To FENDER or Not to Fender repair?

[64LesabreJ]

Here is my 1964 Buick. Ive had it since I was 16 (2001). Im just getting "back on it" after 5 years of sitting. Started it up this weekend, runs great, and incredibly, tires arent dry rotted, after 5 years in a heated garage!!!!

 

The damage you see in pics was done back in 2013, after which, I put the car in the garage. I have access to a NOS rust free fender. I was thinking of replacing this fender outright instead of replacing it. What are your thoughts? Im not a body work guy and have little idea of what it takes to fix this sort of thing.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

[1957Birdman]

I vote to replace with the NOS fender. Unless it is very expensive you will get a better result at a cheaper price than trying to repair it. 

Regards,

Lew Bachman

1957 Colonial White T-Bird

[64LesabreJ]

Thanks so much Lew. Looks like the NOS fender sold, but I found one out west with very little rust. Around $250 shipped. 

[jan arnett (2)]

Buy it and then either practice body work on the old fender or sell it to some one with the skills to fix.  I vote for practicing body work and learning the tricks of body work on it.