The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Installing front fenderw

What is the best way to install the front inner fenders and the outside fenders. I have seen installing the inner fender then the outer and I have seen pictures of the inner fender being bolted to the outer fender and then installing them together on the front of the truck. I guess I am worried about messing up the paint since they all have been painted.

Thanks

Bennie

Hey Bernie, I'm not sure how different the AD is from the TF design but I'm popping my outer fenders off and on in a few minutes as I mess with panel alignments and can't imagine trying to do them both at once by myself without really messing things up.
I'm still just in primer mind you but figure a lot of practice with the process and establishing a few key mounting points that I can leave i.e. the inner fenders and the radiator x brace will make the final assembly easier.

Just did this the other day to our 54 with my 9 year old daughter. First we tried mounting the inner fender to the firewall and the radiator support, then mounting the outer fender...no luck. So next we mounted the inner to the outer,loose, then installing both together. Mounting the inner fender to the radiator support first then the outer-fender to cab bolts(this is where the 9 year old came in handy), next the inner to the firewall, then the fender support to the radiator. She was a BIG help on the grill too as she fits nicely into the wheelwell-with the tire off,of course!

Thanks, I believe that bolting them together loosely and have the X brace radiator mount removed should be the best. I know from putting front fenders of a 53 I owned it was a real pain to get the bolts sarted and under the radiator mount. Thanks for your help

Bennei

Thanks I would have someone help with the installation think I will try loosely bolting them together with the radiator mount removed if not I will try them separate.

Thanks

Bennie

That would have made a cool picture of your daughter in the wheel well for the homepage here. Nothing like getting them started young.

Does anyone know where I can get 2 each 7/16" X 20 X 2 1/2" carriage bolts and nuts that mounts the engine to the front of the frame. One of mine is missing and the other one is missing the nut. I can find course thread bolts but they are not hardened which I think they should be. Have covered all of the places around and no luck.


Thanks

Bennie

like these?

#8 7/16" X 20 X 2 1/2"

Bennie -

Looks like we are both trying to replace the center bolts in our front motor mount. Mine is a '54. I could not find 7/16-20 carriage bolts standard or hardened anywhere. They may be available only as salvage from another engine. The best choice I could find is ...
> 7/16"-14 x 2-1/2" Zinc Finish SAE J429 Grade 5 Round Head Carriage Bolt
or
> 7/16"-14 x 2-1/2" Plain Finish SAE J429 Grade 5 Round Head Carriage Bolt

MPC specs for washers for the two center motor mount bolts:
> GM #352282 7/16"ID X 13/16" OD 0.062' Thick

Also MPC specs for the washers for the two outer motor mount bolts:
> GM #365685 3/8"ID X 1-1/4"OD 0.187" Thick

Hardened hex nuts or lock nuts, washers, and the carriage bolts are all available from Fastenal. They also have Grade 5 3/8-16 carriage bolts for the two outer bolts. 3/8-24 carriage bolts are not available.

Now the big question - - -
Are you replacing the 7/16" carriage bolts while the engine is in the truck? If so, please tell me how. I don't think that I can get them through the front plate while the engine is in my truck. < CLICK > to read my current post on Stovebolt.

[quote=LonnieC]Bennie -

They also have Grade 5 3/8-16 carriage bolts for the two outer bolts. 3/8-24 carriage bolts are not available.

It seems the carriage bolts are made of unobtanium...
but here are some Grade 8 3/8 X 24 x 2 1/2 hex heads. They also have the 7/16ths as well
3/8-24 x 2 1/2 hex heads

Needless to say I don't know much about motor mounts, or I wouldn't be asking all the questions about my '54 front mount. How will a 3/8" hex head bolt for the two outer holes in the motor mount be secured for tightening if the head is covered by the oil shield that is over the motor mount? Would a hex head fit under the shield?

< PIC >

I believe that my 3/8" outer bolts are OK, but I may need to replace when I see them so I'm looking at all options.

No they are carriage bolts with round head

I don't think that hex head bolts will work can't get a wrench to hold the head to tighten


thanks

Lonnie

Yes I couldn't find them either I don't like the idea of putting a non hardened bolt to hold the front of the engine down. Some has said use a 3/8" bolt but I don't think this is a good Idea. I might have to try a hex head bolt don't know yet. still thinking

Bennie

I'm gonna use the #5 grade 7/16 carriage bolts that I linked to for the two center bolts ... if the guys at the shop can get them inserted through the front plate. Grade 5 is the hardest carriage bolts that I could find. As a backup, I also have some grade #8 7/16-20 hex head bolts with flexible lock nuts. Hold nut at the top and insert bolt from the bottom - if we can get a grip on the nut.

I figure that grade 5 is better than the grade "0" that I am using now. Just two 3/8" bolts sitting loose in the center holes - no nuts!

Luckily, the original 3/8"-24 hardened carriage bolts are still in the two outer holes of the mount and appear OK.

I'll let you know how the mount installation goes.