OEM Front Fender Question

[74HogGuy]

About to remove my mini truck power steering box in favor of an FJ80 box.

Question for the sages. Were all fenders created the same? Are there any drivers side fenders (non US) that lack the provision for the steering gear box like the like the passenger side?

If so, are they still available NOS?

Drivers side:

Passenger side:

 

[brian]

of course there were, but finding an nos sample here would be worth several hens teeth.

 

[tstepp920]

see if this gentleman can help you. dieselbj42

 

[Jdc1]

see if this gentleman can help you. dieselbj42

shhhhh, lol.

 

[74HogGuy]

shhhhh, lol.

Where do you guys think I got the current NOS drivers side that I have!

 

[Jdc1]

Where do you guys think I got the current NOS drivers side that I have!

Thats where I got mine too after seeing yours.

 

[74HogGuy]

Thats where I got mine too after seeing yours.

The hurtful part building up the gumption to take a cutting wheel to it!

 

[Jdc1]

The hurtful part building up the gumption to take a cutting wheel to it!

My buddy has a NOS that is getting clearanced for his 60 box, he said the same thing.

 

[MOTOV8R]

Why not trim off that flanged part and then weld in a panel? As you said you are going to be cutting it up anyway. Hardly seems worth it to get a new OEM unit and then just cut it.

 

[74HogGuy]

Why not trim off that flanged part and then weld in a panel? As you said you are going to be cutting it up anyway. Hardly seems worth it to get a new OEM unit and then just cut it.

True, but that wouldn't be as cool. Nor look as nice.

 

[MOTOV8R]

True, but that wouldn't be as cool. Nor look as nice.

That's cool, I'm too cheap. You should roll the edge of the trimmed part for the 80 box, similar to the shock tower cut out, if you want it to look original.

 

[74HogGuy]

That's cool, I'm too cheap. You should roll the edge of the trimmed part for the 80 box, similar to the shock tower cut out, if you want it to look original.

I was thinking of taking the existing rolled lip and re welding it above the 80 box. I definitely want it to look like it was made to be there.

 

[B y r o n]

Wouldn't you just need the fender from a vehicle with the driver on the other side (right hand drive passenger fender instead of left hand drive drivers side or visa versa) ?

 

[74HogGuy]

Wouldn't you just need the fender from a vehicle with the driver on the other side (right hand drive passenger fender instead of left hand drive drivers side or visa versa) ?

That's what the original question was. I was curious to know if RHD fenders exist in NOS form.

 

[pb4ugo]

I'm in the same boat. I reluctantly gotta clearance my new OEM drivers fender for the scout steering box. My plan is not to just cut out a section for clearance, but to do some strategic vertical cuts and break/bend it so the inner fender still covers and goes around the box, then weld in sheet metal in the gaps of the vertical cuts after its been bent.

 

[74HogGuy]

I'm in the same boat. I reluctantly gotta clearance my new OEM drivers fender for the scout steering box. My plan is not to just cut out a section for clearance, but to do some strategic vertical cuts and break/bend it so the inner fender still covers and goes around the box, then weld in sheet metal in the gaps of the vertical cuts after its been bent.

I like that idea. Post up pictures when you start the process!

 

[pb4ugo]

I like that idea. Post up pictures when you start the process!

So I finally started altering my new fenders for the scout steering box. Here's a follow up on what I did. 1st I must say, I'm not a body repair guy. 1st I mounted the box and took some measurements on where the box sits, how tall, where it's located on the frame and how far it bulges out. I also referenced where all the bulges were. Then i mounted the fender without the box and figured where the cuts needed to be made and marked them on the fender. Then reluctantly made my 1st 2 cuts w/the fender on my bench. I then set the fender on the bench supported underneath with a piece of plate steel and clamped a piece of steel on top where the bend would be. I pulled up on the end of the sheet metal that needed to be bent and tapped w/a hammer at the point where the bend started, with it still clamped. This made the brake straight and clean. I then mounted the box and fender on the 40 to see how close I was. I initially bent it too far, but it was easily bent back. I probably could have made my bend an 1" lower on the fender, but I'm OK with the result. I thought I might have to make another cut to clear the end of the box and frame, but I didn't have to. I had mounted the box without a scab plate on the outside of the frame, so the fender didn't need anymore alteration. Now I just have to clean the cuts up a little for a little more clearance around the bulge and make a
pie shaped template to fiill the gap where the cut is. Hope this helps.

 

[pb4ugo]

 

[pb4ugo]

Ok, so here's what I ended up with. I still have a little clean up to do, but I'm happy with the results. Beats cutting out a bunch sheet metal to make clearance for the steering box.

 

[SteveH]

Well done!