Replaced fender. Opinion?

[Bagspacked]

Hi
I’m looking at buying a 1969 pagoda from a brother of a friend of mine. I’ve had the car looked over and there is virtually zero rust and all looks to be really positive. The one exception is that the front fender on the passenger side got a little damage and was ultimately replaced. Apparently the job done is great (assessor) but it is still not original.  Would you think that would have a big effect on the valuation?

Otherwise the car is great but just keen to see what you more learned chaps think

[Bonnyboy]

It all comes down to what you can get the car for and what you are going to do with it - if the price is reasonable and you are going to drive it -not a big deal.   Much of the joy in these cars are driving then so not a big deal o me - if you really wanted you could put fender notches in and spot welds to look original but that would mean a repaint.   Pick it up and drive until the tires wear out.   Just get the mechanicals check out - brakes - fuel - motor mounts - bushings etc.

If you are looking at a negative point that you can use to your advantage - probably not enough to get a deal on the car. 

[Bagspacked]

Cheers, yeah there’s no rust, leaks, all looks good. Just plan to drive as a second car for a bit of fun. Just wanted to know that should it come to passing it on that it won’t have a major impact

Thanks for taking the time to give me the feedback

[JamesL]

It’s 50 years old so I’m not sure a replacement panel would be a dealbreaker for me. Or really worth risking losing the car (if you want it) if it is the right colour and fit

[Bagspacked]

Cheers James

[Neil Thompson]

If the fender is the only non original part of the car and there is next to no rust and it’s a rhd 280 you’ve found the holy grail, is it also 5 speed manual.. if it’s sensibly priced you should not worry about resale value so enjoy.

Neil

[Cees Klumper]

If the job was done well, I would say what's the difference - you have some part of the car that is newer than the rest, that should normally be a good thing. All this angst over spot welds and fender notches I find a bit silly myself. It's perfectly normal to have some parts replaced from time to time, be it due to wear (exhaust, tires, oil, filters, shocks, starter motor, alternator, clutch, light bulbs, coolant, battery, spark plugs, points, injectors, barometric compensator, thermostat, door whiskers, maybe some upholstery - it's a long list of things that by definition will not be 'original') or due to some minor damage like a fender bender. I think I would rather have a car that had its fenders expertly replaced with "original Mercedes" parts, than one full of invisible bondo to repair now-hopefully-dormant rust.

[sandcrab59]

I agree with Cees. Finding an original car is a pipe dream.
There are always pieces replaced in over 50 Years.
T

[Bagspacked]

👍

[Bagspacked]

It’s a lefty but good condition thanks