*Sigh* I've been studying and studying these stupid rear fenders... so today I went out and took the drivers side off to see if the same problems existed.

Heres what I found...

TOP DOWN view of the leading edge on the drivers side:
https://picasaweb.google.com/wmhatfield/RearFenderWork#5584082907197981618

A close up of the crease:
https://picasaweb.google.com/wmhatfield/RearFenderWork#5584082952170665426

A view from the other side:
https://picasaweb.google.com/wmhatfield/RearFenderWork#5584082961386973906

As best as I can figure, the LEADING EDGES of my rear fenders were intentionally pounded in. This caused the folding crease shown in the second & third image. As the bed dumps, if it was up adjacent to the apron, the fender would surly be blocked on its way up.

This is especially true as from looking at other trucks on the site, that apron is contoured to follow the flared front edge of the fender. Now I'm told that the dump was installed at GM as a grain hauling package for trucks, but I find it very hard to believe that this is how they modified the rear fender.

This photo shows the gap created by the bending in of the fender.

https://picasaweb.google.com/wmhatfield/RearFenderWork#5582221923616561362

This bending causes some unnatural curves and flow to the fender, so I plan on putting it back to its original contour and shape. Which leaves me only one option, shortening the apron.

Does anyone know of any other dump configurations like the one I have?

A shot with the box up, dual pistons...

https://picasaweb.google.com/wmhatfield/MyUnnamedToyProject#5512500333078319906

Thanks,
Mark


Last edited by Bigtonka; 03/15/2011 12:52 AM.
1949 Canadian Built Chevy 1434 (3804 US equivalent)
In the Stovebolt Gallery

1949Chevy.com - Photo blog describing the teardown and restoration

AD Radio Rebuild