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I recently got a 51 Ford and when I was putting the front fenders on I noticed a gap between the fender and the running board on the driver side. Both front fenders are glass and it looks like the drivers side is cut different. Anyone see this a before? Passenger side Driver side Driver side Passenger side
I have glass fenders and one of them had a gap, not quite that bad tho. Assuming the running boards are in the same position on both sides, you can gradually pull the back end of the fender back to close the gap. Park it in the sun and let it get hot, then start working it back.
Looking at the pictures it looks like the driver's fender is farther forward than the passenger side.
look at how the tire isn't centered on the driver's side. Could be just the angle of the picture?
Looking at the pictures it looks like the driver's fender is farther forward than the passenger side.
look at how the tire isn't centered on the driver's side. Could be just the angle of the picture?
Yes, the drivers side fender spacing is different. The running boards are the same length and mounted the same on three support brackets. Fenders are mounted with all bolts and holes aligned and the front looks even across the truck. Still scratching my head.
fiberglass fenders can warp just sitting for long periods of time, starting at the suppliers warehouse. Is the gap between the running board about equal to the spacing needed at the wheel? I agree with Albuq-F1...can it be flexed back into position? if so, maybe start bolting it on...adding some tension in it and set it in the sun?
It was explained to me (by one of the suppliers) that fiberglass never really cures completely. Each time it gets a little hotter than before, it cures a little bit more. They explained you should fit the fender in place while it is still in the black gelcoat. Let it sit in the sun for a day or two. This way it will relax and take the shape it needs. Then by painting it a lighter color, it will never get as hot as it did while it was black gelcoat...ensuring it will not warp anymore by sitting all day in the hot sun at car shows. They explained "they use NOS fenders to make their molds...and back then...NOS meant the fender did not fit well on the assembly line. It took too much time for the assembly line worker to fit it so he would grab a new one. These rejected fenders became the NOS for the collision shops".
I did a rear fender like this, you could smell the gases coming off of the black gelcoated fender while it was in the sun. Afterwards, I begin the bodywork to it. (all the flange bolt holes did not line up with the bed and they molded a large low area in the fender which I had to address !!)
good luck with it
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