So, I am working on the front sheet metal on my 51 F-1 and have questions about fender gaps. The right and left sides are different.

Those of you that have already done this, how tight should the gap be at the rear portion of the front fender to the cab. Also where the fender meets the cab at the rear of the hood area?

Here are some photos. Sorry, photos are sideways - from my phone.

Also my running boards are pretty beat - how about the fender to running board gaps.

Your input is appreciated

Thanks

Dan

 

More photos

 

My front fenders and sheet metal were rusted almost beyond saving, but Bob Jones (a member here) brought them back to life for me. When it came time to put everything back together, however, the parts didn't fit together very well. My gaps looked about like yours. One thing I tried was adding extra bolts in places to try and pull things together. That worked best for the fender to running board gaps My fender to cowl gaps were especially bad, but they are fortunately covered up by rubber gaskets. The gaps are the worst at the top (like yours), and what the gaskets can't hide, is covered by the hood (when it's closed).

So, bottom line, I wasn't able to solve my gap problems--I just covered them up as best I could. Maybe someone will come along and tell us what really should be done.

I have a thread documenting my struggles with my front sheet metal. It has no instructional value, however. It's more of a, "Don't do it like this", kind of a thing.


Good luck with your project. It's good to see your truck coming back together.

Jim

P.S. I just flipped through my thread on front clip assembly again, and maybe there is some instructional value. I got some very good advice from members on the order of assembly for the various parts. The sequence in which the parts are put together is important, and I learned that the hard way.

 

Those look about the same as my gaps Dan
Maybe Mark and I come down and really pick it apart over a breakfast

 

Jim
Thanks for the reply. I'll look through your thread and see what was said.

Roy
That would be a great help. Let's get together next week. I'll send you a text.

 

Jim
What is the title of your thread?
Having difficulty locating it.
Thanks for the help.
Dan

 

Hi Dan-

The thread was started 10-9-15 and was titled: F1 running board and fender installation.

Jim

 

Thanks Jim
Read through your thread and I will do as you did and see what happens.
Thanks for your help.
Dan

 

That gap is controlled by the running boards and there is a critical little piece of metal (#16040 in parts diagram) that connects to the outer fender, inner fender and running board. It provides some level of dimensional control there. Install all your bolts but leave them loose until you get all of them installed. I would suggest installing a shim between the fender and the body toward the bottom. Then tighten each of bolt.

Hint: in the corners you may find interference with an opposing bolt. Just install the bolts with the heads inside and the nuts on the outside.

 

Thanks Pete
I have the small sheet metal pieces that go on the bottom of the fender at the running boards. Just haven't got to those yet.

I m going to loosen everything up and re adj to see how it all comes out.

I appreciate the help

Dan