzl]

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

[@theogantenbein7870]

The algorithm sent me and I expected the usual „Slap fiberglass on, bondo it and You’re good to go!“. I couldn’t be more wrong. This was actually very, very good 👍.

[@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.

[@dave95377]

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

[@russellmcelreath7918]

Best I have seen...I now find myself making 18 gauge practice pieces...❤️

[@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 !

[@kobiroar4221]

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

[@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!

[@labrd41]

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

[@ohiomike204]

I give him a tremendous amount of credit for taking his time to explain and teach his craft! I've learned a lot from him!

[@balloney2175]

Making the useless useful, I salute you, Sir!

[@philtucker1224]

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

[@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.

[@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'......

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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???

[@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!

[@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...

[@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.

[@lawrenceklein3524]

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

[@RestoCar]

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

[@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

[@tomchristopher71]

I love when he laughs and says "more videos".

[@CooCuMbEr]

I cry when i see more ginger on my car lol

[@uuwalnut]

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

[@brianmaynard7320]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@louisebrake1800]

you're giving me the confidence now to weld my 2cv :) thank you!

[@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

[@NialPowerCork]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@ElrodsGarage]

Fitzee, your tips are awesome! Thanks a bunch!

[@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. 🤔

[@jayg7890]

You’re the man, Fitzee! Love all your videos.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

You are amazing Fritz! Looks great.

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Fascinating watching you work Fitzee, a real craftsman.

[@kiefbudson]

Excellent work Fitzee, and the tips are always good!

[@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

[@BensWorkshop]

Many thanks for the tips Fitzee.

[@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." :)

[@michaelrock650]

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

[@rsecosky]

Fitz...your work is FANTASTIC!!

[@richardprice713]

Nice work Tony great tips, thank you!

[@tkirkwood3366]

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

[@sixtyfiveford]

Nicely done

[@gerardmurphy5078]

Love Fitzee s common sense approach Cheers

[@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

[@380.motorsports]

Lots of great tips in this video. Thanks for passing on the knowledge.

[@briankrahnert7218]

Recent found Fitzee, a coach work blacksmith. Simply good. Old skool craftsman. 😊 Thanx for sharing.

[@leandrolambardi9712]

I am so glad I found your channel. Thank you.

[@martinsteele3259]

Fitz! Love this series, I’ll be using these videos when I start to work on my 85 Corolla!

[@DIYWHEELGUY1970]

Another great video, learning a lot from you Tony!

[@mcshagger510]

Great stuff as always Fitzee! This channel is GOLD - so many good lessons to learn from. THANK YOU!

[@BlackOpsJuJu]

Beautiful Job and GREAT Tips as Always !!!

[@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.

[@PM-lk9ph]

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

[@markzander6387]

Brilliant work! Thanks for letting learn from your experience.

[@johnwalls4722]

Thanks again for the instruction Fitzee, great video as usual.

[@stevegordon3336]

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

[@DougsMessyGarage]

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

[@edweigman9683]

You are an artist! Nice job.

[@markaubuchon2227]

Nice job. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@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

[@BesseCustomFabrication]

Thanks for another great video Fitzee! I'm learning a lot and applying it now too.

[@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

[@ronbunker5778]

Looks brand new!! I really like your tutorials.

[@dlrgarage6744]

Awesome work fitzee. Thanks for the tips. 🙏

[@jamesdepaul3410]

So much work and love that goes into those projects. Nice work.

[@buannajim8091]

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

[@libertyman3729]

Thanks Fitzee enjoy watching you do your magic . 🇺🇸

[@johngunn7087]

Excellent content- as usual !! Thanks Fitzee.

[@buchanansleeve7427]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos they are greatly enjoyed!

[@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.

[@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.

[@ikesquirrel]

I enjoy watching you work. Thank you.