Are the aluminum panels much more fragile or easier to dent than the regular sheet metal? Any hidden costs for the loss of the weight? (other than the upfront $$$ costs)

The fenders are very fragile and you dont want to be leaning on the tops of them when working in engine compartment. Also, my front fender wells have been cut up top due to accomodate ride height and tire fitment and tire marbles and gravel have hit the underneath of the tops of the fenders and made the tops look like they have pimples. Luckily it doesn't look to bad but it can be avoided and is something to think about.

My personal opinion, if you are serious about nailing good track times spend the money. If you think you will see more street time I wouldn't spend the money. You will constantly have to worry about someone leaning on your car and finding a crease in one of the panels.

Aluminum fenders
 

Someone else said you have to be careful leaning on them when you are working on the car, they get little dents real easy.

They are not that light. I worked on a couple lightweight early 60 cars and those fneders were glorified aluminum foil. These are the same thickness as the steel, so not at all as tender.

There are many ways to prevent damage.Stop dancing on fenders or install inner fenders.And somehow I still don't buy that you can damage fender tops by just leaning,

Wow, really? Many ways to prevent damage? Thanks, dont know what I'd do without you. What was I thinking when I decided to dance on my fenders?

And seriously bro, that part about many ways of preventing damage........absolutely brilliant!!:hail:

I have no benefeit or reason to make up what I said. If you dont believe me, talk to DreamSpeedMotors. They work and maintain my car on a regular basis.

I've seen steel fenders dented on top by elbows, I can only imagine what would happen with an aluminum fender.

Jody

Common sense tells me not to lean on fenders especially with elbows,no matter what car I'm working on,if people lack it,don't blame fenders,mmkay? :lateral:

maybe you need to tell them to lay off the car or use padded fender covers?:rolleyes:

but did you not just say

that's what I was responding to. You can absolutely damage fenders by leaning on them, and common sense would tell you that it's even easier to do with aluminum fenders............. So you say you don't believe that leaning on fenders can cause damage and then say you know not to lean on fenders because it may cause damage. :willy:

Jody