I'm going to need to replace the front fenders on the 66 F100 - the originals are too rotted to fix. I'm currently pricing and researching parts, and I'm debating between the 2-piece metal fenders from Dennis Carpenter, or the 1-piece fiberglass ones from US Body.

metal:
advantages - more likely to fit to the truck, MUCH cheaper at $200 for everything, plus shipping, easier to prep and paint

disadvantages - may rust someday, two-piece setup requires a connecting weld which will have to be made nice looking, and my welding is messy

fiberglass:
advantages - won't rust, one piece design requires no welding

disadvantages - thicker - thus they may not fit well, VERY expensive at over $600 a pair, and shipping is FOB Florida, so I'd have to pay COD to truck ship to minnesota, which would be ugly, harder to paint and prep, and they could crack.

Anyone have experience with both or either that could give a newbie some advice?

 

go with the metal. big deal if your welds are ugly. you just spot weld anyways. space your welds so heat doesnt build up. once its all welded grind down use a little body filler as needed sand and primer wont ever see your welds.

 

NPD states they have a full piece metal ones in their new catalog, I called them and they do not stock it. the guy I talked to was not very helpful. he had no clue about the fenders for a 61-66 f100.

 

Yeah - I called about the grille valance and got the same runaround. I was NOT impressed with their customer service - the guy was borderline rude.

 

Yes they have a great catalog, but they need better service people. Not sure I would buy from them.

 

I received the two-piece panels from Dennis Carpenter yesterday. They look good, but if you order these, beware!

They aren't the whole fender. They're just skins, meaning there's no lip to attach to the inner fender, and there's no brackets on them to attach to the cowl/valance.

Fortunately, I hadn't shipped my old fenders off to the scrap yard yet! I'm going to have to cut all the rot off of them, and crimp and weld the new panels to the old fenders. On one hand, I'd rather not do that because it's a pain, but on the other hand, I know they'll fit right because I'm using the original panels to bolt to the truck.

I think I may try some of that body panel adhesive for this. I spoke to the guys at the local auto body supply store, and they said that it works well if you don't have a spot welder. I just have wire feed, and don't want to buy a spot welder for this alone.

I also asked them about getting replacement fenders and they couldn't find anything in any of their sources.

 

Please keep us posted on how they turn out. thanks

 

I know you already got your fenders, but another downside to fiberglass is that they usually require a lot of prep work to make them look good before paint. There are imperfections in the glasswork that will stick out like a sore thumb after you shoot primer.

 

It's a bit tough. The old fenders were somewhat warped, so I'm having a bit of trouble getting them to fit. I think they'll be okay though. The panel adhesive, along with some tack welds, seems to be rock solid though, so that's good.

On a topic we've covered here, I did end up needing to order some items from NPD.
No problems this time, and the guy was really nice on the phone.

 

I may purchase some things from there as well. They told me I could pick up the parts at their MI store. I would not have to pay for shipping. Reducing the cost. I live about 3 hours from the store. The savings would be worth it depending on what I need. And the have weekend hours.

 

That's odd. I live in the Twin Cities. I first called the Detroit store, thinking that even with an 8 hour drive, it would be cheaper and easier than truck freight, but they told me that the MI store carries no Ford Truck parts.

 

I called one of the truck outlets and they told me they could have it shipped to the MI outlet and I would not have to pay shipping. I did not talk to the MI store? I have not ordered from NPD yet, so I can not state it as fact, but that is what the truck outlet guy told me. If you need other parts you may want to ask if you could pick up the parts at the MI outlet and see if you would save shipping. They must have shipments going back and fourth between stores. I think I will call the truck outlet and ask agian.

 

I called them tonight and they told me they could do it, but it would take a two to three weeks. If you are like me I have more time than money. Just make sure you ask them when you call. and again it depends on what you are getting if is worth the trip.