Photo 14-1a thru 14-1e) Photos show right side front
fender work. I used my portable frame-machine to help me correct the shape of
the fender. Last photo shows the fender brace which I removed prior to doing the
work. I will reinstall the brace once the fender is correctly shaped.
Photo 14-2a thru 13-2b) More reshaping work on right front fender.
Photos 43-3a thru 14-3d) Photos show measuring as an aid to achieve correct fender shape. Note: The fender was visibly out of shape and the measurements helped me to understand what needed to be done. The measurements were way off at first but were either exact or within one sixteenth of an inch when I finished. Note: The first photo shows a measurement not for the fender but rather, between frame and front axle to make sure both sides are the same before taking other measurements. This measurement was exact from the start on both sides, and that is good as it means the axle is true (the spring shackles currently have wooden substitutes in them but the substitutes are exactly equal in dimension so we are good on that).
Photo 14-4a thru 14-4e) Photos show use of a large straight edge as an aid to get the fender in the right shape. Note the white arrow in first photo. I put that arrow in the photo to show that the front edge of the fender from the center line to the inside seam indicated by the arrow is not stamped exactly the same as the left fender. It is more straight whereas the left fender is more curved. The left fender has the better form. It is tempting for me to correct this by slicing the fender and rewelding it. However, I am a perfectionist-nut and unless you tell me to change the right fender so that it is identical to the left one, I will leave it as is. The bubble level on the straight edge was helpful but the tape measure was the real deal. As said, the fender was way off but when finished the measurements were exact side to side. Getting this shape right not only makes the fender look much better when viewed, it also helps at the back of the fender where it must fit to the running board and the splash apron, although there is still a lot of work to do back there.
Photo 14-5a thru 14-5e) Photos show headlight
bar installed. The second photo is a good example of why all parts must be fit
before paint work is done. If this gap is not corrected now, then it will crack
the paint when the gap is drawn together. This is also an example of why I
never do chrome work until after all the parts have been fitted to the car. The
third photo is also an example of why I never chrome parts until after they
have been fitted. This fit may need to be expanded, meaning the bar will need
to be retracted some from its receptacle, and it might be scratched as a result.
This is why whenever someone brought me an automobile to restore with the chrome
work already done, I refused to take the job. The fitting work must come first.
Otherwise its out of sequence and it causes a lot of unnecessary problems. Sorry
to say this, but parts may need to be re-chromed. Hopefully not but no guarantees.
I know the previous shop used lots of tape layers on the chrome parts but that
is a waste of time. Hours spent taping parts, and usually for nothing. Anyway, as
long as you’re on board with this, I will continue with the work.
Photo 14-6a thru
14-6b) I took these two
photos to show the importance of having proper fit. This is only a small gap, but
I can guarantee that if not corrected before painting, then it would create a real
chance of paint cracking a few years down the road because of the stress on the
fender when bolts are used to draw it into place. This is only small example but
it is a good one. This will be corrected so that when fender is held up to the
frame for mounting, there is no gap, and bolt holes line up perfectly.
NOTE: If I can relate why I’m doing this work to get the
panels exact from side to side, its because it makes a real difference to the
eye. The observer might not notice it until they see what it could and should be,
and then the difference becomes obvious to them (like a house that’s out of square
may not be noticed until the observer sees an identical house that is square
and they realize how much better it looks).
THANK YOU, JERRY!
