1973-86 Stepside Fenders

[markeb01]

I’m back to thinking about 1973-86 stepside rear fenders again. I’ve been put off on this swap in the past because I don’t like how stubby the truck looks with the 73 & up rear bumper. In looking at this again, I’m wondering if I could get away with the stock 60-66 rear bumper because the gravel pans and Cadillac tail lights on my real truck might help take up the visual gap behind the fenders. Or perhaps a stock 1960-66 front bumper would look better on the back.

Also, has anyone ever added these fenders to the stock 1960-66 bed? I’m wondering how much difficulty there might be dealing with the shorter front stake pockets and later style steps and support brackets.

Here’s a few shots of my 1/25th scale test mule.

Stock 1956-1966 bed:



1973-86 bed/fenders:



This is why I think these fenders should have been released on the 1960 models. The corners of the rear fenders almost matched the indentation in the side of the truck, and combined, they are the width of a 60-66 cab:



The same picture without the markings:



I’d almost certainly have to step up to 10” wide rims with 50 series tires to fill up the larger rear wheel wells.

All opinions welcome!