The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk ad fender and hood reassembly ?s

I'm getting ready to get the 54 put back together.

Any tips on reassambly procedure.

I have the inner fenders, fenders, hood, all off of the truck.

Should I put the welt on the fenders and then bolt them to the inner fenders?

Any links to personal picture filled websites would be greatly appreciated.

Tim

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y133/orange54/1954TruckGerryStrait017.jpg

Here is what she looks like.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y133/orange54/54WorkinProgress001.jpg

I'm getting anxious to drive the old truck again.

Bessie, just did this on my 50. Bolt the inner fenders to the outers first. Then attach welt to fender, I used adhesive. Fender assemblies on to the truck, leave fender to cab bolts movable loose to be able to line up hood when installed. Do not have hood latch plate in place when initial alignment of hood, (to avoid hood that won't open.) You then will begin the incredibly frustrating task of trying to align hood and fenders on these trucks. Do a search and you will find a lot of posts full of cursing about this. Also find original period photos of these trucks, including factory materials, that show gaps and misaligned hoods and fenders. While the manual has some instruction, it is just a matter of trial and error and the incredibly frustrating effect of every adjustment you make will change something else that you just thought you had perfect. Good Luck,
Steve O

I just finished putting my 53 3100 front sheet back togeather. I determined that the radiator support should go in last. Just hang the inner fender aprons on the cab, just start all the bolts by hand, then hang the fenders on the aprons, again leave bolts loose. The hardest part is getting grille, aprons and fenders lined up, especially if the truck has been wrecked. I madeup some "alignment" pins to hold things till I could get the bolts started. Keep in mind that the braces that go from the cowl to aprons will hold the fenders in place, now the radiator support can be put in, again leave bolts loose. If your fenders, grille, and support are aligned the hood should fit "good" none of them fit perfect. The "key" is take your time and have a good "helper". I hope I have been of some help.

Phil.

I found it helpful to loosen up and lubricate the threads on the fender to cowl braces. I used the braces to pull the fenders into place. In the process I also made several versions of the rubber shim under the rad saddle. It can be helpful to have the hood attached to check that everything meets in the center. I have seen photos of trucks with the hood sheet metal right down against the fenders. If you use the correct rubber stops along the hood, there will be a considerable gap.