The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop 63 gmc pickup

just wondering,i called lmc today to order some inner fenders for my 63 gmc pickup are they the same as a chevy? then i called jim carter and asked what the gauge of the metal was the gal told me she didnt know i asked her who did and she told me nobody did! what should i be looking for in thicknes? thanks

omaha joe:

I have often wondered the gauge of the after market inner fenders being sold by many of the truck parts suppliers. Additionally, I have wondered if the various truck parts suppliers are buying their inner fenders and other sheet metal replacement parts/panels from the same manufacturer.

I had the opportunity to purchase rear patch panels for a fleetside bed from LMC and Chevy Duty to compare them side-by-side. The quality of the patch panels and the price, as well as the overall size of the panels did not compare favorably. I don't recall which company sold the better panels, however the differences were vast.

All of that said, if you can find a good, rust-free or repairable set of used/NOS/OEM inner fenders, you will be ahead of the game with fit up. I put a set of chrome inner fenders from LMC on my '66, K-10 and had a bear of a time with the fit up and hole alignment. Overall, I was able to make them fit, however for the money, go with factory if you can.

Gauge is a concern with most panels due to the required welding, but since inner fenders are a bolt on part, I wouldn't be as concerned with material thickness. In any event, best of luck with your project.