46-48 front fenders

T

Topher5150

Senior Member
My 47 coupe came as a bit of a basket case. I took one of the front fenders apart to get it cleaned up and get some primer on it and I had to do everything short of using a big hammer to get it to fit into place. What sort of tips and tricks do you guys use to get everything to fit into place?
 
Hopefully IF you had it sandblasted they didn't warp the metal? With that said, I personally have never done a 46-48 YET but IF 32, 35's are any indication, you are best to "LOOSELY" mount as much of the fender and attaching bits to the car as you possibly can, THEN work from the front to the rear lining the grill pieces, radiator supports, front fender braces THEN working around the fender mounting bolts toward the rear part of the fender...making any fine adjustments/fitment issues as you work back!!
 
That's kind of what I was thinking, and of course, I did it all backward. I have to take the other fender off and clean so maybe I can try again.
 
It also helps to have some pins ( I have different diameter and length Taper Pins (as I sell them also)) that I use that helps sort of hold and align bolt holes while you put bolts or pins in other holes!!! Maybe you have a couple small punches, or use phillips screwdriver etc etc.
 
AGAIN, never worked with a 46-48 before SO don't have any experience with hood alignment, latching ETC ETC.
 
The hood latch pin location issue is very likely due to misalignment with the entire front clip. As rockfla suggested, first get the entire clip mounted - very loosely - and then start the alignment and tightening process. Patience is essential!

Once the hood is aligned with the pin, you may need to adjust the position vertically to minimize the gap between the top of the fenders and the bottom of the hood. Attached is a great write-up on the process. Again, patience is essential!
 

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