The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Grille fit problem

No answers yet on my previous question about fender to cowl gap so I'll ask another question. I bought an after market stainless steel grille for my 38 pickup and it seems to be about one inch wider than the opening. I know it will flex some but that seems like a lot. Has anyone else tried to fit one of these grilles in their truck? Thanks, Don

38: Thats flexing it a 1/2" on each side wich shouldn't be a problem. Glad to see some really old trucks being worked on. I have a friend that has a 32. You have to remember parts bought for these old friends are not going to be exact.

As your other question I do not know the gap size, but take an average that looks good to you and then start alaigning to that point. usually if something looks good to you it will look alright to others. Ben

popcorn The Truth is Out There (Good luck)

Ben, thanks for your reply to my post. As I've stated before I bought this truck totally disassembled and I've never tried to put one back together. It's been a real challenge so far and I haven't even done the bed or rear fenders yet. Wish I could have seen it before it was taken apart so I would know what should have gaps and what shouldn't. The gap between the cowl and the rear of the front fender is probably closer to 1/2" on each side which seems a bit much to me. I can't figure out why it doesn't fit better.

Thanks again, Don

Would fender welting be used on 38s . I've got one under tarp so I'll go look in a while. That would take up some of the space

38Chev, its been a while since I did my 37 but don't be surprised if you find that some farmer may have even changed the radiator cowl. I don't know what fits and what doesn't as far as interchanging year to year but I found different headlight mounts etc and a lot of holes drilled into areas to make things fit. I think I actually had a lot of 38 stuff on my 37! The old farmer may have even rolled it in a ditch somewhere? If these trucks could only talk. Be patient and double check the parts you do have to be sure they are 38's.

Don, I bought a '37 chevy truck (1 1/2 ton) that was completely disassembled and I too am finding that I have a gap of about 1/2" between the cab cowl and the rear portion of the fender. I believe the cabs are the same for the various size trucks. I made up some large welting and will use it to fill the gap. I have had the fenders on to do a trial fit and will now reinstall them with the welt. I think it is going to look very good. The fenders are black and so is the welt, so it doesn't stand out like a sore thumb. Good luck, Ralph

I have a '40 which I am about to take apart for body and paint work. Can shoot you some digital pic's if you like - let me know what areas you need details on.

Hi Bruce, thanks for the offer for some pics. From everyone I've heard from it sounds like my fender cowl gap is pretty normal so I will just tighten it up and make it look right. I believe I can make some BIG welting by wrapping some 1/2" tubing with black vinyl. I can then glue it in place and it should look pretty good.

Best regards, Don