Probably a long shot but here goes, does anyone have a 1949 style F2/F3 truck in the Pittsburgh area that wouldn't mind me taking a look at? My F3 was completely stripped down when I got it, the body work was done by the previous owner, but I am having some fitment issues so would really appreciate a truck to look over.

 

What kind of fitment issues are you concerned with? Actually, any of the F1-3 48-52 trucks should fit pretty much the same. Don't limit yourself unnecessarily if another year or series can also be helpful. Knowing more specifics, we may be able to help you better from here. Can you share some pictures?

 

My immediate concern is the huge gap between the rear of the fender and the cab. The seal isn't close to filling it at this point. I have had previous fitment issues with holes missing or re drilled in the wrong place after the previous owner "repaired" the body. That's why I thought my best option was to look over a complete truck and see whats deamed as normal.

 

as a qualifier I don't have that particular truck and based on all the other vehicles you have in your garage this is probably not your first rodeo.....but

First with the welting in place its hard to see the fender line and how straight it is. It looks like it has a big curve in it but that is from how the welting is positioned I believe.

You have the front of the fender buttoned up pretty tight and that may be pulling the rear way out. I thnk you need t go back and loosen or detach the front cross piece and and then try realigning it and tightening down the bolts. I also suspect it is hanging up on the inner fender brace as well and that may need to be adjusted/bent. Loosen that up as well. Do some video searches. Here is one showing the install of the front fenders center piece etc. They bolted the center piece in after the fenders were loosely hung and then aligned again and tightened things up. I think you just need to make some adjustments and start with everything loose and snug up from there. You may need a second pair of hands to keep from damaging that nice paint. Start at around 9 Mins on the video for the specifics of what I referenced but the whole video gives you a clear picture of how it goes together....

 

A wide gap is normal between the cab and fender. Because of the way the frame flexes and the front sheet metal is suspended by a central pivot point under the radiator support, there needs to be extra room for the nose to move, rock and twist without the fenders hitting the cab. The upper portion of the inner fender is what holds the fenders in place, with a bolt through a tab on the cowl brace. Perhaps your inner fender is not positioned correctly or bent, the bolt may not be in place, or something else not fitting right. Your gap does appear excessive but hard to tell for sure in your pics. A 1/4 to 1/2 inch would be not uncommon. Your seal may be on backwards, too. The flange flair needs to point away from the fender, toward the cab, not covering the fender. The seal should cover the gap. Here's pics of my truck never taken apart.

 

Thanks guys, I think I have it sorted out to a more satisfactory result. I ended up putting a spacer between the chassis and the lower mounting tab, pushing the bottom out a little brought the top in enough to match the gap on the other side. I dont see any daylight between the seal and the cab now so im calling that a win. Now having the seal in the correct way is another question. I put it in with the widest section against the fender.

 

Thanks for that, I have watched most of the Pennys Hot Rod videos, Since I didn't tear into the truck, they have been very helpful.