54 chevy truck fitting front fenders - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**hogfarm** · 08-07-2016, 07:28 AM

I need some help adjusting front fenders,I can shim the fenders to get the correct gap to make them wide enough.But can't firure out how to raise them.

**hogfarm** · 08-07-2016, 08:52 AM

picture

dwcsr · 08-07-2016, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogfarm

picture

what does the hood look like at the cowl

MARTINSR · 08-07-2016, 11:16 AM

This one shot isn't going to help much, we need photos with the fit of the entire front end.

Hood to cowl, really makes a difference to understand what we are seeing here.

But at first glance here it looks like the front end is too high, the rad support is too high. See how the hood is hitting the grille at the very front? How can you raise the fenders with out raising that too, you can't.

This is why you must trial fit everything before painting.

Brian

**hogfarm** · 08-07-2016, 12:32 PM

A couple more picturesQUOTE=MARTINSR;7676184]This one shot isn't going to help much, we need photos with the fit of the entire front end.

Hood to cowl, really makes a difference to understand what we are seeing here.

But at first glance here it looks like the front end is too high, the rad support is too high. See how the hood is hitting the grille at the very front? How can you raise the fenders with out raising that too, you can't.

This is why you must trial fit everything before painting.

Brian[/QUOTE]
Posted via Mobile Device

**hogfarm** · 08-07-2016, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogfarm

A couple more picturesQUOTE=MARTINSR;7676184]This one shot isn't going to help much, we need photos with the fit of the entire front end.

Hood to cowl, really makes a difference to understand what we are seeing here.

But at first glance here it looks like the front end is too high, the rad support is too high. See how the hood is hitting the grille at the very front? How can you raise the fenders with out raising that too, you can't.

This is why you must trial fit everything before painting.

Brian

Posted via Mobile Device[/QUOTE]
Posted via Mobile Device

**hogfarm** · 08-07-2016, 12:38 PM

Things did fit before. painter took front end off and gave it back to me in pieces with no pictures

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogfarm

Posted via Mobile Device

Posted via Mobile Device[/QUOTE]
Posted via Mobile Device

MARTINSR · 08-07-2016, 12:47 PM

How about how the hood fits the cowl, you still haven't shown us that. Side view where the fender meets the cowl and at the top up by the vent, it is high there, is the gap closed up, these are all needed to help you.

Brian

MARTINSR · 08-07-2016, 12:52 PM

Get level with the grille to show how high the hood is compared to the grille, get level with the top of the cowl to see how high hood is with the cowl.

Level with the fender to show how the hood fits with the fender and cowl.

Brian

MARTINSR · 08-07-2016, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogfarm

A couple more picturesQUOTE=MARTINSR;7676184]This one shot isn't going to help much, we need photos with the fit of the entire front end.

Hood to cowl, really makes a difference to understand what we are seeing here.

But at first glance here it looks like the front end is too high, the rad support is too high. See how the hood is hitting the grille at the very front? How can you raise the fenders with out raising that too, you can't.

This is why you must trial fit everything before painting.

Brian

Posted via Mobile Device[/QUOTE]

That photo looks like the fenders are in too close together. But it could also be that the whole front, rad support fender assy is too far back. Being the hood and opening at a triangle shape if the hood is too far forward or the fenders are too far back, the "hole" the hood sits in gets closed up, get it?

Brian

**hogfarm** · 08-07-2016, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

Get level with the grille to show how high the hood is compared to the grille, get level with the top of the cowl to see how high hood is with the cowl.

Level with the fender to show how the hood fits with the fender and cowl.

Brian

Posted via Mobile Device

**hogfarm** · 08-07-2016, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogfarm

Posted via Mobile Device

**hogfarm** · 08-07-2016, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogfarm

Posted via Mobile Device

MARTINSR · 08-07-2016, 01:05 PM

See how moving the triangle forward closes the gap?

And moving it back opens the gap?

These fenders don't have much movement at all going out away from the hood, the way they bolt to the rad support and aprons doesn't allow for that. But moving them forward away from the cowl that gap grows.

Brian

MARTINSR · 08-07-2016, 01:07 PM

With the large gap at the back of the hood it looks like moving the hood back will help you quite a bit. But it will close up the gap more at the front of the fenders. It really looks like the fenders are high in the front, maybe too far forward too?

How is the rad support mounted to the frame? Is it stock or does it have a clip or different frame under it?

