The Ford Barn

mullskull · 08-26-2013, 09:55 AM

I searched the topic a handful of ways, and came up empty handed...

I'm looking to narrowing a set of rear fenders to use with my 31 wide bed pick up build....I know the wide bed fenders are 2" narrower... And since originals are pretty hard and expensive to come by, I figure someone on the hamb has made their own... I'm curious to know how ya did it, some photos would be amazing...
Basically I'm not sure what part of the fender to section out, the middle, than fill in the splash apron notch, or section out a part of the knotch???

I would hate to trash a set of original fenders.....

I'm not interested in a new set from macs, a would rather make my own from a set of donar fenders.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

david801 · 08-26-2013, 10:02 AM

On my dads wide bed, he used the coupe rear fenders, and modified the running board and splash aprons by pulling them out away from the body. I wish I could remember more specifics, that was 30 years ago. I do remember we didnt do any major modifications.

Bill Underwood · 08-26-2013, 10:07 AM

I have done that once. I was going to start with coupe/roadster and slice and dice. However, an old source steered me to using sedan fenders. And, It worked well. Lots of time, welding and grinding. But they were very serviceable at the end of the project. the rear end and front end of the sedan fender is correct so only deal with the middle!

Barry B./ Ma. · 08-26-2013, 12:08 PM

Pretty simple, I mounted a used pair of coupe/roadster fenders sliced thru the center, slipped the outside fender piece under the mounted fender to align with the running board , scribed the cut edge and cut to the line then welded the seam. Thats how I did it on my huckster, similar to the wide bed.

mullskull · 08-26-2013, 12:12 PM

now that sounds about as simple as it gets! i take it you also filled in the splash apron notch??

thanks-

RockHillWill · 08-26-2013, 01:10 PM

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For what it's worth. I would trust Bill Underwoods input on the sedan fenders, but from my experience: I have bought two NOS widebed fenders, made three wide bed fenders from coupe fenders and purchased two 'wide bed' fenders from Mack's and made one fender from scratch. The last rear 1/4 of the fender has a 'whale-tail' shape unlike either a coupe or a sedan fender. If you are not doing a show vehicle, it would sure be my recommendation to buy a pair from Macks. It wasn't even close for me, It is my humble opinion that you will spend way more money taking a 'shortcut' than you will spend on good new useable fenders. I forget which side, but the fenders from Macks did have a 1/2" 'issue' at the fit at the splash apron. You can use all the time you save re-making the fenders to work and earn more money than you will spend on the new fenders.If you are going to use 'donor' fenders, you will also have to spend time and money getting them ready to be useable 'donor' fenders.

As always, its just a thought!

mullskull · 08-26-2013, 01:47 PM

it's not so much of taking a short cut.. seems like buying fenders from Macs would be wayy easier.. i appreciate your 2¢ Will... all very valid points, but at this point in time i would rather use this as an opportunity to hone my metal working skills, as well as use what i already have at my shop- (famous last words..)

i already have a set of really decent coupe fenders..

My build is far from a show truck.. more like a little hot rod work truck-

thanks-

1931 flamingo · 08-26-2013, 03:28 PM

If it's a driver I would go with F/glass. JMO
Paul in CT

RockHillWill · 08-26-2013, 05:18 PM

Hello mullskull, I can sure appreciate wanting to hone metal shaping skills. Let me know if I might be able to help you in that regard.

Barry B./ Ma. · 08-26-2013, 06:01 PM

I think Paul is right about the fiberglas. I heard that someone makes them for the widebed.

Midwest Tin · 08-26-2013, 07:06 PM

mullskull,
I have a pair of NOS wide bed rear fenders that I can photo if needed. As Bill Underwood and Will state they will be a challenge. Let me know if you would like photos along with measurements. Jim Sinclair

Roadster62 · 08-26-2013, 07:36 PM

Projects like this need photos to help educate others in the different details on these fenders. For some reason this site rarely has photos to go with a discussion, the HAMB is far more photo filled. Bob

Midwest Tin · 08-26-2013, 08:59 PM

Bob,
I will post some photos tomorrow showing the diff. from coupe to wide bed.
Jim

mullskull · 08-27-2013, 12:26 AM

Fiberglass won't work for how I'm building the truck, I've gone to great efforts to keep this build with original parts... Whatever isn't original, I have fabricated myself , or purchased from a vendor who makes their parts in the states....

