I've been following the thread about replacement front fenders for TF ('55
2nd to '59) pickups. I currently have fiberglass front fenders on my '56
and would really like to go to steel. The previous owner had these fenders
installed in the late 90's and I'm not terribly impressed with them.
Reasons for my disappointment are:
1.) Fiberglass fenders show cracks through the paint finish when rocks are
thrown from the tires to the inside of the fenderwell. I've thoroughly
undercoated the insides of the fenders to no avail and have talked to others
that even applied bedliner materials inside the fenders but still get
cracks.
2.) It takes a lot of extra prep work to get the finish to look the same on
fiberglass as the metal parts of the cab and front end (I've talked to
several body shops with experience using both fiberglass and steel).
3.) My repro fiberglass fenders don't fit as well as the originals. It's
difficult to get the exterior body lines to match up (fender to door, fender
to hood and etc.).
4.) After several installs/removes, the bolt mounting holes around the
grill, radiator support and cab mounts are beginning to crack and split.
I'd be real interested to hear how the repro steel fenders are working.
I've heard many rumors that the repro steel are:
1.) Thinner material than original
2.) Made off-shore (Far East) with old dies and don't fit as well
3.) Sometimes arrive at your doorstep with many dings in them due to poor
packaging.
I'd also make sure the vendor you buy from will take them back if they show
up damaged (I've seen one ad with a disclaimer that they won't take them
back if you feel they are poor quality, REALLY!).
Just my 2 cents. Hope list members post their experiences when they buy
these fenders and install them.
Carl Ham
'56 Chevy Stepside Pickup
Pontiac, IL
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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