Brian

dwcsr · 08-07-2016, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogfarm

Posted via Mobile Device

close up this gap. your hood is in the correct position (level) because the gap is even top to bottom, it just need to go back so you have 1/8 gap. it will not hit the cowl when opening. then move the clip forward. you may need to shim up the front mount. it should all look ok then,

**hogfarm** · 08-07-2016, 01:10 PM

[triangle? QUOTE=dwcsr;7676287]close up this gap. your hood is in the correct position (level) because the gap is even top to bottom, it just need to go back so you have 1/8 gap. it will not hit the cowl when opening. then move the clip forward. you may need to shim up the front mount.[/QUOTE]
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MARTINSR · 08-07-2016, 01:10 PM

The holes in the cab and fenders are HUGE to allow for movement. If the fenders are all the way back at that point, that could be a big reason. It's so hard without seeing with our own eyes moving around getting a look at the whole thing.

But I am thinking that darn rad support is too high.

Brian

MARTINSR · 08-07-2016, 01:12 PM

Are these reproduction parts? You said the parts were trail fit, was the grille mounted at the time? Damn it is looking like more than a simple "fit" issue.

I am not awake yet apparently.

Let's clarify, are they repro parts, is the rad support original, is it mounted as original on the original frame?

Brian

**hogfarm** · 08-07-2016, 01:17 PM

Thanks. I will give it a try

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

See how moving the triangle forward closes the gap?

And moving it back opens the gap?

These fenders don't have much movement at all going out away from the hood, the way they bolt to the rad support and aprons doesn't allow for that. But moving them forward away from the cowl that gap grows.

Brian

Posted via Mobile Device

MARTINSR · 08-07-2016, 01:20 PM

I am thinking about this too much....geeez
Yes, move the hood back and the gap along the sides will open.

The problem is, if the fenders are too high then the hood will hit the grille before this can happen.

Or of course if the grille hood or fenders are reproduction then all bets are off. All it takes is a tiny bit difference with the shape of the hood and it throws everything out of whack big time.

Brian

**hogfarm** · 08-07-2016, 01:23 PM

There is a 1/2" plate of steel under the radiator support. Was there before painting. It will be easy to remove

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

I am thinking about this too much....geeez
Yes, move the hood back and the gap along the sides will open.

The problem is, if the fenders are too high then the hood will hit the grille before this can happen.

Brian

Posted via Mobile Device

MARTINSR · 08-07-2016, 01:34 PM

It sure seems like that would be a problem, but the hood going down in the front and moving it back will screw up the gap at the back.

The more I look at this it seems the upper grille bar is high in the middle.

Geez, I need to shut up and let the other guys throw some stuff out there.

I know one thing, sometimes panel fitting is a "dance" and trying to get all of it perfect is impossible, often you have to get an "ok" fit on one panel to get the "ok" fit on another which is a heck of a lot better than a perfect fit on one panel and a horrible fit on another.

Moving the hood back and up a hair on the back, lowering the rad support too may be needed to get an "ok" fit everywhere. But I think if that happens the hood is going to hit the grille.

This is why I am a big believer in jambing, assembling and painting together when being done at home for the typical guy. What you are doing is difficult for the experienced guy let alone if it's not your thing.

Brian

**hogfarm** · 08-07-2016, 01:37 PM

[oem partsQUOTE=MARTINSR;7676295]Are these reproduction parts? You said the parts were trail fit, was the grille mounted at the time? Damn it is looking like more than a simple "fit" issue.

I am not awake yet apparently.

Let's clarify, are they repro parts, is the rad support original, is it mounted as original on the original frame?

Brian[/QUOTE]
Posted via Mobile Device

**mr48chev** · 08-07-2016, 02:48 PM

This is out of the 48 service manual but the hood adjustment should be the same.

08-07-2016, 07:28 AM	#1
hogfarm Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Appleton Washington Posts: 592	54 chevy truck fitting front fenders I need some help adjusting front fenders,I can shim the fenders to get the correct gap to make them wide enough.But can't firure out how to raise them.

