OK, I know fender welting is supposed to go somewhere on my truck ('54 F-100) but WHERE? I've got about 16 inches or so on the front fenders, only just between the cowl and the fenders, near the back of the front fenders, just by the cab, on the vertical portion. And big chunks of that seem to be snapped off in places, it's sorta spotty where it is and where it isn't. And that is all! Should there be more elsewhere on the front fenders? If not, is there some sort of vibration gasket or felt gasket that goes between the inner and outer front fenders?

Also, what about the rear fenders? Any go on there anywhere? I seem to have none, so either none goes on there, or it all (not likely) just peeled off, or someone peeled it off. And is there some sort of gasket or felt spacer of some kind that goes between the rear fenders and the box, or what? I am wondering, becasue all the parts suppliers catalogs I have, seem to sell this stuff in rolls of 25 feet or so, so I am wondering where the 20 or so extra feet go!

Sorry to ask all these questions, I just dropped 25 bucks on the book "How to restore your Ford Pickup truck" but he doesn't seem to ever get into this stuff, instead he spends a lot of time on stuff like painting the frame ,and such, unfortunately.

OK, now while we are on this subject, what about colored versus non-colored welting, or should I paint it or not? I am not talking about personal preference, but about praticality, what makes more sense? What about the chrome looking stainless steel welting? I was thinking of getting it, but after looking closely at what is on there now, it looks like a major pain to mask (or impossible to mask) for any repaint job I may get. What do you think? ANY advice is much appreciated! Thanks!

 

As far as I know the welting goes just where you stated on the front fenders. It goes all the way around the rear fenders. I have not seen it painted, usually looks good for contrast between the body color and the black welting. If you leave the fender bolts loose when the truck is painted you can then install the welting after the paint job and tighten the fenders back down for the nice finished look.

 

I recommend the rubber beaded style. It is probably not stock but it fills the gap nicely if things are not perfectly straight at the flange. Should do a good job of quieting the squeaks down.

Dewayne

 

Check out this site http://www.classictruckshop.com/welting.asp