How to tell if fender is original??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

J.Cagle · 07-14-2011, 05:58 AM

Found a '65 yesterday that appears to have original rust free front fenders. They dont seem to have any rust starting or anything. They seem alot heavier gauge than aftermarket panels as well. How can I tell if they actually are originals or not?

**PGSigns** · 07-14-2011, 07:54 AM

How is the fit? if it is real good then may be original or factory replacements.
Jimmy

jonzcustomshop · 07-14-2011, 08:49 AM

I bet the repros don't have the little stamping part #.
I think it is in the top middle where they bolt to the inner fender
pretty sure most of my originals have a # stamped there...

LT1 Burb · 07-14-2011, 09:18 AM

Up on the top of the fender near the bolt holes there will be a little stamping like "65", close to where it meets the inner fender. All my trucks are stamped there, it is like a date code.

oem4me · 07-14-2011, 11:20 AM

They are not original. I'm pretty sure fenders came from the factory with rust holes already in them

Yep, look for the stamp.

J.Cagle · 07-14-2011, 10:34 PM

I was really sceptical at first but the fitment on them is reeeeally good. Thats what got me to really wondering. The back side where they usually rust isnt even rough or pitted, and it is evident that no one has used a patch panel or got creative with fiberglass. I will be making a trip back to look at it again asap now! Its a complete truck for $1000. The fenders alone are worth that to me if they are indeed original!!

64fleetside · 07-15-2011, 09:32 AM

You could still buy GM fenders new up until the early 90s or so. Mine has one on it that PO bought about 1991 from the Chevy dealer-I still have the receipt somewhere.

Most of the time OE fenders will have some undercoating on the back side, the replacements do not.

J.Cagle · 07-15-2011, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 64fleetside

You could still buy GM fenders new up until the early 90s or so. Mine has one on it that PO bought about 1991 from the Chevy dealer-I still have the receipt somewhere.

Most of the time OE fenders will have some undercoating on the back side, the replacements do not.

Yeah, I know a guy local here that has been a 60-64 chevy guy forever. In the early 90's his brother worked at the chevy dealer and knew ahead of time they were gonna disscontinue them along with other parts. He has a HUGE stock pile of oem brand new body panels in his attic. What I wouldn't give to have access to them

**yelmer** · 07-15-2011, 07:31 PM

i believe the aftermarket fenders use a corse bolt at the bottom the original uses a fine thread bolt that is what i found in dealing with these fenders

collins10672 · 07-16-2011, 03:05 AM

also most of the aftermarket fenders i have seen have a gap at the top front of the headlight eyebrow section next to where the fender sets flush to the grill panel.looks aweful too me.

tooslo60 · 07-16-2011, 06:35 AM

I just met this guy who dismantled a whole bunch of these trucks in the 80's and has a massive stock of parts,mint fenders core supports doors ...ect... ect... all for decent prices

oem4me · 07-16-2011, 02:18 PM

Here is what the stamp looks like on my 65 Suburban.

07-14-2011, 05:58 AM	#1
J.Cagle Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Dennis Kansas Posts: 335	How to tell if fender is original??? Found a '65 yesterday that appears to have original rust free front fenders. They dont seem to have any rust starting or anything. They seem alot heavier gauge than aftermarket panels as well. How can I tell if they actually are originals or not?

07-14-2011, 07:54 AM	#2
PGSigns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Hayes Va Posts: 4,569	Re: How to tell if fender is original??? How is the fit? if it is real good then may be original or factory replacements. Jimmy __________________ 60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131 Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need? 1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver 1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home 1965 Suburban 2003 3500 Duramax 2005 Ultra Classic

07-14-2011, 08:49 AM	#3
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: How to tell if fender is original??? I bet the repros don't have the little stamping part #. I think it is in the top middle where they bolt to the inner fender pretty sure most of my originals have a # stamped there... __________________ 60 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280904 61 crew build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646830 63 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=336537 64 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=448681 65 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590715 65 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=281955

07-14-2011, 09:18 AM	#4
LT1 Burb Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Winchester Oregon, formerly Vancouver BC Posts: 2,949	Re: How to tell if fender is original??? Up on the top of the fender near the bolt holes there will be a little stamping like "65", close to where it meets the inner fender. All my trucks are stamped there, it is like a date code.

07-14-2011, 11:20 AM	#5
oem4me Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 3,055	Re: How to tell if fender is original??? They are not original. I'm pretty sure fenders came from the factory with rust holes already in them Yep, look for the stamp. Last edited by oem4me; 07-14-2011 at 07:30 PM.

07-14-2011, 10:34 PM	#6
J.Cagle Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Dennis Kansas Posts: 335	Re: How to tell if fender is original??? I was really sceptical at first but the fitment on them is reeeeally good. Thats what got me to really wondering. The back side where they usually rust isnt even rough or pitted, and it is evident that no one has used a patch panel or got creative with fiberglass. I will be making a trip back to look at it again asap now! Its a complete truck for $1000. The fenders alone are worth that to me if they are indeed original!!

07-15-2011, 09:32 AM	#7
64fleetside Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: arkieland Posts: 1,070	Re: How to tell if fender is original??? You could still buy GM fenders new up until the early 90s or so. Mine has one on it that PO bought about 1991 from the Chevy dealer-I still have the receipt somewhere. Most of the time OE fenders will have some undercoating on the back side, the replacements do not.

07-15-2011, 07:31 PM	#9
yelmer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: greeley colorado Posts: 1,360	Re: How to tell if fender is original??? i believe the aftermarket fenders use a corse bolt at the bottom the original uses a fine thread bolt that is what i found in dealing with these fenders

07-16-2011, 03:05 AM	#10
collins10672 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: bean station tennessee Posts: 398	Re: How to tell if fender is original??? also most of the aftermarket fenders i have seen have a gap at the top front of the headlight eyebrow section next to where the fender sets flush to the grill panel.looks aweful too me.

07-16-2011, 06:35 AM	#11
tooslo60 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Longview WA Posts: 141	Re: How to tell if fender is original??? I just met this guy who dismantled a whole bunch of these trucks in the 80's and has a massive stock of parts,mint fenders core supports doors ...ect... ect... all for decent prices

07-16-2011, 02:18 PM	#12
oem4me Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 3,055	Re: How to tell if fender is original??? Here is what the stamp looks like on my 65 Suburban. Attached Images



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.