New inner front fender question

[Woodside113]

I have some replacement inner fenders going on a set original outer fenders. I went to bolt them together and it seems like it's going to take a lot of manipulating to get them to bolt together. Is this normal or could there be an issue with the new inner fenders? The outers are freshly painted so I hate to be too aggressive. I haven't painted the inners yet. Am I right in trying to bolt them together off the truck or is it best to mount the outer fenders first? Grill is off and core support is in place.

[PbFut]

What brand inner fender are you using? I ran into what I thought was a fitment issue on mine too—aftermarket inners with original outers. I was ready to blame the aftermarket parts because I’d heard plenty of complaints. Walked away for a few minutes, came back, started over, and it was night and day. They went on exactly like they should.
What made the difference was loosely installing the two bolts at the top of the outer fender first—the ones up near the hood rail. Once those were in, everything else fell into place. The key is to get all the bolts started before tightening anything.
My order that worked best:
- The two bolts at the top rail
- The large bolt in the center of the rear section
- The lower rear bolt
- Three at the radiator support
- All the bolts around the wheel arch
Also, make sure all the clip nuts are either new or well‑lubed. They cross‑thread easily and will fight you if one binds up.
Good luck.

[Casper42]

install fender first - probably leave loose. then move on to the inner apron. the factory assembly manual suggests starting with the very center/top outside wheel-lip fender bolt of the apron to the fender. this makes sense as it would be used as a hanging pivot point for the apron to "float" within the area to be secured. Another member also suggested stuffing one of those blow-up exercise balls (the one people sit on for core muscle strengthening) into the opening. that allowed him to easily manipulate the inner apron without having to muscle it around.

[Woodside113]

Thanks, I will try going that route. I had it face down on a moving pad with the top two bolts started but I could tell pretty quick I was going to damage the fender. I'm not sure the brand but I got them from H&H Classic. They're just down the street from me.

[PbFut]

Yes for sure. Inner fender is probably last thing to install. Multi part connections. Get, outer fender, cowl, radiator support, and even hood on before inner. You need to be able to adjust those primary parts for proper alignment. Once all your gaps are to your liking, then get the wheels off and place the inner fenders.

[WorldsCrappiestTruck]

I fought the same battle and before installing the inner fenders, I used a UniBit to open up all of the holes another 1/8” or so to give me more adjustment & room for moving things.

It was still a wrestle but it came together.

As others said, outer fender first then inner

[twotrucks]

Would it be easier to install inner fender to outer fender and then to the body?

[WorldsCrappiestTruck]

I’d say no.

I needed my fender stationary and bolted in place to the cab & radiator support so I could wrench & pry on the inner to make it fit.

I think it would be a tall order to bolt the inner solid then hope holes line up on the radiator support and cab.

[twotrucks]

Old post but thought I would provide my results with aftermarket inner fenders and original fenders. Over the weekend I assembled the inner fender to the outer fender and found only one bolt hole in the inner fender needing to be enlarged. On both fenders, (left and right), it was the hole in the inner fender at the "fender cup" that needed tweaking. After making this adjustment the fender/inner fender assembly went onto the truck with no effort. I was pleasantly surprised and would do it this way again in the future. Just lay the outer fender on a padded surface to protect paint and have a helper hold inner fender while you get the screws started. Carry assembly to truck and install. No problem at all.

[1970cstblazer]

I too have said similar results. I am appalled at asking prices on "NOS" inner fenders. Fortunately, some of the aftermarkets fit really well. As for the outer fender, there is no chance of using them. They are trash.

[c30]

I had one guy tell me that the hole for the large bolt that goes to the cab was off by an inch. The one down below the master cylinder. He said that he tried all other methods to get it mounted before he drilled a new hole. True or not? Thats what he said.

[WorldsCrappiestTruck]

I call fake news.

[1970cstblazer]

Another one of those "your results may vary"...

[Mickeymotormount]

Agree with what was said. Outer fender first and adjusted to your liking. Then the inner fender. I used an aftermarket one on the right side. Top 2 bolts first at the hood line, then work around the fender. I did have to use an awl as a hole alignment tool to facilitate the install. Leave all bolts loose until they are all installed. As stated previously, make sure all hardware and nuts are in good condition or they will fight you.

Good luck!!

[twotrucks]

I have done it both ways now and it is way easier if you fit the inner to outer and install as a unit. Do it however you want, just reporting my findings.