The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop )New front fenders

Hi all, just got my fenders (front) for my 53 3100 these fenders have the seam running down the front of the fender. Why on earth did they do thet to the fenders. Has anyone filled this seam and with what? Has anyone just paunted the fender without filling it?

some pics would be great...

I picked up a used front fender for my 52 and found a seam running from the light toward the grill. I ground it out and used body filler.

I went to the body shop to see how much these fenders would cost to be painted and I was told 600.00 dollars. The reason is the fenders have to be welded up at those seams in front. I don't understand why some company would put us owners though this, why wouldn't they make these fenders like our originals. I have a good mind to send them back. I almost want to just install them the way they are and not worry about it.

I just checked my trucks.
My '48 has no seam, where my '54 has a seam between the headlight and grille.
Hmm... Maybe the design changed at some point?

I think I know what your talking about. A few years ago walking around at a car show I snapped this picture.


Fender seam

My repo front fenders are the same way. I got them for free (very good friend bought them).

My guess why they are made like this is, since the front lower corner is all that changed on the 54 & 55 1st series fenders, the didn't have to make 2 complete molds for the fenders.

By doing it this way, 1 mold for the fender itself, & 2 smaller ones for the 2 different corners.

My 55 had a lap seam from the headlight to the grill. The original does not have this seam. I welded it, ground it, and applied filler. It is annoying since we paid so much for the fender in the first place.

Ok got my fenders back today(seam eliminated) I have been taking all the bolts out and have a question. Can I remove the fender without removing the inner fender? Do I have to remove the grill?

I have removed the fenders from my 3100, it is possible to do it without removing the inner fenders. I removed the running board as well. I ruined my fender at the bottom , this was the only way to remove it from the running boad.

I wish i knew how to post pic I don't see a prompt The running boards are chrome and the fenders are painted

On a 53 truck, the front fender is not connected to the running board (give me H folks, if I am wrong). The rear of the running board is attached to the rear fender.

Yes, you should be able to remove a front fender without removing the inner fender. You will have to loosen the radiator frame, in order to slip the fender out from from under the "arms" on the top of the radiator frame.

It is much easier and safer to remove (and install) the inner and outer fenders together.

Tim

Well, I have just finished putting the 3100 back together. I hope never to have to do this again. I have new crack free fenders and nice chrome running boards. I guess me and the misses will be going to the market in the morning thanks all for all the help and advice.