Inner Fender Triangular Brace

[76HighSierra]

I'm looking for a source for the small triangular shaped brace that goes from the inside of the front fender lip to the inner fender well. As I said, it's kind of triangular in shape and fastens with two 1/2 inch head bolts on the fender lip and with one 9/16th head bolt on the inner fender well. It is towards the rear of the front inner fender. There is one brace on each side. I'm guessing at it's widest point, it's app. 4 inches wide and then tapers down to app. 1.5-2 inches at the other end. I've been searching the local wrecking yards for these braces and every one I see is rusted, even though the inner fender itself may be nearly completely rust free. If anyone knows which part I'm refering to, and knows of a source for them new( or even rust free used), I'd be greatly appreciative. I've tried Chevy Duty and LMC with no dice (at least in their catalogs).

[1985K10]

That brace comes welded to the inner fender. You can just pick up new inner fenders for around $45 a piece, mine were the same way, I didnt even bother trying to fix em.

[N2TRUX]

1985K10 is correct. That brace is actually welded on to the fender liner. It doesn't come seperate from the liner. You could probably get one made, but it wouldn't matter. If that piece is rusted out, the fender liner will be rusted out at the same place. It's a poor design on GMs part because it traps dirt and water.

Your best bet is to replace the liner because it's probably rusted under the battery area too...

[76HighSierra]

Well crap!!!! I was hoping to save her original inner fenders. They are spotless everywhere's else, even under the battery. May Be time for some new ones. This is the only rust on my entire truck.

[shavedchevy]

what the hell are they for then???

[1985K10]

The 9/16ths bolt bolts to the cab, the two 1/2 bolts bolt to the fender. I believe this triangular piece is there for added strength where the fender well bolts to the cab.

[Nvbowtie]

Do like I did and just find some good orig inner fenders, clean them up and seal that lip with seam sealer & undercoat.

20 bucks for these and it's original metal, I did not care for the aftermarket flemsy stuff.

[76HighSierra]

Originally posted by Nvbowtie
Do like I did and just find some good orig inner fenders, clean them up and seal that lip with seam sealer & undercoat.

20 bucks for these and it's original metal, I did not care for the aftermarket flemsy stuff.

The problem is, every inner fender I've looked at was the same as mine. My truck is completely rust free with the exception of these "braces". The battery tray wasn't so good when I bought it, so I bought a new one and coated it with POR-15, but other than some VERY light surface rust, that's it. It's strange that I live in the desert, yet I can't find any rust free inner fenders. Anyone know which aftermarket inner fenders may be of good quality?

[1985K10]

Mine were made by Veng or something like that. They are pretty solid for jap crap.

[76HighSierra]

Originally posted by 1985K10
Mine were made by Veng or something like that. They are pretty solid for jap crap.

Did you buy them locally, or through a parts house like Chevy Duty, etc.?

[1985K10]

Bought them locally......also rockers, cab corners, and a floor pan.
Chevy Duty has them for $40 bucks though.

[76HighSierra]

Ok, thanks. Our local NAPA sells body panels, so I may look into it. Plus, if they have the crap beat out of them while being shipped (which is often the case), at least I can argue with my local NAPA. This is OT, but that is a huge pet peeve of mine. Distributors sell body panels, but expect you to tolerate shipping damage. I bought a fender (another vehicle) from a local suplier and it was beat to sh|t when it came in. I told the guy I wouldn't accept it, and he threw a fit!! He says that it's normal and to be expected. I said " If I ordered fine china and it arrived broken, should I still accept it?". The way I look at it, if I was interested in doing body work, I wouldn't be ordering a new panel to begin with. I'd just fix my old one. Many places here make you pay up front for panels, so you have no recourse when they arrive damaged. Is it just me, or are suppliers getting more and more pathetic? Sorry for the OT rant.