Hey guys, I'm looking to remove the inner fenders on my 55 to make way for some fenderwell headers. I understand I can cut openings for the headers, but they also look like hell and would need to come out to get blasted and painted anyway if I were to retain them. The process looks pretty straightforward, but is there anything I need to be wary of? Will I need to add any bracing or anything like that? It's a street car, so it does get driven a lot. I know I'll be spending a lot more time cleaning the engine bay. Looks like I'll need to do one side at a time up front at the core support since they bolt through the inner fender, but other than that it looks like an easy job. Thanks gents!!
A guy at my school way back did it and had no problems. The only thing to pay attention to is at the back bottom of the fender by the door. Replace the old bolts or make sure that area is firm with no rust as it receives a lot of the vibration and forces.
It's a matter of preference, and pretty straightforward. I'm debating on the same thing on my '56, but I'm leaning towards leaving them in and cutting them out for the headers. The inner fenders really stiffen the long leg behind the wheel opening and helps keep the contour of the body, it helps eliminate fender vibrations and "ash canning" too. JMHO Sent from my SM-G892A using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Yeah I'd prefer my front end not fold up. Many cars gave their parts to make mine whole, I'd be doing them a disservice!!
Im planning on installing a tin indian mill in my 55 wagon. And will have to fab the hedders. and fender well hedders seems the best option.. So I was thinking of doing the same thing just remove the inner fenders. ive never done it before.
My only real concern is shaking the front end apart. These roads out here are getting worse and worse, and I'm worried about the added support the inner fenders gave (if they give any).
I think you may have solved your own dilemma my friend Sent from my SM-G892A using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
BEFORE you cut them up, find some stockers to replace them with when the time comes, and it will. Possibly, long after you're done with the car. Like I always tell people, "they're NOT making them anymore!", and replacement, Chinese made parts, SUCK! I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
Unbolt your front clip and get some help to lift it off in one piece put your headers on and measure for your cuts and cut them off the car. That way you can clean the chassis fix the fenderwells and reinstall it all in one piece. The lower bolt holes on the fenders usually need fixed or replaced anyway. Be sure to mark and save all off the body shims. That's just me doing it because I have found that short cuts usually makes a project look like it was hacked on . Your car though, good luck.