The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Fender well filler?

I am looking for advise on what you all used to fill around the edges on both front inner fender wells? The old firetruck had stappled soft leather/rubber on the edges. It was very rotted/decayed so I removed it. Now that it is time to put the inner and outer fenders back on the cab, I'm lost as what to use. Any help out there? What did you all use? Is it really supposed to be stappled to the thin metal fillers? Here is a picture of the soft filler (circled areas) that I took off before painting: [img]http://members.cox.net/brookebailey/fenderfiller.jpg[/img]

Unless they keep two pieces of metal from rubbing, I wouldn't worry about it. I don't think your truck will ever see the harsh conditions it used to operate in that neccessitated the need for those seals. I think they used to keep road grime from getting into the channel between the inner and outer fenders. I can't remember for sure though,
Scott

I too have been keeping my eyes open for the same seal. I will be sure to use something.
I don't have a good enough sample to know the profile of the original.
Who does?

Thanks. I think it was also to stop the fenders from squeaking as one drove the truck. The metal is still there including the staples. I'm going to try putting something in there but still do not know what yet. It felt like some type weather resistant foam. However it was so old and long ago, I can't remember exactly. Do the smaller version stovebolts have that same filler?

You may try fashioning one from a heavy duty inner tube from a heavy truck tire. My shop is next to a Firestone dealer and I see them in the trash all the time. The heavy tire inner tube material is thicker than the bicycle or auto inner tubes. Good luck with your project. It is looking good.

Tony

We got some from either Chevy Duty or Jim Carter, i dont remember which right now, and I dont recall the name of it. You will need it in a couple of other places also. I'll try to take a couple of pic's with it installed. It didnt fit the best, but was better than nothing. I used the same glue that holds the door seals on instead of the staples that were in it orignally.

Thanks. I'll give them a call and ask as I didn't see anything in their catalogs. I'll pick up one of those truck inner tubes too and seee how that might work. Thanks again.

I used an anti-squeek from Chevs of the 40's on my 1949 Chevrolet convertible. For the staples I just used heavy duty paperclips which looked almost identical.

I just ordered the anti-squeek kit from them. We'll see if it works.

For a permanent solution to the staples I use stainless steel TIG welding wire of the appropriate size, just bend to shape with pliers.

Thanks.

Since your working on old firetrucks why not use pieces of old firehose's. I had a friend give me a section from and old volunteer firedept that was throwing it away. It is layered and makes nice pads for for body mounts etc. I use in a lot of places. It has a rubber core and an outside layer of some type fabric that is probably some type polyester which will not rot. Just a thought for you guys.

Thanks. It might work and it would last a very long time. Plus, I've got lots of old hose in the garage.

The filler arrived today. It was $12 and it is exactly what I was looking for thanks again to 55 1st suburban for telling me where to find the filler. Picture will follow once I get it installed. Thanks again!

Ok I've got a quick question: How do you mount the staples, paper clips or anything else you used to hold it in place? Thanks gain for your assistance. I started to install it today but as was reported above, it really isn't that great a fit. I trimed it to fit but have not figured out how or what to use to replace the OEM staples.

I'm not sure on yours, but on my '64 fender seals I used Arrow T50 staplegun staples 1/2" long. They fit into the OE holes & I installed them w/needlenose pliers, using a hammer for final tightening. Brian

I think I have one of those in my garage. I'll take a look and give it a try. Thanks.

I use stainless steel wire, bending them to shape with pliers, install them with your fingers, and then fold them over with pliers.

We used the 3M gasket glue to hold the anti squeek in place then used the big paperclips more or less for looks. This is the second car I've done this on and they haven't moved at all. As with most "restoration" parts the fit can leave something to be desired. Just do your best and take some time. It will work for you and look like a factory job.

Good advice. Thanks.