Wheel not centered in opening
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Newport Beach, CA
Newbie opening up old threads...Are your wheels centered?
Just checking in to see what the thoughts are on the front axel/wheel center location...
Is it move it forward 1" and center on fender?
Is it move the axle 4" or 5" forward and then reshape the fender sheet metal?
It would seem to me that a longer wheel base would possibly improve the ride and overall handling. Would like to get your thoughts.
Also, thanks for posting the link to "slicing & dicing your wheel wells" as it cleared up some questions I had.
So, if you were starting a new build, then where would your perfect placement be for a new IFS?
Is it move it forward 1" and center on fender?
Is it move the axle 4" or 5" forward and then reshape the fender sheet metal?
It would seem to me that a longer wheel base would possibly improve the ride and overall handling. Would like to get your thoughts.
Also, thanks for posting the link to "slicing & dicing your wheel wells" as it cleared up some questions I had.
So, if you were starting a new build, then where would your perfect placement be for a new IFS?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
Was wondering what your opinion is. Do you think it's off center enough to doctor the opening or should I just live with it. My calulations figure the wheel is between 1 to 1 1/2" forward of center. If I do decide to cut up the fenders I figure I'll cut up the F600 fenders I have and save these for my pickup.
Several months ago, Denver Slim posted pictures of my '53 F-100 (the one with the 337"Flathead engine). Careful measurement determined that the front axle centerline was 1 1/4"too far to the rear-relative to the wheel arch in the fender. My arbitrary assessment of the looks of the truck (and ALL F-100s) was that the wheel arch was 3" too far rearward. A fairly simple bit of slicing and dicing of the fenders moved the arch forward 3". I then moved the axle & springs ahead 4 1/4". In my opinion , the appearance was improved significantly. However, there is a caveat: Moving the axle assembly forward also moves it downhill on the frame thus raising the front of the truck. Some compensation is necessary-like a "c "notch at the front spring hanger. I fixed it by diddling with the springs. (the hard way).
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Just checking in to see what the thoughts are on the front axel/wheel center location...
Is it move it forward 1" and center on fender?
Is it move the axle 4" or 5" forward and then reshape the fender sheet metal?
It would seem to me that a longer wheel base would possibly improve the ride and overall handling. Would like to get your thoughts.
Also, thanks for posting the link to "slicing & dicing your wheel wells" as it cleared up some questions I had.
So, if you were starting a new build, then where would your perfect placement be for a new IFS?
Is it move it forward 1" and center on fender?
Is it move the axle 4" or 5" forward and then reshape the fender sheet metal?
It would seem to me that a longer wheel base would possibly improve the ride and overall handling. Would like to get your thoughts.
Also, thanks for posting the link to "slicing & dicing your wheel wells" as it cleared up some questions I had.
So, if you were starting a new build, then where would your perfect placement be for a new IFS?
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Newport Beach, CA
53-56 F100 Front Fender Modification
Several months ago, Denver Slim posted pictures of my '53 F-100 (the one with the 337"Flathead engine). Careful measurement determined that the front axle centerline was 1 1/4"too far to the rear-relative to the wheel arch in the fender. My arbitrary assessment of the looks of the truck (and ALL F-100s) was that the wheel arch was 3" too far rearward. A fairly simple bit of slicing and dicing of the fenders moved the arch forward 3". I then moved the axle & springs ahead 4 1/4". In my opinion , the appearance was improved significantly. However, there is a caveat: Moving the axle assembly forward also moves it downhill on the frame thus raising the front of the truck. Some compensation is necessary-like a "c "notch at the front spring hanger. I fixed it by diddling with the springs. (the hard way).
I did find a couple of builds that showed how they did the fender modification:
1) Roadster Shop did this one 1953 Ford F-100 - Classic Trucks Magazine
2) "Snakebit" the Shelby inspired truck https://www.flickr.com/photos/905664...7632629869486/
Maybe this will help someone complete the fender modificaitons
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