cut in half for repair

[low&slow]

Alright, so I've always been a fan of the 67 front clips instead of the 69. Currently I have a 69

I know the differences between both front clips. My question is, is if I cut my 69 front fenders in half and welded the front half of 67 fenders onto the back half of my 69 fenders, Will that work and have everything line up with a 67 hood and grille?

[special-K]

Yes,but..Why? Do you have '67 fenders that are good in the front and bad in the back? It seems like a lot of extra and more difficult work compared to just swapping the parts.

[low&slow]

Actually no I don't have any parts for a 67-68. I was browsing ClassicParts.com and saw that they sell the front half of the fenders and are cheaper for both sides by about $100 or so compared to buying actual full fenders.

The back half of my 69 fenders are in good condition needing no repair and both fronts need replaced.

[coueshunter]

That's a lot of work to save 100 bucks. Just pony up the extra money and have something that works and will save you hours of work

[low&slow]

I've been thinking about doing that as well.

For both front fenders for 67-68 is $415.52 with shipping and tax.

For both front half's for 67-68 is $190.80 with shipping and tax.

So actually that's a $224.72 difference in the end.
With that much of a difference, I'm only $104.94 away from buying the grille with shipping and tax.

[special-K]

With the issues the complete fenders have I'd have to wonder how well the stamping lines up with the original back halves.

[low&slow]

What issues are there with the complete fenders?

[Grumpy old man]

I just bought a '67 roller for $650.00 you may just want to find a cheap roller and steal all the parts you need and resell whats left . You would have original GM metal and way less time and money invested in your project .

[Elliot949]

You will also have to change your Radiator Support... the 67/68 is different in the headlight area along with some other differences... But you would be better off starting with the 68 fenders... the 68 still have the side marker light so you would not have to make any changes in your light harness...

[low&slow]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

I just bought a '67 roller for $650.00 you may just want to find a cheap roller and steal all the parts you need and resell whats left . You would have original GM metal and way less time and money invested in your project .

You know I have been looking for about 5 months for a roller or just a decent front clip whether it be complete or just a few pieces here and there. I have had zero luck and I've even been looking in states surrounding my state. I do get what you are saying though

[low&slow]

Originally Posted by Elliot949

You will also have to change your Radiator Support... the 67/68 is different in the headlight area along with some other differences... But you would be better off starting with the 68 fenders... the 68 still have the side marker light so you would not have to make any changes in your light harness...

I appreciate your opinion and info, but I will not be using a core support nor the marker lights. I'm going to have a stand alone radiator and the front clip will be tilting forward. I also have it planned, measured, and drawn out for how the headlights will be held in place with no core support.

[piecesparts]

Where you weld is another place for rust to start. So with that in m ind, buy the fenders and parts to go about the change without any issue. What you save now, will cost you later.

[mmiddle]

I would not cut the finders in half to splice them. I think you would be opening a can of worms that you will regret. Try listing them for sale or trade on this board if you cant find any local.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Double check on these "fender halves". I bought a set for my 67 to use as patches. They ARE NOT COMPLETE FENDER HALVES! At least the ones I bought were not, they are the outer skin part only, they are meant for patching, not replacing.

[low&slow]

Originally Posted by mmiddle

I would not cut the finders in half to splice them. I think you would be opening a can of worms that you will regret. Try listing them for sale or trade on this board if you cant find any local.

I think I might just become a real member on here and list it. Seems like a lot of people on here are in need of good parts.

Originally Posted by piecesparts

Where you weld is another place for rust to start. So with that in m ind, buy the fenders and parts to go about the change without any issue. What you save now, will cost you later.

I hadn't thought about that. I just thought that if it was done right then I wouldn't have to worry about any rust issues.

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

Double check on these "fender halves". I bought a set for my 67 to use as patches. They ARE NOT COMPLETE FENDER HALVES! At least the ones I bought were not, they are the outer skin part only, they are meant for patching, not replacing.

I'm not sure if it's just the skin or the actual front half fender. It doesn't say, but here's the link. You can look at it and let me know since you have experience.

http://www.classicparts.com/1967-72-.../#.UqpWm_RDuu4

[67ChevyRedneck]

I bought those, they ARE NOT COMPLETE. Outer skin only. I'll look to see if I have a pic of them...

[Elliot949]

Originally Posted by low&slow

I think I might just become a real member on here and list it. Seems like a lot of people on here are in need of good parts.



I hadn't thought about that. I just thought that if it was done right then I wouldn't have to worry about any rust issues.



I'm not sure if it's just the skin or the actual front half fender. It doesn't say, but here's the link. You can look at it and let me know since you have experience.

http://www.classicparts.com/1967-72-.../#.UqpWm_RDuu4

I have seen that part At Classic Parts... it is just the outer Skin...

[low&slow]

Well that helps a lot. Guess I'll just have to listen to every one else and dish out the money for new ones or try to find some good used ones.

Anyone know if the headlight bezels are different between 67 and 69?

[Elliot949]

Yes they are different... I have a decent set of driver quality Besels off a 68... if interested PM me...

67-68 OEM Drivers fenders are not real difficult to come up with that are in good condition ( no rust)... But Passenger fenders are another story...

[67ChevyRedneck]

Found it!

Check out this thread... couple people not pleased with them...you'll be throwing away money for what you want to do with them. The fender flare area is TERRIBLE, not even remotely close. If you need to fix the nose of a good fender, they're great.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...nt+fender+half

[hugger6933]

I used a fender "half" to make a repair cup on an other wise real nice 71 fender. I had bought the panel to begin with for another 70 but ended up fixing the dent with a hammer and dolly. I was hoping that I could get to the end of the page to tell that those were not full fenders and even the front lines aren't all that crisp and clean. I'm glad you discovered that before trying to order some. I own a body shop and do body work all day so the work your talking doesn't scare me either but still at some point you got to figure your time is worth something and see that welding two parts together is still more expensive than two fenders. I know that I am putting cups in some and not replacing all of mine but out of the tree trucks I am building only one fender is not an OE. I have a guy that has been help me out around the shop, he joined here to read some of our postings just to learn he is like a sponge, His screen is YARB and to let you know that there still are parts around, he brought me a GMC fender today maybe one of the finest examples I have seen not on a survivour truck in a LONG time. It is as nice as most of the late model used fenders I get for 99-07 Silverados with the exception the paint is a little more faded. nothing stripping and epoxy primer couldn't fix. Jim

[special-K]

Originally Posted by low&slow

What issues are there with the complete fenders?

At least with '68 fenders,if you line up the lower body line the top of the fender won't line up and visa-versa. The top of the fender (passenger side) doesn't have the proper arch and the hood looks sprung. Around the headlights is a gap that the bezel doesn't cover. Then there's the variation in crispness of the lines,as mentioned above.
There are different fenders made by different companies. The company I used may have changed their dies by now (I doubt it). But,the fact is,the reproduction stuff isn't as exact as original as you'd think. Replacing a whole part is one thing,but grafting I don't even want to think about what a nightmare that could be