Original vs. Repop Fenders

[Mieser3]

Is there a way to tell the difference between original fenders and repops (specifically 68-72 GMC fenders)? Are their any stamping differences? I seem to recall seeing a post several months ago showing a different stamping on the originals (3 "triangles") where the metal was basically folded over on the front inside edge.

[eightbanger]

One fits, the other doesn't....
I saw that post too.

[Greenmachine72]

I think I would rather repair the originals if possible than have a repo china fender..just my 2c..thanks.. thats my plan anyway

[Tim Christian]

A fender is only as good as its builder! This is my son Jordans truck the complete front clip is from Key Parts. Completely aftermarket.

[Pillow]

... Sorry if this is completely false, but I thought Goodmark was using old factory equipment to stamp steel replacement parts..?

[VA72C10]

unless they shipped the factory equipment to taiwan......

[pat 70/71]

I have repops on my 70 stepper and the fit is not as good as the factory fenders. But its ok they only cost me $120..00 each. My 71 shorty/ fleetside has the original fenders that I reworked(little rust in all the normal places) So for the money repops are not that bad(get good used fenders and repair them you will be better off in the long run) cheers, Pat

[Mieser3]

I'm going to look at a pair of GMC fenders tomorrow that are supposedly original (they've been repainted) so that's why I was asking how I could tell the difference between originals and repops. The price is right on these fenders so I just want to make sure they're originals before I drop the cash on them.

Does anyone remember the post I was talking about a few months ago? It had pictures that showed the triangle markings. I can't seem to find it now.

[Classic Heartbeat]

There is more that one company manufacturing fenders and hoods for these trucks. Not all of them are good either. We sell and use Key-Parts Fenders and don't have any issues with them. Like Tim says, parts are only as good as the installer. I had a guy trade me a NOS 69-72 Right Front Fender for one of ours because he couldn't get the GM fender to fit. He got ours to though... Darn near this whole truck is reproduction parts. WES

[Tim Christian]

Mieser3, I can not find that post but do remember it

[Gobbles]

West, that truck is perfect. I love it.

[dfwright]

There are several threads discussing the triangles on '67 fenders. If you type "fender triangles" in the search box, and choose the 67-72chevytrucks.com selection, you will find quite a few different threads that mention them, and show pics.

[Mieser3]

Thanks dfwright! Those are the pictures I was looking for.

[PAWS 72]

WES I love that truck.I hope mine will look as good as that one does come about March or April. Jason

[Classic Heartbeat]

Thanks Guys, I don't deserve the credit though. The core support, front fenders, cowl hood, inner fenders, doors, rockers, floor sections, cab corners, bed front, bedsides, wheelhouses, tailgate and all trim, (not the grill) are reproduction. WES

[special-K]

I've been working on these trucks as long as anyone and always make the parts fit right without any unusual effort. No disrespect intended here,but I must say,unless the '68 Chevy/68-72 GMC fenders have been improved,it's beyond the builder's hands to make them work properly. Using them on a '68 Chevy the driver side headlight bezel doesn't even cover one corner of the opening that's stamped wrong. I can't remember which side fender,I think the passenger,it doesn't have the proper arch along the top front to back. It doesn't follow the line of the hood and there was nothing we could do to make it match. We had to shim the heck out of the front fenders,unlike I have even had to do with any OEM parts. The whole clip was reproduction,including the core support. So,who knows which part was worse. Also,on the driver fender at the door,the vertical lines can not be matched up. If the top of the fender lines up,the lower body line is too high. The measurement from body line to top of fender is simply incorrect. The fenders are just made wrong and if it's up to the builder whether it goes together right,that builder would have to have skills enough to make his own fenders. Making parts fit is one thing. I don't listen to whining about egging out bolt holes or shimming a little. But,no matter how good you are a poorly formed part is a poorly formed part and you don't buy new parts to have a bondo bucket or to do extensive reworking. That's what buying new parts is meant to get you out of.