The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk any tips on fender alignment?

I did a search for fender alignment in the Stovebolt forums without too much luck.
My '49 half ton has gaps between the fender and hood that are non-factory at best.
Is the sequence to set up the hood first and then bring the fenders up to it or is there a better way?
Mike

A very common problem. And a frequent topic on this board. Do a search for "hood alignment" and you should find a lot of information. And hopefully a solution.

start by bolting the whole front end together 'loosely' and carry on fiddleing w/ one attachment point at a time to get it right - watch the gap back of fender to cab, hood to fenders, hood to cab - all hasta come together at once

Bill

Just take your time and remember the spacers that can be used to help you get it close.

I believe Bill nailed it correct with the word fiddleing, it just takes lots of trial and error adjusting.

Hobert

Start with a gap that is correct and work from there. For example if the gaps between the driver's door and the cab (back, top & bottom) are good but the gap between the door & fender are not it's probably the fender that needs attention. Loosen all the fender bolts & move the fender until the fender/door gap is correct and lightly snug a couple of fender bolts to hold it in place while you work your way around the truck using the same process on each component. You may end up with the core support and everything loose before you're done. If you're dealing with aftermarket parts or bad body work following a wreck sometime in the past you may have to make some compromises on final fit. When you get everything lined up the best you can go back around and tighten all of the fasteners. Good luck.

Make sure the hinges are in good shape and you use those special shouldered bolts that attaches the hood. The hood will never fit right without them (it will stick up off of the fenders at the cowl).
Scott