35 wheel spats (fender skirts)

[danliveshere]

Can somebody with 35 rear wheel spats please post some detailed pics please. Dan.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Never had any wheel spats on my cars but i have seen shoe spats and wore boot spats (I think that's what they called them) when I was in US Navy boot camp training

[Hoop]

Spats = Australian fender skirts

Spats = USN leggings

[danliveshere]

Thanks Hoop for clearing this up, yes rear fender skirts.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Well darn, I thought wheel spats may have been some type of sheet metal cover that goes over the openings in rocky mountain brake drums maybe something like we already have on the wire wheels but made of a thinner sheet metal material. I guess I was wearing leggings in US Navy boot/basic training and thought all this time they were spats. Too many similar words with different meanings in a common language

[ken ct]

Originally Posted by danliveshere

Thanks Hoop for clearing this up, yes rear fender skirts.

Dan they fit inside flush with the wheel opening and at the center of the skirt close to the top is a big chrome acorn nut which turns the latch to lock them on. Best i can describe,originals command big money,almost impossible to find. ken ct usa. How are you doing with those carbs.

[danliveshere]

Ken I haven't replaced the motor into the roadster as yet, but I better hurry up as our v8 nationals are on in June. I haven't been home since early Jan, so looking forward to getting home and getting into it.

[Gary Tosel]

Photos are 36 Ford skirts, not positive 35 is the same.

[TonyM]

Ford calls them "Wheel Covers" in their Accessories Catalog.

TM

[Don Rogers]

Tony, I believe that Ford reserved the term "wheel cover" to refer to the spare tire cover. I also believe that Ford did not sanction any fender skirts in 1935 or 1936 and that they did not appear in any Ford catalogues. There was a popular after market for them as a result.

Here is another after market supplier

[Brian]

I once had a set of 36 fender skirts and tried them against my 35 rear fenders; would not fit by a long shot. [which is a good thing in my opinion 'cause they're fugly!!]

[ken ct]

I was told yrs ago they were accually 37 skirts which by accident also fit the 36 fender opening not sure about the 35 opening.I dont know how true this story is. OMO. Somebody here should know the true story. I have a green accesorys for 36 catalouge and it dosent show them in it. ken ct. 25 yr owner of a 36 coupe.In any case there out of my price range as much as i like them. OMO

[TonyM]

Originally Posted by Don Rogers

Tony, I believe that Ford reserved the term "wheel cover" to refer to the spare tire cover. I also believe that Ford did not sanction any fender skirts in 1935 or 1936 and that they did not appear in any Ford catalogues. There was a popular after market for them as a result.

Here is another after market supplier

Don,

Thanks, I stand corrected on what they are called.

They do appear in the 1937 Ford Accessory Catalog; they are called "Rear Fender Shields"; Ford Part Number 78-18974.

TM

TM

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by Brian

I once had a set of 36 fender skirts and tried them against my 35 rear fenders; would not fit by a long shot. [which is a good thing in my opinion 'cause they're fugly!!]

I'm with you Brian. I would not put a set of Wheel Spats = Fender Skirts on any of my old cars unless I was driving it to a back to the 50's dress up party / bobby sock poodle dress hop and wanted to look period correct for that one single occasion . They would be back hanging on the garage wall early that very next morning I feel they destroy the natural good looks of the nice fender = mud guard lines on most early Ford V-8's. Plus they are no fun at all if or when you need to change a rear flat tire = tyre

[ken ct]

Thats what i thought too Tony.Possibly somebody figured out they also fit the 36 wheel opening so were used that way too.They would also have to be unmolested wheel openings to fit properly. OMO ken ct.

[danliveshere]

I guess I like the look of the skirts , to me it tidies up the lines. Probably have to make a set, that's why I'm asking for pics.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Dan, It's possible that two members here who own a '36 Phaeton with wheel spats/fender skirts may have or could take some pictures for you that would be helpful if you decide to make your own. Even if they are not the same as '35's they would be similar enough to maybe help you understand how they are made. I will pm/email them about this to see if they can help you. If i had a set I would sell them to you. If i happen to find a set this spring at the swaps I will keep you in mind.

[danliveshere]

Originally Posted by jm 35 sedan

dan, it's possible that two members here who own a '36 phaeton with wheel spats/fender skirts may have or could take some pictures for you that would be helpful if you decide to make your own. Even if they are not the same as '35's they would be similar enough to maybe help you understand how they are made. I will pm/email them about this to see if they can help you. If i had a set i would sell them to you. If i happen to find a set this spring at the swaps i will keep you in mind.

thanks john.