08-07-2016, 08:52 AM	#2
hogfarm Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Appleton Washington Posts: 592	Re: 54 chevy truck fitting front fenders picture Attached Images

08-07-2016, 11:16 AM	#4
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: 54 chevy truck fitting front fenders This one shot isn't going to help much, we need photos with the fit of the entire front end. Hood to cowl, really makes a difference to understand what we are seeing here. But at first glance here it looks like the front end is too high, the rad support is too high. See how the hood is hitting the grille at the very front? How can you raise the fenders with out raising that too, you can't. This is why you must trial fit everything before painting. Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

08-07-2016, 12:32 PM	#5
hogfarm Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Appleton Washington Posts: 592	A couple more picturesQUOTE=MARTINSR;7676184]This one shot isn't going to help much, we need photos with the fit of the entire front end. Hood to cowl, really makes a difference to understand what we are seeing here. But at first glance here it looks like the front end is too high, the rad support is too high. See how the hood is hitting the grille at the very front? How can you raise the fenders with out raising that too, you can't. This is why you must trial fit everything before painting. Brian[/QUOTE] Posted via Mobile Device Attached Images

08-07-2016, 12:47 PM	#8
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: 54 chevy truck fitting front fenders How about how the hood fits the cowl, you still haven't shown us that. Side view where the fender meets the cowl and at the top up by the vent, it is high there, is the gap closed up, these are all needed to help you. Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

08-07-2016, 12:52 PM	#9
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: 54 chevy truck fitting front fenders Get level with the grille to show how high the hood is compared to the grille, get level with the top of the cowl to see how high hood is with the cowl. Level with the fender to show how the hood fits with the fender and cowl. Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

08-07-2016, 01:05 PM	#14
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: 54 chevy truck fitting front fenders See how moving the triangle forward closes the gap? And moving it back opens the gap? These fenders don't have much movement at all going out away from the hood, the way they bolt to the rad support and aprons doesn't allow for that. But moving them forward away from the cowl that gap grows. Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

08-07-2016, 01:07 PM	#15
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: 54 chevy truck fitting front fenders With the large gap at the back of the hood it looks like moving the hood back will help you quite a bit. But it will close up the gap more at the front of the fenders. It really looks like the fenders are high in the front, maybe too far forward too? How is the rad support mounted to the frame? Is it stock or does it have a clip or different frame under it? Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

08-07-2016, 01:10 PM	#17
hogfarm Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Appleton Washington Posts: 592	[triangle? QUOTE=dwcsr;7676287]close up this gap. your hood is in the correct position (level) because the gap is even top to bottom, it just need to go back so you have 1/8 gap. it will not hit the cowl when opening. then move the clip forward. you may need to shim up the front mount.[/QUOTE] Posted via Mobile Device

08-07-2016, 01:12 PM	#19
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: 54 chevy truck fitting front fenders Are these reproduction parts? You said the parts were trail fit, was the grille mounted at the time? Damn it is looking like more than a simple "fit" issue. I am not awake yet apparently. Let's clarify, are they repro parts, is the rad support original, is it mounted as original on the original frame? Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings" Last edited by MARTINSR; 08-07-2016 at 01:19 PM.

08-07-2016, 01:20 PM	#21
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: 54 chevy truck fitting front fenders I am thinking about this too much....geeez Yes, move the hood back and the gap along the sides will open. The problem is, if the fenders are too high then the hood will hit the grille before this can happen. Or of course if the grille hood or fenders are reproduction then all bets are off. All it takes is a tiny bit difference with the shape of the hood and it throws everything out of whack big time. Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

08-07-2016, 01:34 PM	#23
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: 54 chevy truck fitting front fenders It sure seems like that would be a problem, but the hood going down in the front and moving it back will screw up the gap at the back. The more I look at this it seems the upper grille bar is high in the middle. Geez, I need to shut up and let the other guys throw some stuff out there. I know one thing, sometimes panel fitting is a "dance" and trying to get all of it perfect is impossible, often you have to get an "ok" fit on one panel to get the "ok" fit on another which is a heck of a lot better than a perfect fit on one panel and a horrible fit on another. Moving the hood back and up a hair on the back, lowering the rad support too may be needed to get an "ok" fit everywhere. But I think if that happens the hood is going to hit the grille. This is why I am a big believer in jambing, assembling and painting together when being done at home for the typical guy. What you are doing is difficult for the experienced guy let alone if it's not your thing. Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

08-07-2016, 01:37 PM	#24
hogfarm Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Appleton Washington Posts: 592	[oem partsQUOTE=MARTINSR;7676295]Are these reproduction parts? You said the parts were trail fit, was the grille mounted at the time? Damn it is looking like more than a simple "fit" issue. I am not awake yet apparently. Let's clarify, are they repro parts, is the rad support original, is it mounted as original on the original frame? Brian[/QUOTE] Posted via Mobile Device

08-07-2016, 02:48 PM	#25
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,718	Re: 54 chevy truck fitting front fenders This is out of the 48 service manual but the hood adjustment should be the same. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.



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