You guys can call me rich... Jim Photos and measurements would be really helpful.. I'll take
Some photos tomorrow of what my situation looks like... Keep in mind that my truck is more hamb friendly..... She's far from original!
Will thanks, I'm sure I'll be taking you up on your the offer!

Rich

Midwest Tin · 08-27-2013, 01:07 PM

To All,
The photos are to show the diff.from a NOS Lt Rear Wide Bed fender to a Mint used Coupe Lt Rear fender. The overall with of the W/Bed is 10" vs Coupe at 12". The mounting lip on the W/Bed is 2" vs Coupe 1 1/2".
The rear fender brakets are NOS and measure in with at W/Bed 9 5/8" vs Coupe at 11 5/8.
After reviewing the shape of the rear (wale tail area) I would have to agree with Bill Underwoods comments on using a sedan rear fender vs a coupe if you what the rear area to be as close in appearance to the W/Bed fender. Jim

mullskull · 08-27-2013, 01:51 PM

Jim, thanks for taking the time out to take and post these photos.. they are very very helpful- i'll most likely move forward with modifying my coupe fenders since it's what i have already.. plus i'm not so concerned with recreating an exact replica as i am interested in fabricating something that has a good fit and looks like it belongs on the vehicle....

i'll be sure to post some photo's of the process...

thanks again!

rich

RockHillWill · 08-27-2013, 03:03 PM

I can vouch for the orginality, quality and the integrity of 'Midwest Tin'. I have been a customer of his for some time. If you get in a bind for the widebed fender braces, they are the same as a sedan, you just shorten the mounting 'leg' from three holes to two holes.

08-26-2013, 09:55 AM	#1
mullskull Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: East L.A. Posts: 39	narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... I searched the topic a handful of ways, and came up empty handed... I'm looking to narrowing a set of rear fenders to use with my 31 wide bed pick up build....I know the wide bed fenders are 2" narrower... And since originals are pretty hard and expensive to come by, I figure someone on the hamb has made their own... I'm curious to know how ya did it, some photos would be amazing... Basically I'm not sure what part of the fender to section out, the middle, than fill in the splash apron notch, or section out a part of the knotch??? I would hate to trash a set of original fenders..... I'm not interested in a new set from macs, a would rather make my own from a set of donar fenders. Any advise would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

08-26-2013, 10:02 AM	#2
david801 Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Farmington, Utah Posts: 77	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... On my dads wide bed, he used the coupe rear fenders, and modified the running board and splash aprons by pulling them out away from the body. I wish I could remember more specifics, that was 30 years ago. I do remember we didnt do any major modifications.

08-26-2013, 10:07 AM	#3
Bill Underwood Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 445	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... I have done that once. I was going to start with coupe/roadster and slice and dice. However, an old source steered me to using sedan fenders. And, It worked well. Lots of time, welding and grinding. But they were very serviceable at the end of the project. the rear end and front end of the sedan fender is correct so only deal with the middle!

08-26-2013, 12:08 PM	#4
Barry B./ Ma. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southbridge, Ma. Posts: 1,614	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... Pretty simple, I mounted a used pair of coupe/roadster fenders sliced thru the center, slipped the outside fender piece under the mounted fender to align with the running board , scribed the cut edge and cut to the line then welded the seam. Thats how I did it on my huckster, similar to the wide bed.

