I spent the better part of the day trying to dismantle the battery box on my 71 XR7 Vert. was totaly unsucessful. Inner fender is swiss cheese. I understand that the inner fender is tack welded into place. so would it be better to weld in a patch? This tiny little project turned into an all day time sucker. would really appreciate any suggestions you have for me.
Jen 
Best to weld in a new inner fender and get a new battery tray. Anything else is not worth the trouble.
Thanks for the reply.
I bought a new battery box and tie downs from WCCC.
we were thinking of trying to find an inner fender and then cutting the part that we need and weld it in. Do you think we need to replace the entire inner fender or should we just make the repair?
would this part solve my problem? http://www.cjponyparts.com/battery-fender-apron-rt-shock-tower-to-rad-support-1971-1973/p/M416/
That’s the whole right front inner fender apron. I.E. That’s exactly the part you need. But it’d still be better if you’d replace the whole thing instead of patching!
Thank you for the reply. I’m no mechanic but I’m willing to learn and love to turn a wrench.