Just a word to the wise on replacement fenders

[Olive1970]

Got a set of aftermarket replacement fenders through a vendor at work. I believe the mfr is Gordon which look like they are made in Taiwan, which seem to be better. I am impressed by the factory style nuts and locations which where preserved in the repop. Also impressed by the overlap on the seams as it is tighter than factory, where welds are not used. However, I noticed the fenders are lacking a few plug welds (the type used in everywhere on these trucks) where reinforcement should be. The front lower appears in the pic as going at an angle at the bottom, but is straight and flat as should be.

Thought I would share since I did break out the welder and grinder even before I try to hang these fenders. Probably could have bolt on as-is but if the factory put in the welds, I should too.

[Olive1970]

and just a few more pics of the current progress. Currently sitting on jackstand ride height until about May probably

[Livrat]

Hopefully "Gordon" has changed. In the past I have used Gordon fenders (before Tri-plus days) as they were the only option, the metal was way thinner than OEM and the fit was awful.
I might suggest you hang them and fit your grill before any body and paint work. Every one I tried the passenger fender very top is "too pointed" to let the grill set anywhere near where it is supposed to. I had to pie cut and rework the top front sections.

[Olive1970]

Originally Posted by Livrat

Hopefully "Gordon" has changed. In the past I have used Gordon fenders (before Tri-plus days) as they were the only option, the metal was way thinner than OEM and the fit was awful.
I might suggest you hang them and fit your grill before any body and paint work. Every one I tried the passenger fender very top is "too pointed" to let the grill set anywhere near where it is supposed to. I had to pie cut and rework the top front sections.

Yikes I hope that they have changed also! I have gotten tri-plus from this same vendor before but it seems like some parts are hit and miss on tri-plus. I know on a few sheet metal repairs I will be going with Tabco from past experiences.

Good suggestion, I was planning on getting at least the fenders and maybe inner fenders on as well as the grill to at least see the fitment and if the bolt holes line up. I know it is easier to bolt the bumper on without the grill on but can at least test fit. Would the grill not sit far enough into the fender then? Or was the body line not right with the grill and hood area?

[Livrat]

The Gordon passenger fenders were too pointed on the very top, right where the hood meets up and will not let the grill sit far enough into the fender, you may have over 1/2 inch gap without reworking.

[hayhauler71]

I Used gordon fenders on my truck 5 years ago and the only thing I had to do was open up the mounting holes at the firewall I considered myself lucky