The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Front fender fit issue?

I'm having a terrible time with trying to get my right front fender to fit on the truck. It will bolt up, but when bolt are snug the front edge (verticle) where the side of the grill mounts doesn't fit to the inner. At the top (below headlight) the inner and outer fenders are touching and at the bottom of that area, there is a 1/2" gap that you would have to REALLY force it to bolt it together. It's like the outside of the outer fender is sagging. It is a new aftermarket fender, and the 2nd fender that does the same thing. Have also tried a different fender brace that bolts to rad support and no change. I'm in the process of replacing the inner to outer cowl and the outer cowl on the same side, but want to get this issue solved before welding those panels in. Don't see any signs of damage to the inner fender that would cause the issue, but I'm kinda stuck as to what is causing the issue. Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks. Didn't have this issue on the left where I also replaced fender with aftermarket.

What year truck?

oh yeah.. sorry. It's a 1950 3100.

"Aftermarket" says it all for me.
Having said that, when assembling all original, and straight front clip parts together, these type of issues often arise.
I wish that I had a better answer to help you through this. All I have to offer are the recommendations of taking breaks just before you reach the tool throwing stage and always have cold beer at the ready.

I know it is going to be a pain in the arse but loosen all bolts on the front clip both sides. This will allow you to “fit” the fender easily. Then align parts as you retighten the bolts. Good luck.🛠

Anyone know who has "best" aftermarket front fenders? I know its an oxymoron to say best and aftermarket, but it costs so much to ship them I don't want to order from company x without some knowledge they sell decent parts. Got this one at classic parts of america in KC.

I second what Justhorsenround stated...loosen all the bolts on the front clip and somewhat tighten each bolt alternating sides...hopefully you haven't tried this already.

k.lyon...I just noticed your last sentence..."didn't have a issue with the left side and it is also aftermarket." More reason to believe my initial response will solve your problem.

Keyparts metal is pretty good for aftermarket, and is a bit thicker in quality. However, yes, if you are going to do aftermarket metal.... do it all and don't mix and match unless you are a welder and cutter and magician to fix parts. Also, try working top to bottom front to back when tightening.

Went and found a really nice original fender and it fits almost perfect where I was having the other issue, so it's just another garbage aftermarket part. Thanks everyone for all the input. Will post some pics once I get a little further along.