What should the gaps be?
Is there a welting or something missing here, or are these just way off?

 

Yep, there is a fairly hefty rubber strip that goes in there to fill that gap. There are more knowledgeable F1 guys here who can point you in the right direction to find those strips.

 

I'm new to restoring old trucks, and I struggled mightily to get my front clip reassembled correctly. My thread detailing my difficulties with this aspect of my project is a little embarrassing. Yes, there is a rubber piece that goes between the fender and cowl. I ordered mine from Classic Haulers and it has the ability to fill a substantial gap. I learned that it is important to attach the inner fenders first--then the fenders--and the fender braces last.

 

GoldCo, you strike me as much more experienced than I, but you might enjoy my fender thread that started Sept. 9th of last year. In the thread, FTE members very patiently and kindly helped me get my fenders back on my truck. Some members on this forum can build fenders with a hammer, a bean bag, and a piece of metal; and there are others that freely give of their time to explain the simplest of things to poor souls like me who barely know the difference between a nut and a bolt.

 

thanks for the replies... i'll search for that thread.

i've been reluctant to remove any sheetmetal yet because i'm leery about getting it all lined back up! but i think i've convinced myself that i really need to pull the cab off (along with the fenders, of course) in order to clean up the frame and eventually add the mounts for new motor and tranny.

i'll poke around the classic haulers catalog and make some notes.

 

There are other options to pulling the cab just to clean up the frame. Your truck, your call.

 

Which way would the rubber go?


eg. left fender........ ---] ? or ---[ ? ???

 

Oz, I'm not exactly sure what you are asking, but I think once you see the gasket you will understand how it needs to be installed. I had my fenders loosely attached and sort of "stuffed" the rubber gasket material into position. Before the "stuffing", however, I completely removed the fasteners for the fender extensions (the small, 4x6 inch metal part that ties together the cowl, fender, and running board), and attached the rubber gasket to the fender extension. I then re-installed the fender extensions as it is necessary for the fasteners of the fender extensions to pass through the rubber gasket. This is the only point where the gasket is actually fastened to something. For the rest of its length, the gasket is held in place by friction.

I'm not sure my answer fits your question. If not, try asking again. Good luck, and Happy Easter!