08-26-2013, 12:12 PM	#5
mullskull Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: East L.A. Posts: 39	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... now that sounds about as simple as it gets! i take it you also filled in the splash apron notch?? thanks-

08-26-2013, 01:10 PM	#6
RockHillWill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rock Hill, S.C. Posts: 985	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) For what it's worth. I would trust Bill Underwoods input on the sedan fenders, but from my experience: I have bought two NOS widebed fenders, made three wide bed fenders from coupe fenders and purchased two 'wide bed' fenders from Mack's and made one fender from scratch. The last rear 1/4 of the fender has a 'whale-tail' shape unlike either a coupe or a sedan fender. If you are not doing a show vehicle, it would sure be my recommendation to buy a pair from Macks. It wasn't even close for me, It is my humble opinion that you will spend way more money taking a 'shortcut' than you will spend on good new useable fenders. I forget which side, but the fenders from Macks did have a 1/2" 'issue' at the fit at the splash apron. You can use all the time you save re-making the fenders to work and earn more money than you will spend on the new fenders.If you are going to use 'donor' fenders, you will also have to spend time and money getting them ready to be useable 'donor' fenders. As always, its just a thought! __________________ Uncle Bud says "too soon old, too late smart!"

08-26-2013, 01:47 PM	#7
mullskull Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: East L.A. Posts: 39	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... it's not so much of taking a short cut.. seems like buying fenders from Macs would be wayy easier.. i appreciate your 2¢ Will... all very valid points, but at this point in time i would rather use this as an opportunity to hone my metal working skills, as well as use what i already have at my shop- (famous last words..) i already have a set of really decent coupe fenders.. My build is far from a show truck.. more like a little hot rod work truck- thanks-

08-26-2013, 03:28 PM	#8
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... If it's a driver I would go with F/glass. JMO Paul in CT

08-26-2013, 05:18 PM	#9
RockHillWill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rock Hill, S.C. Posts: 985	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... Hello mullskull, I can sure appreciate wanting to hone metal shaping skills. Let me know if I might be able to help you in that regard. __________________ Uncle Bud says "too soon old, too late smart!"

08-26-2013, 06:01 PM	#10
Barry B./ Ma. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southbridge, Ma. Posts: 1,614	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... I think Paul is right about the fiberglas. I heard that someone makes them for the widebed.

08-26-2013, 07:06 PM	#11
Midwest Tin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kenosha, WI Posts: 1,001	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... mullskull, I have a pair of NOS wide bed rear fenders that I can photo if needed. As Bill Underwood and Will state they will be a challenge. Let me know if you would like photos along with measurements. Jim Sinclair

08-26-2013, 07:36 PM	#12
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,441	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... Projects like this need photos to help educate others in the different details on these fenders. For some reason this site rarely has photos to go with a discussion, the HAMB is far more photo filled. Bob __________________ They don't have to run to be enjoyed. I'm here to enjoy the hobby, and enjoy the cars no matter what they look like. Most of the worlds problems are electrical.

08-26-2013, 08:59 PM	#13
Midwest Tin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kenosha, WI Posts: 1,001	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... Bob, I will post some photos tomorrow showing the diff. from coupe to wide bed. Jim

08-27-2013, 12:26 AM	#14
mullskull Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: East L.A. Posts: 39	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... Fiberglass won't work for how I'm building the truck, I've gone to great efforts to keep this build with original parts... Whatever isn't original, I have fabricated myself , or purchased from a vendor who makes their parts in the states.... You guys can call me rich... Jim Photos and measurements would be really helpful.. I'll take Some photos tomorrow of what my situation looks like... Keep in mind that my truck is more hamb friendly..... She's far from original! Will thanks, I'm sure I'll be taking you up on your the offer! Rich

08-27-2013, 01:51 PM	#16
mullskull Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: East L.A. Posts: 39	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... Jim, thanks for taking the time out to take and post these photos.. they are very very helpful- i'll most likely move forward with modifying my coupe fenders since it's what i have already.. plus i'm not so concerned with recreating an exact replica as i am interested in fabricating something that has a good fit and looks like it belongs on the vehicle.... i'll be sure to post some photo's of the process... thanks again! rich

08-27-2013, 03:03 PM	#17
RockHillWill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rock Hill, S.C. Posts: 985	Re: narrowing rear fenders to fit a wide bed... I can vouch for the orginality, quality and the integrity of 'Midwest Tin'. I have been a customer of his for some time. If you get in a bind for the widebed fender braces, they are the same as a sedan, you just shorten the mounting 'leg' from three holes to two holes. __________________ Uncle Bud says "too soon old, too late smart!"