[Kerk]

ON MY 48 Merc. convertible I found out they will not keep the rear wheels on with a broken axile. !!! just my experience !

[charles in east texas]

In 53 they were called by Ford "fender shields". I have a pair in the original box.
Charles

[junk yard kid]

I have a set i thought would fit. Its only the bottom 6 inchs of the opening that is off. I was thinking of altering my wheel opeing to run them, but dont know if i really want to do that. There is also the fiberglass bubble skirts. When i bought them they didnt say they fit the 35 but fit the 36 - 40 or something. They fit fine and look good, most dont know there glass.

[Clem Clement]

I have a pair for my 39 peeekup. I think they look neato.
I tried driving with them on the peeekup to chase them womens away but no such luck(:>)

[Rusty Junk Ranch]

My name is Rockey , & I like fender skirts, & I am not ashamed! I put them on my phaeton.

[JM 35 Sedan]

OMG Rocky...that has to be THE most beautiful '35 Phaeton I have ever seen. Now I must say....those skirts = spats do look good on that car with the top down. You may have just changed my thinking on Spats.
Does anyone have two pairs of '35 Spats they may want to sell? One set for Dan and the other set....er, ah, for me to ah.....just to try a set to see how they may look on my car .

[48-710]

John, while you are at it, I would keep the spats in the boot = trunk and check the oil in the sump= oil pan which is under the bonnet=hood. To drain the sump,you may, have to use a shifter=adjustable wrench to remove the sump plug. I'm sure that a bright spark that lives on the big island will chime in with some more differences. Cheers, Gary

[JM 35 Sedan]

Yes Gary, there was once a post on all the car parts used in AU, NZ, UK, CAN and USA that have completely different names. The one I really liked from the UK was "I need a flashlight to check the gas = petrel tank for leaks. OK, I'll get you a torch" KABOOM! !

[danliveshere]

Rockey are your fender skirts glass or steel? I haven't seen this style before. Your phaeton's very nice, thanks for sharing. I want to have them on my roadster and eventually on my phaeton as well.

[Redneck]

I got skirts on my 39. Some people like them and others don't.

[danliveshere]

Redneck do you have closer pics of your fender skirts? Nice looking 39!!

[Rusty Junk Ranch]

Those skirts, spats, streamliners are steel. I dont know who made them. A guy waked into my shop out of the blue carrying these skirts and asked if I had any use for them. they bolted right on & were almost the same color. SOLD!!!

Originally Posted by danliveshere

Rockey are your fender skirts glass or steel? I haven't seen this style before. Your phaeton's very nice, thanks for sharing. I want to have them on my roadster and eventually on my phaeton as well.

[ken ct]

Caution people, any skirts you mount over lapping the fender EI: not flush mount is going to leave a mark all around the fender which you will never get out.Its from the skirt rubbing slightly from driving and all the rubber seal or cushins you install will not stop this from happening.Think down the road if you ever want to take them off. ken ct. Rednecks are bubble type and mount over the fender and will be a mark on the fenders where they were.

[FlatheadTed]

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Rear wheel partially covered by a detachable fender skirt on 1969 Buick Electra 225



1952 Nash Rambler non-detachable front and rear fender skirts



1986 Citroën CX



Los Angeles Bus


Fender skirts, known in Australia and the United Kingdom as spats, are pieces of bodywork on the fender that cover the upper portions of the rear tires of an automobile.
[edit] Functions

Fender skirts are implemented for both aesthetic and aerodynamic reasons. Rather than air flowing into and being trapped in the rear wheel well, it flows smoothly over the bodywork. They are typically detachable to allow for tire changes. Automakers have also experimented with front wheel fender skirts, as on the 1950-1954 Nash Rambler, but with success limited by the fact that the front wheels must pivot for steering, extending out from the side of the vehicle slightly.
[edit] History

