'57 Ford Fender Interchange

[Motorhead6]

I am working on a '57 Ford. Someone told me yesterday that the Fairlane 500 fenders are 2" longer than the Custom fenders and that the hood is longer. I know the wheelbase is 2" longer and that the frame, doors and quarter panels are longer, but can anyone tell me if the fenders and hood are different also.

Thanks.

[Herman Munster]

My parts book shows the same part number for all the cars.

[Motorhead6]

One would tend to think there are different part numbers because some have holes for the trim. Indeed, there are those with one row of holes for the Custom and those with two rows of holes as in the case of the Fairlane 500. Would these not have different part numbers? What about the hood?

[Frankenstein57]

I believe the front ends are interchangable, the difference is from the door back, Mark

[scicala]

Originally Posted by Motorhead6

One would tend to think there are different part numbers because some have holes for the trim. Indeed, there are those with one row of holes for the Custom and those with two rows of holes as in the case of the Fairlane 500. Would these not have different part numbers? What about the hood?

I'm pretty sure that service fenders over the Ford parts counter back then came for the base models or with no holes. I bought two for my '55 Mercury Montclair from a ford dealer back in 1966 and they came with no holes for any trim at all. Had to drill them all. Makes sense to me for limited inventory at dealers.

[Herman Munster]

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The parts book indicated that holes would needed to be drilled for the various trims.

[raceron1120]

Originally Posted by scicala

I'm pretty sure that service fenders over the Ford parts counter back then came for the base models or with no holes. I bought two for my '55 Mercury Montclair from a ford dealer back in 1966 and they came with no holes for any trim at all. Had to drill them all. Makes sense to me for limited inventory at dealers.

Originally Posted by Herman Munster

The parts book indicated that holes would needed to be drilled for the various trims.

That is correct. After a vehicle went out of production for a particular model year some of the almost-same service parts were provided for multi-application. Some might even have came with a variety of attaching parts to fit different applications; use what fits and dispose of the leftovers.

[Motorhead6]

Thanks to all who responded. This makes perfect sense. As usual, The Ford Barn community are very knowledgeable.

This is great news to me since I have invested about 2 months repairing and blocking the hood and fenders that I have. When the guy told me they wouldn't fit the Ranchero, my supper was starting to not sit too well!!