Painting fenders

[Woodbutcher]

I have a pair of steel fenders. Brand new. Just basic 9X32 fenders. I would like to keep the steel color but protect them from rusting. What can I use to seal them that will hold up to the elements? Also what kind of prep do I need?

[Dave A]

Prep by washing with a car wash soap to renove any organis compounds. 2nd step is to use a prep. solvent to remove any silacone,wax , or grease.
3rd a light scuff sand with a fine abrasive or scotchbright pad.
Don't forget to break the edges as paint does not like sharp corners.
Top coat with a clear of your choice from high dollat activated polyurathsne to economical spray cans.
IMPORTANT activated paints are toxic wear lung eye and hand protection.
MY sugestion is to stop in at an automotive paint supplier and discuss the options and prices.

Dave

[Woodbutcher]

Thanks Dave, that is what I needed to know.

[Kevin & Sandy]

Keep an eye on them as you use the trailer. I painted my aluminum fenders 5,000 miles ago and they have quite a few chips in them and I have been down ZERO gravel roads with them.

Since they are aluminum, the chips look silver, but with steel, you may need to repaint before they show rust.
If this happens you might have to look at something else, a strip of stainless steel to protect the front side?

[Aaron Coffee]

Probably not what you are looking for but some hot rodders to show their metal working skills and the lack of filler in their cars, are leaving their cars in bare steel, and simply wipe them down with wd-40.

[Woodbutcher]

I was thinking of just using a clear finish to avoid all the chips that painting them will bring. My first build has fiberglass fenders and they have taken some abuse. The Jeep I tow with has all terrain tires which add to the problem. Never heard the WD-40 thing but that sounds interesting.

[Dave A]

Another option is a chip guard material . It's available in spray on or plastic film. I have no experience with either so again a good body and paint supplier can give you some advise.

[down under tech]

Hello: I used the chip guard on the entire fenders on my "Silver Nugget TD. It was kind of cold the day I applied it to them. It looks kind of like splatter paint. I painted them silver after it cured a few days in the sun. This should help keep the small chips from happening, I hope. You can use truck bed liner that is paintable as well. Use the spray cans for either one. The bed liner is the cheapest. I hope this helps you out.

[eamarquardt]

Many years ago I had a Honda Super 90 and it had some steel covers over the air cleaner. I buffed em out and coated em with some clear (can't remember exactly what). They kind of "tarnished" under the finish and they never really looked that good. I think that the slightest chip will allow rust to begin it will be a constant battle to keep the steel rust free and looking nice. You might want to consider aluminum fenders or ss fenders.

Here is a link: http://fendersnmore.com/

Cheers,

Gus

[Larry C]

I have a pair of steel fenders. Brand new. Just basic 9X32 fenders. I would like to keep the steel color but protect them from rusting. What can I use to seal them that will hold up to the elements? Also what kind of prep do I need?

I have used this exact product found at industrial supply houses. It's made by Sprayon (industrial division of Sherwin Williams). It really goes on easy, and holds up very well to the weather. It is so easy to reapply you can re do it every year. I use it over dull painted surfaces to brighten them up. It has multiple uses such as corrosion proofing electrical connections. There are many brands of clear acrylic, but the Sprayon brand is the best I have found.

Larry C




http://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=15845#details

[streetrod23]

I wanted mine to match the alum on the tear. I just had a automotive paint shop match a silver to a sample of the alum and painted the steel fenders. The match was good and I can repaint if and when its needed. So far so good.

[Larry C]

Hello: I used the chip guard on the entire fenders on my "Silver Nugget TD. It was kind of cold the day I applied it to them. It looks kind of like splatter paint. I painted them silver after it cured a few days in the sun. This should help keep the small chips from happening, I hope. You can use truck bed liner that is paintable as well. Use the spray cans for either one. The bed liner is the cheapest. I hope this helps you out.

Where did you get your fenders?

[Woodbutcher]

Thanks Larry I will kook into the Sprayon.

Those fenders can be had a Farm & Fleet.

[down under tech]

I bought the fenders at a local trailer repair shop for $17.50 each. They are 32" long by 9" wide. I'm not sure what the height is though. They came with the skirts attached to them. They are for 14" wheels and tires. You can get them most anywhere.

[DragonFire]

I have fender guards...I haven't put the snaps on the fenders...these were made for the old fenders on a wrecked Grasshopper and saved. The guy rebuilt that trailer with different fenders (larger rims/tires) so these wouldn't fit. So he gave them to me because the fit the original Grasshopper fenders which are on mine.

I need to repaint the fenders also. No rust, but chips, and dull paint. Then I'll get the snaps and pop rivet them in.