Is rust a common issue on XC70 front fenders?

AylmerQc · Post by **AylmerQc** » 27 Oct 2022, 17:10

I went to the auto recyclers today to see if I could find front fenders to replace the ones on my 2007 XC70.
Both have areas completely gone with rust where the plastic trim attaches to the fenders.
The 3 similar cars I looked at all had similar rust, specifically where the plastic clips go through the metal fenders.
I can only guess that it's either a weak spot in the manufacturing process or else the clips must rub away the paint over the years and road salt quickly then eats away at the bare spots.
How have you dealt with repairing or replacing the fenders if in a similar situation?

Post by **jonesg** » 28 Oct 2022, 08:26

who was making volvos in 2007 , Ford?
volvo are more famous for not rusting.

AylmerQc · Post by **AylmerQc** » 28 Oct 2022, 22:07

Good point jonesg.
I decided to have a go at repairing the fenders myself.
You could have knocked me over with a feather at how easily I could cut through the metal with a pair of snips.
I would say about as thick as a tin can and definitely thinner than galvanized furnace duct, which I had a go at cutting recently.
There is no way cutting with tin shear could be done like this could be done on any car from the 80 or 90s. The entire fender weighs a couple of pounds at the most and it seems to me the rigidity or strength of the fenders is accomplished with all the riveting and addition of plastic trim and inner wheel liner...

Post by **scot850** » 29 Oct 2022, 12:01

I don't think I have ever seen a rusty P2. Our 06 only corrodes on the mechanical stuff where Volvo put steel and aluminum together like the parking brake shoe seats on the back hub and the bolt holes for the front struts. Body wise still perfect that I can see.

Must be the Ease Coast rust belt issues and humidity. What color of fenders are you looking for?

Neil.

AylmerQc · Post by **AylmerQc** » 29 Oct 2022, 16:32

The fenders are black.
And yes, it must be the road salt. If the metal was thicker t probably would have only surface rust but at the gauge they used, the rust ate right through the metal.
The rust on both fenders is under the plastic trim mostly so I should be ok rivetting some sheet metal where I cut away the bad areas, about 2 inches x 4-5 inches long on both. It won't show up except a bit above the trim on the driver's side.
I'm more concerned about the fact that there is no metal left where some of the plastic clips go, so replacing the rusted-out areas will give the fender its original strength back...

Post by **vtl** » 30 Oct 2022, 08:12

Two sets of MY2005 fenders I have, got almost no rust. Very little rust around frontend anyways. Rear fenders is another story.

Get a replacement, soak rust-prone spots with cavity wax. I like Noxudol 700. Will not rust.

AylmerQc · Post by **AylmerQc** » 30 Oct 2022, 13:02

Any links to a source for replacements, in case I decide to go that route?
I've seen them from some Canadian suppliers but the shipping alone is almost as much as the parts...

Post by **vtl** » 30 Oct 2022, 13:07

Junk yard.

AylmerQc · Post by **AylmerQc** » 30 Oct 2022, 16:00

All the ones I've seen at the junkyard are just as bad or worse than the ones on my car...

Post by **vtl** » 30 Oct 2022, 16:13

You can drive down to Boston and get a pair of Barens Blue