silva350z

iTrader: (1)

Hi everyone, i need some opinions. I want to have my rear fenders rolled for some wheels i plan on getting with a +12 offset ,but ive noticed the paint is already bubbling and rust seems to be appearing. Will rolling these be a complete disaster ? should i fix these then roll or is that a waste of time and money? I just don't want to make these any worse than what they are. Would appreciate the help.

Esser

iTrader: (2)

It looks like the bubbling and rust is in an area that would not get rolled. Typically when you get your fender rolled they will only roll the top 30-40 degrees of the wheel arch, not the whole thing. Anything more than that is unnecessary. You should be fine

silva350z

iTrader: (1)

okay great thx for ur help

vex008

iTrader: (4)

roll it and if problem gets more noticable, fix after. may run into paint cracking at edge anyway so best to get it done after.

SQuaLZ

What the hell happened there? Was the bumper repainted?

saywat?

I vote sand it , spray it then roll it. the paint job doesn't need to be excellent. just enough to protect the lip . and itll be rolled anyway so no one can see the paint job if it doesn't turn out great. the main this is the get rid of the rust before its too late

silva350z

iTrader: (1)

ya that pic was taken about a month ago and it's already looking worse than that now so i'm going to get rid of the rust problem first before it becomes something ugly. When i stuck my hand in there it feels like the seal or wut eva its called opened up so dirt and salt is getting into there. Thanks for all the opinions guys!

Spike100

Hi @silva350z, I have a 2003 Z, and about 3 years ago my driver side rear fender began looking very much like the picture you posted. The cause is a separation of the inner and outer fender metal due to poor adaption and consequent welding failure allowing moisture to remain between the two layers.

I had this repaired, and it was expen$ive. The bad news is that after about 3 years, the problem is recurring.

I’m not sure what to say. I’m considering getting rid of the car since past experiences with many cars over many years tells me that rust just get worse no matter what you do.

--Spike

saywat?

^all year fenders?

Spike100

Not 100% certain what you mean, but guess you are asking if I drive my Z in the winter. If that is your question, the answer is YES.

The 350z definitely has a problem with its rear fenders. The outer and inner metal pieces are gapped due to poor construction-alignment. The result is a welding failure opening a space that collects moisture and eventually results in rust. It does not happen with every Z… only the “Monday morning” cars.

--Spike

saywat?

naw I meant is this something common will all 350z fenders or jus the first gens.

silva350z

iTrader: (1)

Do you remember what it cost you more or less if you don't mind me asking?

Spike100

Body work is very expensive when you hire a shop. The fact that rust always recurs adds to the fee since the shop knows you might be back, and complaining.

The repair was included with a couple of other minor issues so it’s difficult to really know what I was charged for the rust repair, but I’m guessing at $1,000. That seems high, but they disassembled the rear quarter panel, cleaned all the rust and removed damaged sheet metal. This also required disassembling the interior for access to the wheel well.

The disappointing part is that after 3 years, the rust is coming back. Rust is “cancer” to a car.

--Spike

Spike100

I cannot provide an answer since I only have long term experience with the early model 350z. --Spike