CHEAP, that's me, Also seeing thae amazing work of some on here I had to give it a shot. I have this '53 Bel Air that was given to me by a friend. I know the history of it from when it was bought brand new. Cool, huh?Anyway, the drivers side had been hit pretty hard at one time in its life in the rear and straightened with bondo. Of course it has the normal rust on the bottoms of the quarters. The p***enger side had been hit just behind the door and mangled the bubble, also fixed with bondo, and I know who did it! I was trying to figure out how to fix the p***enger side above where a stamped patch panel would go. I have already found a complete drivers side. Sitting looking at it one night it hit me. Since the driver side is being cut off eventually why not use it for a patch. So after some measuring and speculating out cane the saw and this is what I got.
Behind the wheelwell Was gone on the p***enger side. So I cut a piece of sheet mtal and formed it over my leg. I didn't like the way it looked, so I cut a piece out of the divers side on top of the fender toward the tail light. It has the exact curve turning under the body and has the correct lines curving uo toward the rear bumper. Here's a picture of the first patch. Haven't taken on of the redo yet.
Yes, taking out the rusty, and don't forget, the severely dented metal. Once I get these panels welded in then I'use a shrinker stretcher to make my lip for the wheel well.
when ever your're ready will meet halfway. still don't know when i will be going to indy. late feb, i guess. wish i was closer.
The Jalopy Journal
