Bed fenders are crucial to saving your vehicles’ from any accidental impact. Most vehicles have predesigned fenders. But don’t feel undone if your vehicle doesn’t have any. What would happen if your fender gets damaged or broke?
Don’t worry, you can fix that by welding. Welding bed fenders is easier than you can think.
In this article, you will know how to weld a bed fender effortlessly. Don’t be scared if you are inexperienced.
Trust me and follow every bit of instruction I will convey.
What Is Bed Fender And Can You Weld It?
A bed is an empty space on the backside of a vehicle to transport cargo. And a bed fender is the extended portion of the vehicle’s outer shell. It saves the vehicle from the shockwave of an accident and protects it from being tainted by mud, paint, or junk.
Yes, a bed fender can be welded to a vehicle’s body shell. Due to an accident or collision, a bed fender can get damaged. And, to save your precious vehicle from a further accident, it’s imperative to do bed fender welding at the earliest.
Generally, Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding is the most efficient method for bed fender welding. But from time to time, Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) or Tungsten Inert Welding (TIG) can be an option too.
What Type Of Vehicle Fender Can Be Welded?
Technically, every vehicle’s fender can be welded, but not every vehicle has a bed on its backside. It is about welding bed fenders, pickup trucks, tow-truck, big trucks, or Lorries’ fenders can be welded. All of them have an empty bed in them.
In addition to that, there is an opportunity to do exhaust welding and wheel welding.
Exhaust systems go through a rough patch of consistent beating. So, a massive chunk of moisture and dirt damage the exhausting system. In this case, TIG welding will be the life-saver.
Which Welding Method is Suitable for Bed Fenders?
Ideally, MIG and TIG welding is the most suitable method for bed fenders. Sometimes, Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) can also be used. But MIG and TIG welding are the most feasible ones.
Why?
Bed fenders are basically steels, right?
So, when it is about welding steel frames, TIG and MIG welding excels. TIG welding is one to go for welding extreme curvy steel between these two. TIG welding also provides better if the metal is high-alloyed steel. Even MIG welding works comparatively better for little holes and cracks.
But for tow-truck or big trucks, MIG welder is the preferable one. TIG welder is better for extreme-curvy steel, and MIG welding is better for heavy-duty metals.
How much does it Cost for Welding Bed Fenders?
Welding bed fenders can cost up to $200-$800, depending on the material and size. Generally, a standard size fender costs $150-$400 whereas $50-$100 dollars for the welding purpose. Then, there is an additional cost of labor if you seek the help of an expert.
Don’t be shy or afraid of the cost. Considering the consequence, you would face a broken or damaged fender; it’s very nominal. Damage to the outer body shell may cost more than a thousand bucks.
So, tell me a better reason not to spend behind welding new bed fenders.
Process of Welding Bed Fenders
It’s better to leave welding bed fenders to your nearby automotive shop if you have no/little experience with welding. But with intermediate knowledge, you can pull off this task if you follow the steps I will spill here.
But at first, you need to gather the necessary tools to kickstart the process.
Here are the tools to weld bed fenders:
- Base Metal (Has to be the same or compatible with the vehicles’ material)
- Filler Metal
- Arc Cutter
- Welding Helmet and Goggles
- Gloves
- Earpiece
- Welding Clamps
After arranging all this stuff, you are ready to start the main procedure.
Step 01: Measure the Fender Plate
First thing first, measure the damaged portion you want to change. Take a measurement tape and note down the measurements. Cut the extra part of the plate if there is any.
It’s better to keep some centimeters as clearance if any inconvenience happens.
Step 02: Adjust the Fender Plate to the Top Plate
Make 3-4 square-shaped tubes of the dimension of the bed width (depending on the tire size). Weld them to the bed at an equal interval. Once it is done, take a long steel metal and adjust it at the top of those squared tubes.
Now take the fender plate. Hold it longitudinally and take a pencil or a marker. Mark the area and make a radius of the wheels’ top area.
Step 03: Cut the Extra Fender Plate
With the help of an arc cutter, cut down the lower concave portion. In this step, it’s better to keep some clearance as well for any miscalculation.
After cutting check for the clearance against the tire. If it’s okay, proceed to the next step. Otherwise, you may have to cut the fender plate a bit more.
Step 04: Weld the Fender Plate to the Bed Plate
It’s time to give the finishing touch. Align the fender plate to the bedplate. You may need assistance here. Because you cannot hold the plates and do the welding simultaneously.
Do the necessary welding and repeat the same process for all the other tires that need fending as well.
For heavy and off-road vehicles, do MIG welding. And, for steel-alloyed welding, do TIG welding.
Also check out:
Can you Weld Plastic Fender?
Yes, you can weld a plastic fender to your car. With the elimination of chrome bumpers in the late 1980s, flimsy plastic covers have taken their place. But the ability to consume impact strength will be lesser than that of a steel bed fender.
Plastic fenders are easy to weld, less costly, and easy to repair. One of the advantages of using plastic fenders is that you can do this by yourself if you have a mediocre welding experience.
You have to use a tool identical to iron soldering and plastic filler metal. You don’t even need some of the expensive tools used in other forms of welding.
Last Words
Bed fenders are vital for the safety of your vehicle. So, if it’s broken or damaged, don’t think twice about getting it changed. Yeah, there is an option to repair a damaged bed fender, but it may prove costly in the future.
Welding bed fenders is not the most straightforward job but is not to be ignored as well. Just gather the proper equipment and tools and follow the steps mentioned above. You will have no hassle.
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