I am getting ready to do final assembly of my 1950 f-1 and need some advice from folks who have been through this. The bed and rear fenders have already been installed and now I am ready to install the running boards and the front fenders and really would like some advice on the order of installation to minimize scratching and dinging of painted parts. It seems logical that I would work forward and install the running boards then the front fenders and lastly the lower front fender aprons. The running boards have a small extension on the rear that slides behind the inside fender flange and bolts on to the fender as the last and lowest forward fender bolt so it seems that it would be difficult but not impossible to mount the running board after the front fender was installed. All parts have been painted prior to assembly and from my experience none of the sheet metal fits without some tweeking. Hope to hear from some folks that have done this the best way.

TIA, Carl

 

I found that it worked best if I mounted the front fenders first. then I installed the running boards. The rear fenders have a little adjustment due to the big holes and small bolts in the bed sides. I could move the fenders up to the running boards and bolt them together before tightening the bed to fender bolts.

 

Just wondering if you have previously installed the parts before painting? i always put it all together and then take aprt and paint.

cheers

 

I agree with Don, the rear fenders are a lot less wieldy. It actually works best to have both fenders off, while putting the boards on, especially if you have the stock '50 boards with the big splash shield over the frame. Heavy plastic sheet taped over the ends of the running boards will help prevent scratches, it can be pulled out when close to final position.

 

Thanks for sharing your idea and experiences. I did mock up both the boards and rear fenders prior to painting and they are now painted and the rear fenders are installed. I have not mocked up or painted the front fenders. I really do not want to remove the rears. I am thinking i might work my way forward and install the boards and then the front fenders, installing them in two pieces - fender skirt first and then fender. Comments?

 

You don't have much adjustment on the front fenders because they bolt to the cab and the grill. The hood latch has to end up in the right place, etc.
Loosen the back fenders and you can slide them back a little bit. The running board has a tab the goes in behind then so be careful or you will scratch them up.
Good Luck!