fiberglass or metal fenders?

[cw253748]

Just wondering if anybody has used Wescott's fiberglass fenders and running boards and how did they fit? You hear how bad the new metal fenders don't fit properly without some work. My rear fenders are have been repaired by the previous owner with bondo or fiberglass repair kits and look terrible. My running boards have seen better days and the front fenders have some rust holes by the headlight bar.
thanks,
Chris

[Larry Jenkins]

I am going to put Wescott's fiberglass fenders on my 1930 CCPU for the very reasons you state.

I have seen some Wescott fenders and they are well made and fit well.

Larry

[Kevin in NJ]

I can understand the desire to buy fenders that are ready to mount.

If you go to my website I have some pointers for how to get metal fenders to work. You also need to take some time to learn proper metal work (I also have some hints about that).

It is pretty simple, try to make the metal fenders work. If you can't, well then you can always buy the fiberglass and you will not be out much money, just time.

FWIW, the coupe metal rear fenders are pretty darn good.

[Henry1953]

I have fiberglass front fenders. It was a lot of work but they painted perfectly smooth and fit very well. I fit them to the car and then removed them and had a professional body shop guy who was a friend do the prep and painting. After they were painted I refit them to the car. I am very happy with the finished product.

[C26Pinelake]

In my opinion it greatly reduced the value of the car when you replace steel with fiberglass! Wayne

[31Abone]

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I have fiber on 31 roadster when I was trying to sell it,I told them that ..they ran so fast a bullet couldn't catch them..so make up your mind.

[CWilson]

Originally Posted by c26pinelake

in my opinion it greatly reduced the value of the car when you replace steel with fiberglass! Wayne

+1!

[bobpo1]

Originally Posted by CWilson

+1!

Add my vote for a +2. I used after market metal fenders on mine and you wouldn't believe how many people have either asked if my fenders are fiberglass and have actually reached under the fender bead out of curiousity. I did had some fitting problems when I installed them, but nothing that I couldn't handle.

I am SO SATISFIED with the metal.

It is one of those personal decisions, if you don't have a preference, use the glass unless you plan to eventually sell it. It will make a difference.

[Henry1953]

When I did mine there were no decent metal ones available. I would use metal now that good ones are available.

[1931 flamingo]

Mine came w glass fenders, a plus in my opinion as they were straight. Many, many, many people have oohed and awed over the car in the past 65-6 years and no one has walked away shaking their head and cursing the glass fenders.

Westcott's has been around for a long time and has an excellent reputation. Karl posts here once in a while.
Paul in CT ps: The firestones fit in my welled fenders just fine.

[1931 flamingo]

speeeling correction

[2935ford]

FWIW
I vacillated a long time over this issue. My front fenders on my 32 pickup were very rough.....workable but rough. So, do I spend money on having them massaged and then not match my existing old paint job or go fiberglass (which would also not match my old paint job). Could I search and find a better set of used steel fenders?
The answer came when I found a pair of fiberglass fenders that had sat a very long time and had just the right amount of patina on them to match the rest of my truck.
They bolted right on and fit great........it was a no brainer.

So far no one has shamed me with having them but I could care less if they try.

I still have the originals should I ever sell and if it makes that much of a difference to the buyer.

[Henry1953]

I still have my original metal fenders but IMO they would take more work than they are worth to make them look decent. If I ever sell my car I will include the originals to the buyer.

[C26Pinelake]

the fiberglass are just fine when you don't want to sell the vehicle and I am sure nobody will scorn you. But remember it is a different group of lookers when you are selling than when you are showing it at a county fair ! Wayne

[ronn]

Flamingo, while I understand your point, it doesn't sound like you ever planned on selling your car.

I agree when selling, fiberglass is often a deterrent...............

[PepeLoco]

Originally Posted by Kevin in NJ

I can understand the desire to buy fenders that are ready to mount.

If you go to my website I have some pointers for how to get metal fenders to work. You also need to take some time to learn proper metal work (I also have some hints about that).

It is pretty simple, try to make the metal fenders work. If you can't, well then you can always buy the fiberglass and you will not be out much money, just time.

FWIW, the coupe metal rear fenders are pretty darn good.

Fantastic website. Is it in the stickies?

[grumpyoldsman]

in my opinion the glass fenders seam to crack in the same place the old steel fenders cracked. just a lot harder to repair . I have never installed glass fenders on a car and wont. Gas light sells a very good frt fender in steel for not a hole lot more money than glass. the rear cp steel fenders are a near perfect fit. the frt fenders do take a little work but steel is real as I have always herd.

[Mike V. Florida]

I fully understand you dilemma, to spend 1000.00 on steel fenders and how much to get then to fit, another 6-700.00 if you don't have the skills or tools to do the work yourself?

Get the fiberglass for $800.00 keep the steel bad ones to sell with the car when that day comes.

[Tom from Drippin']

If you are close to Denver, Bert's has original fenders.

[FrankWest]

I would try to get original fenders when possible.
I would think that fiberglass would be a big NO NO...and choose reproduction Metal if there was NO way I could get the original. The originals are so thick and sturdy that there is no comparison with the remakes.