7th Gen ('06-'07): 06 ss rusting out at rear wheelwell
Just had this on my 2007 Monte Carlo SS. Both wheel wells in the rear are starting to go. To echo what other people here have said, the only fix for this is to cut out the affected area, weld new metal in its place, and paint the area to match.
Took it to a local place today (that has a good reputation according to Angie's List), and to do the above they quoted me $1,000 even. Seems to match up with what others here are saying. A lot of work for the price!
Both the shop owner and the welding-master-guy stressed, however, that even with the fix it is only a matter of time before the rust returns. Couple of years, max. Informed members of this community: what is the actual, final solution to this problem? Replacing the entire rear frame of the car?
What does this involve, exactly? Also, how often need it be done? My '07 is my daily driver, even during winter, so it will be needing all the protection it can get.
Took it to a local place today (that has a good reputation according to Angie's List), and to do the above they quoted me $1,000 even. Seems to match up with what others here are saying. A lot of work for the price!
Both the shop owner and the welding-master-guy stressed, however, that even with the fix it is only a matter of time before the rust returns. Couple of years, max. Informed members of this community: what is the actual, final solution to this problem? Replacing the entire rear frame of the car?
What does this involve, exactly? Also, how often need it be done? My '07 is my daily driver, even during winter, so it will be needing all the protection it can get.
Hey there,
My car is at the body shop right now for the rear passenger wheel well lip issue.
I was quoted right around the same price you were. However, I was told that by replacing the metal properly it will be a lot more than a couple years before it ever returns, if it does at all. If you have the area oil sprayed right after the repair you should be okay. If you do not have the metal replaced and simply have it sanded down and re-painted then I can see it returning.
The problem is with the design of the wheel well lip and how the water becomes trapped. If you feel the lip you can see what I mean.
Weird how some people get it and some don't. I met a guy recently who drives throughout the winter and has no rust while somehow I do and its not ever winter driven.
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 49
From: Utica NY
I wanted to add that the 2006 I thought about purchasing... I purchased! 
The only flaw on the whole car is, you guessed it, that little spot on the passenger side inner fender this whole discussion is dedicated to.
Someone has filled the gap, only likely worsening moisture retention. It looks good, but I can't help but wonder about what I can't see. I'll be taking it to my favorite body shop in the area for an opinion.
The only flaw on the whole car is, you guessed it, that little spot on the passenger side inner fender this whole discussion is dedicated to.
Someone has filled the gap, only likely worsening moisture retention. It looks good, but I can't help but wonder about what I can't see. I'll be taking it to my favorite body shop in the area for an opinion.
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 302
From: Whitby, Ontario
I took mine in for a quote. Fix both rear fenders with metal, paint and the hood sanded and painted, came to 2,294. He's going to do it for 2000 cash. So both rear fenders by themselves about 1500.
Oshawa body shop, Albert St. Seems reputable. I looked at some other cars they repaired and painted, looks good.
Right now, my son-in-law is driving it while his car needs new gas line. So, taking it in late July and picking it up fixed August 1st. Meanwhile, I'm piling up the miles on the Camaro.
I'll take some before and after pics.
Oshawa body shop, Albert St. Seems reputable. I looked at some other cars they repaired and painted, looks good.
Right now, my son-in-law is driving it while his car needs new gas line. So, taking it in late July and picking it up fixed August 1st. Meanwhile, I'm piling up the miles on the Camaro.
I'll take some before and after pics.
Monte Of The Month -- November 2012
Monte Of The Month -- August 2015
Monte Of The Month -- August 2015
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,793
From: Ann Arbor, Michigan
I think I'm going to wait at least a few more years to have mine repaired (old metal cut out and new welded in place). Mine isn't too bad right now so I feel comfortable holding out for a little while. From some of the quotes I've seen mentioned, having just the fender lip on one side done shouldn't be too bad cost-wise but I don't want to dump the money into it right now.
Last edited by 06mistreSS; Jun 30, 2015 at 11:15 AM.
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1
Just purchased a 2007 with rust rippling the lip over back passenger tire area. Paint starting to bubble. Only bad spot on the whole car. 50,000 miles. Is pretty clean. Wondering if it would be better fixing now or when it gets visible. You can't really see it if your not looking for it. What have you done with your Monte? Thanks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,466
Just purchased a 2007 with rust rippling the lip over back passenger tire area. Paint starting to bubble. Only bad spot on the whole car. 50,000 miles. Is pretty clean. Wondering if it would be better fixing now or when it gets visible. You can't really see it if your not looking for it. What have you done with your Monte? Thanks
If you're just keeping the car a couple years u til you get something else, I'd just leave it. To fix it right will either be expensive or time consuming (depending if you do it yourself or take it to a body shop).
Monte Of The Month -- November 2012
Monte Of The Month -- August 2015
Monte Of The Month -- August 2015
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,793
From: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Just purchased a 2007 with rust rippling the lip over back passenger tire area. Paint starting to bubble. Only bad spot on the whole car. 50,000 miles. Is pretty clean. Wondering if it would be better fixing now or when it gets visible. You can't really see it if your not looking for it. What have you done with your Monte? Thanks
Last edited by 06mistreSS; Aug 28, 2018 at 07:08 AM.
