Do the fenders support anything?

[team39763]

I was wondering if the front fenders support anything.  In other words, would I lose any structural rigidity if I installed some cheap/thin fiberglass ones?  I've committed to making this a drag strip only truck, so I'm getting rid of weight wherever I can afford it.  A buddy of mine says he can make me some really thin fiberglass fenders or we can do what he said he tried on his blazer.  He said he skinned the fenders - I'm assuming he means that he cut away the inner bracing of the fender leaving only the outer skin and mounting points.  Anyway, I was just wondering if I could get away with flimsy pieces for fenders.  Let me know what ya'll think.

I'll see if I can get pictures of his past work or atleast his blazer's fenders.

[VileZambonie]

You can do it but if you want it to look good still I'd put some extra thought into it.

[HAULIN IT]

Team, I would leave "the lip" around the perimeter... On top where the hood bumpers go, I would cut just below that lip, around the back leaving the double panel down the door jamb area & wheel lip, leaving a few inches on the bottom for the rocker bolt. At the front, depending on if your leaving the stock rad. support...draw that shape with a marker & cut along it, if your taking the stock one out... maybe leave the top only & the related area where it bolts on the fenders. You will have left a pound or Two doing it this way, but the job will be easier to do & will maintain much of the strength. Have Fun & weigh the parts once removed, it may not be as much as you hope it is Lorne

[team39763]

I don't think I want to cut into the stock ones, it doesn't look like there's much weight to be cut from there.  I think I'll just go with the fiberglass ones.  I took out about 5 pounds worth of metal/bracing from one door, but I doubt I could get that much from the fenders. 

[eventhorizon66]

You could always go with a one-piece fiberglass front clip from US Body like Capt.

[team39763]

I wish I could afford that front-end right now, that would be cool.  I really like that blazer body though...that would be one really light blazer for racing.

[Captkaos]

Try these, they are cheap (with A LOT of emphasis on cheap) and they have fenders and hoods.  They are ok for a race car that the finish doesn't matter, just don't expect smooth panels.

http://www.up22.com/chevytruck.htm#1981%20-%2087%20Chevy%20Truck%20Race%20Weight%20Hoods

[team39763]

That's exactly what I was looking for.  I think I'll look into their raceweight hood and some fenders and a bumper.  I bet their shipping cost more than the parts alone.  Last time I called them for a scoop, the shipping was a bit much.