Howdy all,
I recently spent a small fortune on a new pair of EMS fender bottoms for my 52 F-1 from Dennis Carpenter.
They look well enough made but in installing them I have encountered some very serious issues (ones that I would not expect after having to surrender my first born for them).
First, the rolled edge along the wheel opening radius is far too small on the replacement panels, and second, there is a very signifigant shortage of width (see photos).
I measured very carefully from the bottom up on both panels before making the cuts so I know they are cut to the correct height but the measurement around the cut line is at least a half inch longer on my originals.
Anyone else had these issues? How did you correct the problems?
Thanks in advance for your input.
There's been a lot of complaints about quality of reproduction parts being offered. One of our members, Reamer, has made these parts for the larger F-2 to F-6 fenders but they will not work on F-1 fenders because the wheel openings are larger for the bigger trucks than the F-1.
The only solution I see to your problem, other than searching for better made parts, which I'm not sure if there are any, is to flatten the bend and add metal to make a proper lip. Probably not the answer you're looking for but I think it may be your only option.
__________________ Old trucks, it's a sickness-one I hope they never find a cure for! Bob Jones--Fat Fender Aficionado--
49 F-2 pickup/48 F-1 panel truck
48/51 F-4 flatbed (2 in 1)/49 8N tractor www.fatfenderedtrucks.com
That's what I was afraid of.
The back edge where the fender extensions mount up is too short to take the bolts anyway, so I think I'm going to salvage the edge from the old fender bottom and splice it to the new one.
Makes me sick to think what these things cost and how poorly they were crafted.
Thanks for the input.
AJ
looks like it's fabrication time . i know how discouraging that is because i had the same thing happen when i bought some repop fenders for my model a ford. the back edges that bolted to the splash aprons on both fenders were cut on an angle instead of being straight . you would think that after spending almost a grand for two fenders that the quality should be a little better . anyway i agree with the last post ,you will have to add to the pieces that you have to make them fit .
AJ,
Have you contacted the vendor? Send them the pics and let them know that you aren't pleased. Who knows, maybe its an honest mistake and they don't know they don't fit right. (I know thats probably wishful thinking, but its worth a try)
You might also let them know that you are in contact with alot of other Ford Truck Enthusiasts that are always looking for QUALITY parts. Maybe it will have some impact.
I wish you luck
Bobby
__________________ ...Someday our foes may win... ...but NOT today!!
I went through this over the summer. I ended up having to flatten the back edge with a big hammer, then rolled it farther out so the lip *barely* tucks around the corner.
I chalked the difference between my fender and the new piece up to the fender being sixty years old and a little worse for wear. I think these patches might have been designed for butt-welds rather than over lap. Unfortunately we Ford truck owners dont live in a 'one size fits all' world.
Trust me, I plan on giving an earful to both EMS and Carpenter's.
I'll let you know what I hear back, but something tells me I'll get a form letter apology or none at all.
I just spent over an hour fixing that back edge issue. Not only was there 5/8 inch difference in width at the top of the panel, to achieve a straight edge all the way down to the running board along the back I had to widen it by 1 1/2 inches at the bottom.
I sure hope the folks at the church next door didn't hear me when I voiced my opinion to myself about this "high quality" merchandise.
It would be cool if we could get Reamer to start crafting F-1 fender patches too. He could certainly give EMS a run for their money if all they can produce is garbage.
Reamer, if you happen to read this, would you be interested in crafting one for me for the drivers side? I'd gladly send the unused EMS one back in a heartbeat.
That difference looks suspiciously like what I believe to be the difference between 48-50 front fenders' weatherstripping and 51-52's -- in other words, they may be assuming 48-52 are all the same, but I don't think they are.
I'd do like Joedellcarter said, if you straighten out the rear flange, and roll it as much as possible at the correct spot, then you would have a concealed weld (and a lap weld, not butt) to make a new flange. There could be some concern for work-hardening the existing bend when you straighten it, especially if it's cheap chinese steel made from tuna cans......
That difference looks suspiciously like what I believe to be the difference between 48-50 front fenders' weatherstripping and 51-52's -- in other words, they may be assuming 48-52 are all the same, but I don't think they are.
I'd do like Joedellcarter said, if you straighten out the rear flange, and roll it as much as possible at the correct spot, then you would have a concealed weld (and a lap weld, not butt) to make a new flange. There could be some concern for work-hardening the existing bend when you straighten it, especially if it's cheap chinese steel made from tuna cans......
My piece from EMS seemed pretty sturdy to me. I believe it's USA made.
__________________ Old trucks, it's a sickness-one I hope they never find a cure for! Bob Jones--Fat Fender Aficionado--
49 F-2 pickup/48 F-1 panel truck
48/51 F-4 flatbed (2 in 1)/49 8N tractor www.fatfenderedtrucks.com
Ross brings up an interesting point and I share his question of these, but I'm going to ask an additional question in a different direction. Are you sure they sent you F1 patches and not F2+?
If they are the correct patches, I would not accept them. For waht yo upay for this stuff, you expect it to fit. Ok if there is a skins thickness difference, then that can be expained in inconsistancies in manufacturing (either the patch or your original).
But the gap in your pictures is way too much and you shouldn't have to do the kind of patch work you will to make a new part fit correctly.
Your best option at this point might be to try and find a set of fenders that have already been repaired and swap them out for yours. You can always cut the inside lip off and weld on an extension as was previously mentioned.
Julie,
I'm sure they were meant for an F-1 but they missed the mark by a long shot.
Thanks for the link Bob. I'm going to give their new customer service gal a call and see what she says.
After emailing Dennis Carpenter last night I still haven't gotten a reply as of yet.
I'll keep you all posted.
Thanks,
AJ
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