After aligning the front clip on my AD truck there is a slight gap between the fender and the cowl. The gap is slight, but if I shine a light thru, I can see it, which will allow water splashed from the tire to get thru. What have others done to seal this gap?
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
Phil, you could put some webbing in the joint, or some fender bead to fill the gap. Fender bead wasn't used in the factory as as far as I know, however. These trucks weren't luxury vehicles and I don't believe the factory worried too much about fit.
My driver's side fender fit horribly when first installed. The very front of the cowl panel I welded in was too far outboard, so the last time I had the front clip off, I cut and rewelded the cowl to fix the fit. It was MUCH better after I did that. Link showing the repair.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
If you are only worried about splash coming through from the underside could you put a bead of sealant on the inside? Personly I wouldn't worry about it but it's your truck and your decision about what you want to do.
Ol' Roy's gaps are similar. Driver side has a a gap like your picture. Passenger side is a little tighter but there is a spot where you can see light shine through.
Did these two surfaces mate perfectly when new? Probably not.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
