Fenders, aftermarket or OEM?

[Rusty 72]

Wondering about the aftermarket front fenders. I searched and did not find any info. The fenders I have need lots of work, dents and rust issues.

Should I look for a nice pair of originals or just go ahead and buy a pair of aftermarket fenders. How go do they fit as received?

Not building a show quality rig but every part but the fenders I have are straight and rust free.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Look for an OEM set. Aftermarket fenders are just not the same. OEM bolt right on, no fit issues. Generally you don't have that with aftermarket parts. I have a pair of '79 fenders on my '72 tub and frame - they bolted on with no problems. If retaining the OEM fender well mounting locations for engine and electrical accessories is important, without drilling new holes, your options narrow a bit.

 

[velillen]

As stated...OEM will bolt right on. Aftermarket are going to need a bit of fitting. Youll find lots of reports of guys who had no problem with them, to some work needed, to didnt fit at all. Think it mostly depends how you want the truck to look (ie totally stock or more a trail rig)

You can buy new passenger side fenders from a dealer (at ~300 bucks ish). For the drivers side.....you can probably pick up a used one in decent to good shape for 150 or so but youll need to have it shipped more than likely. You CAN find new drivers side fenders but it most likely wont be cheap.

 

[BJ40ER]

I used the aftermarket fenders, they were a bit of a pain to get to properly fit, however they look good. If I went back, I'd of gotten a pair of oem used fenders and repaired them. The aftermarket fenders are a thinner gauge metal then OEM, that's what I like the least about them honestly.
Good luck

 

[RAYJON]

i second everything said above, factory fenders even if you have to take some dents and do a little rust repair, have both and the aftermarket ones are more work than they are worth.. easier for me to fix some dented factory fenders.. we need a petition to get toyota to stamp some more drivers side fenders....

 

[vt0u812]

lots of threads on this subject - best to take a look @ them all and form your own opinion. I bought some aftermarket from CCOT...bolted on with very little fit issues and look great. I'll also say the quality was nice as well.

 

[Cleg]

If you can find a decent set of original fenders that to me would be the preferred option.
As usual, it depends on what you want to end up with, what is available and how much you want to put into it, time & $$.
My originals had a few creases and surface rust and were going to require a lot of work.
I ran across a new set of aftermarket fenders locally on Craigslist offered at $50 each so went that route.
They were ready for paint in hours instead of days.
As noted above, they are made of a thinner gauge steel and do not fit very accurately but on the truck they look new inside & out.

If you go aftermarket BE SURE TO FIT THEM FIRST INCLUDING THE TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLIES.
I did not assemble mine prior to painting so had to do some drilling and filing after paint.

 

[Rusty 72]

Thanks for the info. I have put an ad for fenders in the wanted section. Had a couple different contacts for oem fenders.