First described as "pants", they were used for the streamlining effect by Frank Lockhart on a 1928 Stutz land speed record attempt car.[1] Factory production of fender skirts began with the 1932 Graham-Paige.[2] Aesthetically streamlined designs were copied to mass-produced models.[3] The innovations introduced by Amos Northup, such as the V'd radiators, fender skirts, and sloping beaver-tails, became common after 1933.[3] However, by the 1970s, fender skirts began to disappear from mass market automobiles. Fender skirts remained for some time longer on a few cars, particularly large American luxury cars.
Fender skirts were often paired with whitewall tires. The extent of the skirt also varied, before the 1950s it was common for all but the very bottom of the rear tire to be covered, while by the 1960s fender skirts only covered some of the top of the tire, and were largely absent on cars other than top line models. For example up until 1976, the Chevrolet Caprice, Oldsmobile 98, Buick Electra, Pontiac Bonneville and the Cadillac Fleetwood, DeVille and Calis models used fender skirts. Starting in 1977 only the Pontiac Bonneville retained the use of fender skirts on General Motors downsized cars. In 1980 the Oldsmobile returned the fender skirts to the 98 model. By 1985 fender skirts would disappear from all standard General Motors cars. In 1993 Cadillac again incorporated fender skirts into the design of the re-styled Fleetwood, this design would last until 1996. The General Motors EV1 had fender skirts later.
In European automobile design, Citroën notably used fender skirts on nearly all models produced between 1950 and 1990, most prominently in the DS, 2CV, Ami, GS, SM, BX and CX.
As of 2009, the last car produced with fender skirts was the 1999-2006 Honda Insight, although they are available for some new cars as aftermarket accessories.
Some cities, such as Los Angeles, have fender skirts on municipal buses for safety purposes, as they can prevent items in the road from slipping under the tires.
[edit] References

Originally Posted by JM 35 Sedan

Well darn, I thought wheel spats may have been some type of sheet metal cover that goes over the openings in rocky mountain brake drums maybe something like we already have on the wire wheels but made of a thinner sheet metal material. I guess I was wearing leggings in US Navy boot/basic training and thought all this time they were spats. Too many similar words with different meanings in a common language

[Redneck]

This is the only other picture of the driver side.

[35cab]

Attached pic of "fugly" spats / skirts mounted on the wings / fenders of my 35.
These are foxcraft skirts from a 36.
My fenders / wings were really rough so I had to rebuild the fender/ wing lip anyway, they were shaped to suit the skirt / spat.
I never was able to try them on a good original 35 wing, dammit! fender!
My understanding is that they would never have fitted.
I like them, but I am biased.
America Australia and Britain, three nations divided by a common language!

Gordon.

[Hoop]

Different terms in different countries is one thing, but in the States ... and during the height of their popularity when I was a kid ... they were called fender skirts or just plain "skirts."

If you called them by any other name, like "spats", you were likely the same guy who constantly got his shorts pulled down in gym class and would face eternal ridicule for being a dork.

"Skirts."

Some cars were naturals for skirts and their looks were greatly enhanced. Usually these cars were considered "customs" rather than "rods." This distinction could get blurred at times but ... generally ... rods did not get skirts. Some cars were absolutely made for skirts, 49-51 Mercs and Fords especially. Very few '30's coupes got "customized" in my area, most were rods.

The style and fit of skirts was a big subject for discussion. Whether or not they fit inside the fender well or overlapped made a difference in "judging." Bubble skirts vs. Cruiser skirts was another hotly contested issue.

Skirts were rare on pre-war coupes and, if ever see, were normally used by some "old guy."

(We need to have an opinion poll on Fuzzy Dice ... NOTHING defines customized like fuzzy dice.)

[FlatheadTed]

I will run these on my 34

[FlatheadTed]

I will run these on my 34

[35ragtop]

As the old addage said" Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!"

DONT DO IT DAN !

LOL dave h

[Shadetree]

Tony, I believe that Ford reserved the term "wheel cover" to refer to the spare tire cover. I also believe that Ford did not sanction any fender skirts in 1935 or 1936 and that they did not appear in any Ford catalogues. There was a popular after market for them as a result.

Here is another after market supplier.


Don,
I'll take two pair at $6.17 a pair! Wow, those were the cat's meow in my day! I think the coupes, roadsters and convertibles looked particularly sharp with them. A three window coupe would really stand out..

Shadetree

[Henryat1140]

Well, guess I'll add some details, in the spirit of sharing information.

Raised in the 50's hot rod era, I always liked the completeness that skirts give to the rear fender line, especially if there is a little teardrop shape.

For our 36 Phaeton (Very Tangled and I) we decided on steel not glass skirts, I located a supplier in Hemmings and ordered the skirts built with a little modification: since I'd heard the center attachment sometimes slipped down below the fender lip, I asked them to make the center rod 2" longer, which they did. I believe the cost was about $300 including freight.

The skirts fit almost perfectly, needing only a minor adjustment by the body shop that did the painting. The front and rear clamps were a little flimsy, so I had a machine shop fabricate stronger ones - now they are very stable and fit closely. The body shop work was about $400 to do the final fitting and paint.

Here are with and without. We like them, but not everyone does.

Henry and Jeff

[Tom Morookian]

IF your going to make a set, try this guy Michael@MichaelKianka.com he makes patch panels for the wheel well opening that, if you flipped them over, should fit right into the opening.

He puts them on epay every once in a while too.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by Henryat1140

Well, guess I'll add some details, in the spirit of sharing information.

