Fenders

I am relatively new to early CJ5 and I am thankful for this forum, as I have learned a lot.

Having said that, What is the situation with early front fenders?

I guess more specifically, the flap that seems to tie two parts of the front fenders together?

What is that called? Why did they do it like that? Is it in fact a two piece fender and that sheet is welded over it to tie them in structurally?

My 55 is kinda buried and I won't get to remove the fenders until spring. I just keep looking at the fenders from a distance and wonder how I am going to work on them when the time comes.

Anyone have a perspective on this?

 

They are really one piece fenders.. Three parts crimped and spot welded
together. I think the first cj5 fenders were two pieces crimped and spotwelded, for a couple of years, around 53. Why they changed is anyones guess. Maybe to strengthen it or water proof the diagonal seam better....
Any way, they both come off as one unit. Simple to remove..

 

So since mine are rusted out, is it possible to take the "overlay flap" for lack of a better term completely off and repair the fender and then possible make a new flap to have welded back over them?

I just know that aftermarket fenders are pretty expensive. I would rather try to salvage these if at all possible.

 

Jeep2003 did that in his build thread:http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57642&page=4