Are the panels perhaps for a bullnose or obs body bronco that they shipped you?

 

Nope. Before I cut the patch panel, it had the correct dent at the top and the correct wheel opening shape. It simply doesn't have the correct flare. I have not found anyone in the aftermarket yet willing to state they have OE flare. Still looking.

 

I guess I don't understand what you mean by flare? Only one option available, if it is not like this then that part is either damaged or they sent the wrong thing.

 

Completely agree. Hard to imagine getting a patch panel having the correct shaped opening and the dent character in the top, but not having the flare in between. The light reflecting just above the wheel opening, below the dent is the "flare". Absolutely not present on patch I had and they double checked, it was the right part. My conclusion: Their patches don't have the flare. To some, it's close enough.

 

Where did you get the patches, and can you post some better pictures? I'm still confused about what you are talking about.

 

Large Patch Panel - listed for 1978-1979 Bronco and 73-79 Ford Truck Right Rear Wheel Arch



Small Patch Panel - listed as Rear Wheel Arch, Left - For 1978-1979 Ford Bronco, 1973-79 Ford F100, F150, F250 and F350 Drivers Side.



You drop a straight edge going up and down at the 12 o'clock position on the wheel lip opening on these panels and it is flat. You do the same on the aftermarket full quarter panels and the OEM panels and there is a gap due to the flare. Maybe the word flare is confusing people. Call it what you want, the surfaces are different. The OE has a nice shape to it, the flat panels don't. For some, it might be good to know.

 

Out goes the patch panel with no flare, make room for patch taken from full quarter from JBG.

 

Rocker and B-Pillar fixed...

 

Nice job! keep up that good work!!

 

lookin good

 

Thanks guys - sure hope to get her painted and back on the road before the 50th Anniversary is over!

More progress. I have to do the other side and have never done this before - welcome all comments and suggestions.

Coated with Encapsulator from JBG. Topcoated with something like bedliner or undercoating.





Fitting before welding.

 

All welded up


First pass grinding done - now to weld remaining pin holes.

 

New holes found under spare tire carrier support. Cancer removed and another patch coming!

 

New Truck day is a Good day.

 

Nice truck. Looks like you got behind a truck carrying sugar.