Thanks! I took me 3 or 4 hours of cutting with a utility knife to cut a trough through that damn coating. It would not have been too bad except the stuff got on top of the seam also. I did use the heat gun but that stuff WILL NOT melt! I even took a sample piece and set it buring under intense heat, it WILL NOT MELT! That has got to be the best damn undercoat/glue/rock guard even made. I dont think they could have made a better seal with the use of a vulcanizer!!!!!!
Any how, the fender is off but it looks to me to not be worth repairing. I think I can buy a good used one and have it painted for less than it would cost to replace the steel and paint over on teh old one.
The good news is that the area behind the fender nearest the door will get a good cleaning and rust treatment. I also found a couple of small holes in the rocker that will be cut out and new steel welded in. I'll get to it as soon as my back and arms stop hurting!!!!
For all those that have never looked behind their front fenders, do so! Take the inner plastic splash guard off and have a look inside. If the dirt has pilled up clean it out. The shape of the fender between the lower mounting bolts are such that the water should drain. Unfortunately for me, the dirt plugged the drain and started off the rust.