The simple things should fit, (shouldn't they)

[Accelo]

Working on what I figured was a 5 min project. Bolting a stock inner fender support to the inner fender. You know the one that spans the gap in the inner fender where the steering column goes through.
I could get the back too bolts in and the one furthest forward almost would go. The second one back was not even close. Not only was the bolt hole not spaced correctly it was too far in for the brace to fit flat, as in the holes were not punched in a straight line. So, I elongated all the bolt holes so I had a chance of getting the bolt in and the washer covering the hole. After that I could get the front bolt in, some progress. Then I started slotting the second hole from the front. I wanted to slot as little as possible as the brace would be getting thin. Well, it worked. Bolt hole was covered by the washer but just barely. Pictured in the last photo.

Test fit every piece! I had already powder coated the brace, thinking what could go wrong. An hour later I was done!
God Speeds in Trucks!
Rick

[Barnfind46]

These are the things that make restoring old trucks such a pain. In the 90's I would just look for used oem parts but now even the parts truck I bought has poor quality replacement parts here and there. Guess I should just be happy I can still do this and parts are available.

[gmc684x4]

The one thing I am happy about is far more available parts today for my 68 gmc then was available in 1990
All except nos parts they keep getting less each year

[Boog]

There is an awful lot to be said for NEW metal. Even if it needs a bit of tweaking. No rust no rust no rust!

[Davidf]

Originally Posted by Accelo

Working on what I figured was a 5 min project. Bolting a stock inner fender support to the inner fender. You know the one that spans the gap in the inner fender where the steering column goes through.
I could get the back too bolts in and the one furthest forward almost would go. The second one back was not even close. Not only was the bolt hole not spaced correctly it was too far in for the brace to fit flat, as in the holes were not punched in a straight line. So, I elongated all the bolt holes so I had a chance of getting the bolt in and the washer covering the hole. After that I could get the front bolt in, some progress. Then I started slotting the second hole from the front. I wanted to slot as little as possible as the brace would be getting thin. Well, it worked. Bolt hole was covered by the washer but just barely. Pictured in the last photo.

Test fit every piece! I had already powder coated the brace, thinking what could go wrong. An hour later I was done!
God Speeds in Trucks!
Rick

My experience was the same

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by Boog

There is an awful lot to be said for NEW metal. Even if it needs a bit of tweaking. No rust no rust no rust!

Well Said.









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[RustyPile]

When I put the front end back on my truck I started those 4 bolts before I started any of the others.. A couple of the bolts on the fender didn't exactly line up.. A drift inserted in an adjacent bolt hole was used to get those started.. After all the bolts were started, including the one in the body brace and the 3 in the core support, I tightened all of them..

[Accelo]

I agree that new is good and more parts are available now than were 10 years ago. For that I am grateful. However, it is not any more difficult to make a good part than a bad one. I thought it was a good suggestion about putting the brace on first. However, I couldn't get that bolt in if it was the only one I started.
Well it would start but the brace wouldn't set flat as it was so far inboard the angle, where it drops below the inner fender, would set on top instead of over the edge like factory.
Happy days, it's in and no one knows but me and 500 board members. LOL.
Thanks and take care.

Rick

[palallin]

What value is there in No Rust if one has to damage (and thereby initiate rust formation) in order to install the part?

[Getter-Done]

Proper prep work of modifications ,
May require removal and installation ,
Several times ,
This:
Will be a Positive thing









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[Bigdav160]

I think they make a tool for that