Fender brackets 101

[Roadster62]

There are no Left or Right fender brackets, correct? Do any of you true up the brackets to match before fixing your fenders? I'm starting with 1929 forged brackets & fenders that have never met before. Bob

[jw hash]

they are both shaped the same. but there is some different variations of the brakets

[Oldbluoval]

Yes absolutely true them up
Put all together on the frame they are going on. Before painting!!!
Light bar, runningboards
Then step to the front and look at them. Should look symmetrical and sit well.
Nothing should be stressed when fitting together. All holes should line up easily not forced
You may have to press bend the brackets a bit
Just be careful with the forged ones about over bend and breaking.

[Ed in Maine]

This goes to show you that you can learn something new every time you get on Ford Barn. It makes sense, your car may have had a minor bump some time in the past! Ed

[Karl Wescott]

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To true up the front sheetmetal I recommend a slightly different sequence:



Fit the fenders, running boards, headlight bar first. Then shape the fender brackets to fit the now visually correct fender. This is especially true with reproduction brackets. Brackets should touch the fenders only at the headlight bar mount and outside fender mount, anywhere else will cause rubbing and eventual cracking or other damage to the fender.



True Ford forged brackets are unlikely to crack. There are however, some cast iron reproductions from the 1970's around which will break if you look at them crosswise. If you break one of those fitting up the car be happy you did as otherwise it would break ON the car.