77 Rear fender marker light fit problem !!

[77chevystepside]

I bought aftermarket fenders for my 77 stepside in 06 and just got the truck together this summer. Had the truck painted in pieces and later ordered the side marker lights. The lights do not fit in flush. Is this a common problem or are there lights from another year that fit better? A guy at a car show yesterday with a 75 said he had the same problem and before he painted his fenders he augered out the fender holes. Goodmark fenders and not blaming them but why aren't these lights fitting?  I really don't want to grind out the holes and/or grind down the lights. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions?

[VileZambonie]

how bout a few pics?

[77chevystepside]

As you can see in the photos, lights stick out at least 1/4 go 3/8 inch more than they should. More photos in photobucket and picasa links.

[Captkaos]

They didn't fit any better brand new on GM fenders if that makes you feel any better.  If you want the flush, you are going to have to modify them, Factory they weren't flush.

[77chevystepside]

The more I talk to people at car shows and around the internet, the more I have come to realize that GM really did produce some extremely ill fitting bodies on these trucks. I was upset that my aftermarket front fenders did not fit well with the cab but everyone says they look better than factory. C'mon.

I think I will tell folks I restored this truck to "factory new" condition and just explain that crooked and ill fitting was the standard in 77. LOL

[Captkaos]

Pretty much standard for 73-87, the later ones are a little better, but....
fit and finish came on the 88-98 series.

[choptop]

I think I will tell folks I restored this truck to "factory new" condition and just explain that crooked and ill fitting was the standard in 77. LOL

Well, at least you can go to bed at night and rest easy knowing you didnt lie to anyone, lol

[77chevystepside]

Yes, now that will be my standard story and I am stickin' to it. Heading to a show this weekend and will have great weather-mid 80's. I always hope there are mid 70's Chevy trucks in shows so I can see how they fit and can bs with the owners about this issue.