The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Fender Welting

Hi I’m looking for advice on fender welting is it necessary and what are people’s preferences. Thanks for answering.

I tried to use fender welting on my '47 panel. The product that I purchased was not wide enough to go past the fender mounting bolt holes. It looked like there was something between the fender and body originally, like roofing tar felt. I tried to tape the fender welt in place before installing the fender, it went on o.k. on a rear fender, but I couldn't get it in position on a front fender. I gave up at that point and cut some roofing tar paper as an anti-rattle gasket. I think if I were to use the fender welt, I'd want to figure out where it should be and glue it in place before installing the fender. I know it can look good, but I'm happy without.

There was no fender welt used on the fenders from the factory, so using it is a personal choice.

The beaded fender welting for the front fenders was used to hide the fact that a tight fit between the fender and the cowl was improbable.
Often times when we mock up these front fenders, we scratch our heads as to how this is supposed to work!
As you tighten up the bolts holding the fenders to the cowl, the flange of the fender will bend and close the gap enough for the beaded welting to cover any imperfections.
Same goes for beat up bedsides and rear fenders. A beaded fender welt will hide sins there too.

.....and use the rubber welting for a Volkswagen. Its good and last forever.

I would be concerned about trapping fine debris and moisture.
Not an issue if the truck is babied (like mine) , never exposed to rain or parked outside overnight.

I agree with Achipmunk, I took this advice and mine is 5 yrs old and looks brand new. I don’t know why they don’t make it longer so the bolts can somewhat help hold it in place until they are tightened.

I used spray adhesive and a million clothes pins to set the welting in place on the fender prior to install. It worked well.

I found it a lot more cooperative by using a holepunch at the end of the slots.

Curt B.

That is an awesome tip. I have used triangular cuts in the past and your solution takes it one step further!

Thanks for sharing!

Dan

The holes will keep the cuts from spreading to the bead.