When I took the 70 cutlass apart the inner fenders had the nut plates clipped on the plastic so when I removed them they spun and tore up the inner fenders. Are the nut plates supposed to be clipped onto the metal fender and then the wheel well bolted from underneath or was that actually the correct way with the inner fender on the inside top with a nut plates clipped in the plastic? If this is the wrong place to post this question will the moderator please move it to the appropriate section! Any replies are greatly appreciated!

 

The way you found them (ie - nut plates slipped onto the plastic well) is the factory/correct install.

 

A homemade repair for the torn inner fender screw holes may look like this. This is how I did mine when they ripped during de-installation. They don't have to be perfect; they will never be seen once re-installed.

 

Thank you for the replies!