40 Deluxe front fender problem

[Max]

I have a problem with the front fenders on my car. The bottom of the fender forward of the metal panel brace, wants to poke outwards about an inch when bolting up the running board. My panel man says the front clip is too low, this is causing the fenders to poke out. The inner fender skirts are almost touching the chassis at the sides and after looking at another 40 Ford, his fender skirts were the same. I tend to think the fenders need to be massaged inwards beyond the metal bracing at the bottom, what do you think?
Attached are before and after shots.
car1.jpg1.jpg

Picture 166.jpg