65 Coronet wheel house questions

[Litz]

I have a 65 coronet big block 440. Sub frames installed, and springs moved inboard. I had noticed some rust appearing around the wheel wells and have ordered new wheel arches from Herbs Parts. I was under the car yesterday and noticed a big problem with the wheelhouse on both sides. they have both been rusted clear through nearly all the way around and crudely patched with fiberglasss matt and bondo by the PO. My question is can I split the wheelhouse down the middle and move the inside piece inboard like most guys do to keep the factory look and then fabricate a wheel tub to replace the rusty part of the wheelhouse that I will have to remove? This is not a resto. More of a street brawler. I would sure appreciate any help/ suggestions/ or photos. Thanks Litz

 

[wald1]

Hello ,
it's not a Mopar but this may help you :http://public.fotki.com/teddisnoke/shawns-63/
Dale is a member of the forum (user name : teddisnoke ) maybe he can help you.
Good luck.

 

[wedgie]

On my '65 Coronet, I split the wheel well and welded a 3" section between the halves, but I did not have rust issues. On my '65 Dart, I had major rust issues. I purchased reproduction rear fenderwells for a Chevy/GMC pickup from LMC and sectioned them to the right length and width. This is a strip only car and if you decide to go this route, you will not have a back seat. Much easier than the aftermarket full tubs however. Not a real good pic, but you should get the idea.

 

[Litz]

Thanks for the reply/advice Wald1. I realise that this is a big job with much more involved than taking the rusty outer wheelhouse out and wrapping a wheel tub around the inner wheelhouse! LOL. I just really want to do it right. I bought this car a few years ago and what truly puzzles me is the only rust anywhere on the car is in the rear wheel area. Huge rust around the wheel well lip, and outer wheelhouse area. (Both sides) Like maybe some type of corrosive chemical was hauled in the trunk? The car was bought new in Long Beach in 65 and has been inland from the coast all of it's life. Thanks again, Litz Any suggestions/advice is welcomed!

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WOW!! Thanks for the photo and reply wedgie!! It's a great help! I would like to do it very similar to yours but rather that using any type of outer wheelhouse I was going to simply extend the inner wheelhouse directly out to the fender.My concern is with the supports that connect the wheelhouse to the pkg tray area I have a mig welder, etc. So I can modify the existing braces etc. I just don't want to remove anything when I am removing the wheelhouse that will be catastrophic!! if ya know what I mean? LOL Thanks again Wedgie