Filling in fake fender vents on a '58 Chevrolet

I'm looking to fill in the fake front fender vents on my '58 Chevrolet. I think that lead would be the way to go, but I wonder what was done to bring the metal back up or if they were just filled in? I have read that the various body fillers just can't stick for the long term, but that lead is a permanent repair. Has anyone done this? What do you guys think?

 

Do something different make then real vents! I kinda like that idea. Jut putting to out there

 

Don't do lead unless you know how to lead. Any imperfection that does not "tin" will be a void filled with acid as you skim lead over it, and it will come back as a blister.


I'd weld holes, then use modern fillers.

 

Yeah I'd be afraid of it poping out. Cut it out and weld in a smooth bit?

 

Lead, if not done right, is just as poor of a choice as poorly applied plastic filler. As a matter of fact a properly applied plastic filler repair could probably outlast a poorly done lead repair. The correct way would be to cut out the louvers and replace with new metal.

 

cut vents out, **** weld in flat sheet. you could even slice them and probably weld them up without any metal from somewhere else.

edit: I take that back. too many and too close together. one little sheet. always shoot for no mud.

filler is to refine your work. you are not supposed to do the whole project with it.

 

Agree ... on all counts.

 

Yeah cut that **** our and weld in a new piece or if your handy with panel beating tools a little bit of heat and pressure will get it kinder flat. But better off cutting it out an welding in a new bit. Then if the need arises use lead or plastic filler to touch it up.

 

That is how I see it, no way would I just put giant globs of lead in there. I don't mind cutting the whole bit out, so that is definately a good idea.

 

I think they are cool, part of the heritage of the car. Leave them there.

 

x2.

 

X3

If you want something with less chrome and style buy a new Toyota.

 

Cut 'em out. Heritage is always used as a big hammer by those we know don't drive restored rides. The idea of customizing as practiced by those who first personalized their cars is that the vision of the owner, aka artist, comes first. I also thought the little dingle-bob on the rear of the roof looked a little su****ious, too, even though the '58 Impala was a favorite of mine as a kid. The one in American Graffiti was really sweet.

 

Better count me in, X4. It's a 58 Impala man. If you want to cut something up, cut up a Ford. Here's another way to look at it. Some women are so beautiful that they really don't need any makeup to good. Other women need tons of makeup just to look halfway decent. So the 58 Impala is that beautiful woman and Fords are the other women.

 

I kinda like that idea. Jut putting to out there

 

They are coming off as they mess with the lines of the car, same thing goes for that trim that is on the rear fender fin. The trim that goes through the center stays and that is it. When you finally see it, you will understand. If I wanted to keep my car looking stock I would just restore it. If you don't like that, I won't tell you what I plan for the taillights. Actually I will... Here is an idea....

BTW guys, its a '58 Biscayne more-door, not an Impala.

g***ersteve, you should be "ins***utionalized".

 

I did a 57 that also had fake vents in the fenders. I cut them out. But instead of welding in a smooth filler, we decided to make them "real", and punched real louvers in the patch piece. But we had them punched in backwards, and angled, the same angle as the headlight bezel is, up top. Looked pretty subtle, and different.

 

It's your tin, go ahead and whack it!
Does the Biscuit have a big enough place to put the Merc taillights? I would think an Impala would, but yours only has two taillights, not three. You could graft on some Impala corners, I suppose......
Let's see some pics as you "destroy a cl***ic!"

 

Pope, you'll have to hang on as the mechanicals are being worked on first, making it go and stop safely.

 

Taillight idea should be really cool.. Can't wait to see them in.......

 

hey ted,,,didnt know you picked up a 58 chevy,,,congratulations, thats a cool car with lots of potential...i agree with cutting the holes out and welding in a filler piece,,,,marks idea (chopolds) also sounds pretty neat,,,,,hope all is well with you and your family,,,,you'll also be happy to know the 72 f100 i bought from you all those years ago is still on the road. i gave it to a mechanic buddy of mine, and he put a rebuilt engine/trans (390 and AOD i think) in her and it's now his daily driver

 

I am glad, I miss that truck, and glad to see you came to your senses and moved to Texas. I'll come and see you when I get back.

 

Cut 'em out and weld in flat sheet, I filled in the smaller sized ones on my 57 Chevy, it lasted less than a year

 

Weld that **** up flush then tweak it with less that 1/16 of filler. The question was how best to do it not will it look good. Its yours do what you vision. I think it would improve the looks of such an ugly car

 

LOL, well '58s are an acquired taste. This one is going to be done up tastefully; like a tart's handbag.

 

I was pulling your chain I have been hooked since I watched Grafitti as a kid. Actually the best looking mild costom ever. Thats a fact not opinion. Lol

 

Now really...have you ever seen a tart sporting a tasteful handbag?

 

Cut them out. Then sell the cutouts on eBay when you're done for someone who wants to put them on his car...

 

No, I just enjoy ironic humor. People are acting like I'm going to draw a moustache on the Mona Lisa.

 

HAHAHAHA! I dont do body work so i can't help!