Mystery panels found om my 63 behind grill and fenders....ID help needed

[1963c-10]

Noticed these when I go the truck originally and have never seen another set. Didn't really think much of them, but with the engine and brake swap going on, the front ends coming off this weekend...they peaked my interest again and just wanted to see if anyone else may have any info on them. I have looked in all the factory literature I have and haven't seen anything from GM on them....even the silver book and custom accessories manuals had nothing. Maybe dealer installed or aftermarket? The quality of the panels are nice, doesn't look like some spare sheet metal and tin snips. The edges are finished nicely and they fit very well. There is also covers over the back of the grill where the headlights are. These panels are on both sides.

They do serve a good purpose....keeps mud from getting in all those hard to reach places that cause rust issues, so I plan to clean them up and reinstall. The 63 also had factory mud flap at some point. There were some pieces and the mounting bars left that I've since removed.

Anyways...just wondering if anyone else has encountered these mystery panels or had any info on them. Truck was shipped to PA originally from Baltimore plant if it helps any. No ID or part numbers visible and they are bolted in. There is glenwood green overspray which is the correct original color, truck has been resprayed once since factory, but cannot tell which paint is on them, but they have been there a long time.

1st pic is behind the grill driver side and the other two are the driver side wells towards the cab. You can see in the pic of the rear panels about 3/4 down the panel where the light brown strip is, where the mud flaps were mounted.

[Improbcat]

Cool. My truck could have used a set of those. Maybe I'll try and make some.

[1963c-10]

They are pretty effective at what they were installed for....just never seen any other sets. Either someone with some minor fab skills and times made them for this specific purpose or purchased them. I'd just think there'd be more out there if aftermarket.

[1963c-10]

well, kinda figured that I wouldn't get much back on these panels. Thanks for looking in though.

[1963c-10]

Originally Posted by Improbcat

Cool. My truck could have used a set of those. Maybe I'll try and make some.

I can get you some dimensions off mine if you need them.

[Improbcat]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

I can get you some dimensions off mine if you need them.

That would be great.

[1963c-10]

I'll get some tomorrow for you. I'll be working on the stepside all day.

[nhr3]

years ago when I did the first restoration on my 65 I saw a problem in back of the tire where the fender mates to the cab. Being a very low budget operation with no internet available for research (1984) i elected to cut up a set of floor mats to make fender close outs similar to what you have. I am now doing a restoration with a bit more information and a bit more budget. I have purchased a sheet of 3/8 thick sheet rubber 12"X24" on ebay and am creating a more professional close out. When I complete I will post on my build thread. Bottom line is the rubber can be had for under $30 to do a good job on both sides. Ebay or Zoro.com for materials.

[1963c-10]

Thanks for the response. I will reuse the panels as they are effective. I will probably make another set for the fleetside using these as a template. They could use some rubber between them and the outer fenders, but that's not an issue. I'm interested to see how yours come out also.