28's or 29's with side mounts question.

sidevalve

sidevalve

Senior Member
I am building a 1929 Sport Coupe. This basket case came with front fenders with the wheel wells in them. I installed the fenders, aprons, and running boards on the car last weekend. This weekend we put the body on the car to check fit everything. I put one of the doors on the body and a wheel in the fender, then I realized the door only opens about half way. :eek:

This is not going to work!:confused:

My question is, is this something that cant be done with 28 or 29 cars because of the different fenders and the 21" wheels?
Or, did whoever cut the wheel wells in maybe install them in the wrong area?

I know the 29 sport coupe would have a rear mounted spare from the factory and I have another set of fenders I can put on the car but thought I would ask if anyone else ever experienced this.
 
The tire in the wheel well definetely inhibits how far the door opens. If you take the wheel off will door open enough for you to get in?? Depending on how big you are any A may pose a problem. Others will chime in I'm sure.
Paul in CT
 
With the wheel off, the door definitely opens as it should. I'm under 200 pounds so size is not the problem. I know that the side mount will not allow the door to open all the way on any car but this isn't even close.
 
Wonder if this was a factory option and if Ford offered a shorter check strap to prevent the denting of doors on the side mounted tire? You could put a large dimple in the door as seen on the 30-31 One Ton trucks.
 
I doubt the door opens even 45 degrees with a side spare in '28-29. When I was in my late 20's I used to get in my friend's '28 Phaeton without much thought. 20 years later another buddy got a '29 Open cab and I had to struggle to get in and out! That was ten years ago and I'm still 6' tall and about 175 lb. With that said, a closed model is a little easier. The door opens about the same angle but the door and opening is wider on the closed models.

I doubt there is a problem with your fenders but if you have a pair of the proper short door check straps you can install one and verify the results. Be aware that if you have Firestone tires the door may touch it even with the strap in place.
 
Even if you place the side mount as far forward as possible, you will only end up with about an 18" door opening.

If you use the side mount, be sure and use a door strap that will not stretch and allow the door to bump the tire as it will dent the door. I used a heavy leather strap, it has worked very well.
 
Ed said:
I have a 29 CCPU with the spare tire in the driver side front fender. I am 5' 9" and about 200 pounds. I have no problem getting in and out of my truck.
Click to expand...

I should have mentioned that we do have a tendency to adapt. What seem like awkward motions or contortions will change with time to feel natural. That is assuming it isn't too extreme and you actually use the car.

It's also worth noting that you can't even test how it will work for you without seat cushions and floor boards in place.
 
I have decided not to go with the side mounts. I hate to give these fenders up though. They are in really good shape.
Has any one ever patched in the wells?
Do any of the vendors sell patches for this area?
They would be curved and humped, they look like that shape would be hard to form for the average backyard mechanic.
 
I would think it would be better for you and another guy to trade your fender with well for a good plain fender. It would save both of you a lot of work and money.
 
I can trade a right front fender without a wheel well for yours. Mine is in excellent condition and I'm in North Jersey (Kearny)
 
Only a thought but, if the wheel well was on the drivers side, won't it be easier to get in the passenger side and just slide across.... or visa versa....
 
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