Inner Fenders

[ehjorten]

How are the quality of the replacement Inner Fenders compared to OEM?  I want to replace both of my inner fenders on my '77.  Also...is there a source for new bolts?  Specifically the 2 large bolts that go into the cab at the back of the inner fender.  One of mine snapped off when removing it.

[fitz]

I've bought Gm and Goodmark front inner fender wells.
I think the Goodmarks fit as well as the GM ones.

[Captkaos]

The aftermarket ones I sell have been fine.  There isn't alot to them.  As for the Bolt, I haven't had to replace one...

[ehjorten]

So I received my new inner fenders yesterday.  I think they are thinner gauge than the originals as they feel much lighter, but could be just the difference with undercoating, etc.

They match the original shape, contours and features of the old one pretty well except that they have a couple of square holes in them for carriage bolts that bolt down the jack rods, etc.  The '77 however did not have these holes!  Maybe I should fill them?!  Maybe there is a plastic plug that I can stick in them?!  They also do not have the hole for the heater hose clamp, but I can locate it off of the original and drill a hole.

Anyways...What do you guys recommend as far as finish?  They come with an EDP Primer which is pretty good, but need a top-coat.  I was thinking paint them GM Semi-flat black and then rhino line the underside?!  This is a 4x4.  Would you put some rubberized coating on the underside?

Just curious to what y'all think.

[jaredts]

Your choice of black paint and then undercoat the bottom.  That's my vote anyway.

[Don5]

Your choice of black paint and then undercoat the bottom.  That's my vote anyway.

^What he said.

[fitz]

  The bottom side of mine were painted with Zolatone textured coating. The top side was painted the body color.
   I was always told that the undercoating will crack and then trap water,  promoting rust. Maybe the undercoating has gotten better over the years and I'm just stuck in my ways.

[Blazin]

Sand them, spray them top, & bottom with SEM bedliner.

[ehjorten]

Test fit the fender this weekend.  The fender fit good.  One of the 7 outer fender bolt holes did not line-up and the bottom rear edge was tight against the outer fender, but other than that it fit pretty good.

I had to slot the one hole.  It was the first hole along the wheel arc, at the front.  The one just above where it is formed flat to attach to the radiator support.  Not super happy about it, but what are you gonna do?!  Had to drill the hole for the Heater Hose Clamp: This one -

Took the fender to a local body shop to have it top-coated.

Then I will probably spray the underside with SEM Rock-It Liner.

[Captkaos]

the inner fender bolts usually have a good amount of slot to them to prevent you from having to move them.  Was that not the case?

[VileZambonie]

I purchased all new body bolts on eBay from 1/4" - 3/8" Not may things are 1/4" but the 5/16" and 3/8" nice new bolts are great and very affordable.

Just search 3/8 or 5/16 body bolts.

[ehjorten]

the inner fender bolts usually have a good amount of slot to them to prevent you from having to move them.  Was that not the case?

No Capt.  It was too far off to work.  No where near the U-nut.

[ehjorten]

Closure of the deal...I got the fender back from the body shop yesterday.  All top-coated and ready to put in.

I put the new clips on the fender and installed the new hardware.  I then sprayed the underside with a can of 3M Rubberized Undercoating.  Looks great!  Probably won't stay that way as it is a working truck.

I will have to get a sealed battery though.  It seems that all batteries today leak much more at the vents than I remember them doing in the past.  The rigs that I have a sealed AGM battery in never get any corrosion!