Raised in the 50's hot rod era, I always liked the completeness that skirts give to the rear fender line, especially if there is a little teardrop shape.

For our 36 Phaeton (Very Tangled and I) we decided on steel not glass skirts, I located a supplier in Hemmings and ordered the skirts built with a little modification: since I'd heard the center attachment sometimes slipped down below the fender lip, I asked them to make the center rod 2" longer, which they did. I believe the cost was about $300 including freight.

The skirts fit almost perfectly, needing only a minor adjustment by the body shop that did the painting. The front and rear clamps were a little flimsy, so I had a machine shop fabricate stronger ones - now they are very stable and fit closely. The body shop work was about $400 to do the final fitting and paint.

Here are with and without. We like them, but not everyone does.

Henry and Jeff

Thanks for posting that info Henry. Since we will need to remove those skirts = spats on 4/14. I would like to take some close up pictures of them and add those to this post.

[Henryat1140]

No problem, we can take pictures before and after removing the skirts. The brackets I had made are better then the ones supplied and others might want to duplicate them.

BTW, do you have a rear wheel puller?

Did you ever repair your spring spreader we mangled? Might we need a spring spreader for the rear?

On another subject, I booked a motel room in Hiwassee at the Hiwassee Inn. Spoke with the manager, who informed me his location and one other (I _think_ it would be the Mull Motel) are the only two budget motels in town. His rate was $49.95 plus tax. We booked for Monday through Friday, and of course, we can share the room with you if your plans change and you can actually get to the meet.

Regards,

Henry

[Redneck]

Story time A buddy of mine had a 55 Chevy and he did not have skirts on it but a lot og other goodies on it. Then a fellow said to him why don't you put skirts on that Chevy? I will have you know that Chevy is a male not a Chicken liver female by no means. I never gorget that.So I guess that how you tell the difference?

[OLD...BILL]

Back in my street-rod days early 50s, we did not hang with guys with "skirts" on the cars.... and worst yet lowered in the back ... he was not one of "The guys" what I drove was dumped in the front, smaller tires, and biger rear...With a built engine, and Smitties.. and " NO SKIRTES --EVER " .
...OLD ... BILL
p.s. JOHN. don't do it. your about a stright a guy as I now...

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by Henryat1140

No problem, we can take pictures before and after removing the skirts. The brackets I had made are better then the ones supplied and others might want to duplicate them.

BTW, do you have a rear wheel puller?

Did you ever repair your spring spreader we mangled? Might we need a spring spreader for the rear?

On another subject, I booked a motel room in Hiwassee at the Hiwassee Inn. Spoke with the manager, who informed me his location and one other (I _think_ it would be the Mull Motel) are the only two budget motels in town. His rate was $49.95 plus tax. We booked for Monday through Friday, and of course, we can share the room with you if your plans change and you can actually get to the meet.

Regards,

Henry

Henry, I have a rear drum puller that I designed and made myself. It has never failed to remove an early Ford rear drum that I have needed to remove in the past. I'll bring that and my electric impact wrench that works that puller like a champ.
Now that poor spring spreader is another story . The all thread on one end still looks like it was wrapped around a large BG&E telephone pole while traveling at 150 mph I'll see if I can somehow put it back in commission before the 14th. If not, we may have to find/rent a porta power.
It now looks as though Hiwassee is totally off the map for me. There was a slim ray of hope until last week when the main decision making member of our family locked us in on a vacation condo at OC MD for that same week. If I even mention the thought of slipping out early on the family vacation to attend the '12 EFV8 Club ENM I would be in very deep doo doo for a long long time.
Looking forward to having fun in Hereford on the 14th

[bige386]

Dan... I like the looks of Fender Skirts my self and had a set custom made for my 46. The guy that built then has a web sight called Jeffs Customs.com
jeffscustoms.com
Check him out I'm sure he will be able to bend ya up a set. They come complete with gaskets and lock downs. They are raw steel when you get them so you can prime them and paintem any color ya want.
Hope this helps.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by OLD...BILL

Back in my street-rod days early 50s, we did not hang with guys with "skirts" on the cars.... and worst yet lowered in the back ... he was not one of "The guys" what I drove was dumped in the front, smaller tires, and biger rear...With a built engine, and Smitties.. and " NO SKIRTES --EVER " .
...OLD ... BILL
p.s. JOHN. don't do it. your about a stright a guy as I now...

Not to worry Bill. Looks like no skirties = spaties for this old boy....unless....I happen to find a nice set along the side of some lonely deserted road somewhere I would at least check to see if they happened to fit my ever so slightly to be hot rodded '35 5W coupe