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Swapping fenders...not so good today - UPDATED

R

RJB44

1/2 ton status
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Well I thought I take advantage of the nice weather today and go ahead swap out my two front fenders. Started on the left side first and had pretty much no issues removing both the wheel well and the fender, however, I couldn't get the replacement fender to align worth crap. I tried using all the shims that fell out when I took the old one off, but to no avail. gap issues, hood and door alignment issues. Talk about a PITA. I finally decided to just bolt it on enough so I can get it to the body shop. I am going just have the guys who are doing my other rust repair and paint work figure out the the alignment. Unfortunately I am going have to pay more now for my shop work. I was hoping to save a little by getting everything bolted on.

Picture 063.jpg
 
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yea probably the best bet is take it to the shop.. I had mine done there too and they told me the key was to make sure the doors are aligned properly and then align the fenders to the door. Making sure the gap is consistent b/w the door and fender and then making sure the body lines are as close as can be to lining up. It won't be perfect with aftermarket fenders. I have a GM on the passenger side and an aftermarket on the driver's side. Lines up ok, but between the hood and fender, the gap gets wider towards the front.
 
is it just me or is your driver door off a bit ?

looks like its saging on the back of the door to the body or you dont have it shut all the way.

and aftermarket do fit kind of junky.

like said you need to square and set the doors to the cab/body first. then fenders . and then hood.

and you will never get the same shims in same place to any body panel swap i have ever done. there will more or less needed. you can get the extra shims and finish your self from local paint/body supply shop or go junk yard huntin.
 
Where you going to get the after market fender painted? I have some fenders and was told $500 just for painting. Yikes $$
 
Body work completed on my 1991 - Photos

[FONT=&quot]Had some body work recently completed to address problem rust areas. Work included: [/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Replace both front fenders[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Replace driver's side wheel well
    [/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Replace both inner/outer door rockers[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Replace both lower rear panels[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Replace driver's side wheel arch panel[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Repaint both two-tone colors on both sides[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]New pin stripping both sides[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]New side moldings both sides[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I will be putting on new molding emblems and wheel arch moldings this weekend.[/FONT]

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looks good.. where you happy with the body shops work?
 
What did it end up costing you for that work? I'm getting ready to take my truck in this spring/summer for full repaint and a little rust fix on the body. I'm curious to know what painting a full vehicle goes for now.
 
I was very happy with the work the shop did. The only drawback was that they had the truck longer than I expected (over three months). I know they were short staff the last few months, coupled with the holidays. They do specialize more in custom work rather than the typical collision work, and it was obvious they paid more attention to detail.
 
I did not get the entire truck painted, just the sides. The rust repair labor and paint work cost me $1996.00. I provided all parts except the pinstripe and paint supplies. I think they discounted me some because of the extended time they had the truck. I'm sure the work I had done, at this quality, would have been probably between $2500- 3000 elsewhere. I dealt directly with the shop owner, which probably helped with the final price. Even for a high end body shop, the hardest part was getting the (after market) fenders properly aligned. They did a super job.
 
That is a ton of money! But it sure goes look worth it! Feel free to post more pics of your truck...
 
more than reasonable price imo... bodywork is exceptionally labor intensive... think about it, i get $95 an hr at my job... 15 hr's and another 4, $500 in materials... i'd bet the farm they had double that in labor at least...
 
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