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View Full Version : GM NOS Fenders... Keep/Fix or Sell?



Firebird-Geek
06-03-2013, 10:21 AM
So I FINALLY was able to open my Genuine GM NOS front fenders. I purchased these back in 2003 from the GM dealership I work at. There were only 6 LH and 30 RH fenders left at the time in the warehouse we got them from.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_069625202528Large2529JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_071925202528Large2529JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_072025202528Large2529JPG-1.jpg

So they have been one of my prized purchases I made... up until I put them on the car! :hand:

The body lines on these GM NOS panels make my aftermarket doors and rear quarters look GREAT! They obviously were stamped near the end of life of the GM tooling. They are TOTALLY rounded out and DULL compared to the other panels. Fitment seems good... but NOT the body lines.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_097425202528Large2529JPG-1.jpg

Here are some Examples:

Body Line of aftermarket door:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_096825202528Large2529JPG-1.jpg

Bodyline of Quarter panel:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_097225202528Large2529JPG-1.jpg

And Here is the bodyline of the GM NOS fender: (notice how rounded and dull it is)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_096925202528Large2529JPG-1.jpg

Firebird-Geek
06-03-2013, 10:23 AM
I can not tell if the top of the fender is as bad... but they do seem a bit more dull than the line on the doors. Do they look correct?
NOTE: these panels have not been fitted and are just hanging on the car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_098125202528Large2529JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_097025202528Large2529JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_098025202528Large2529JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_099425202528Large2529JPG-1.jpg

Firebird-Geek
06-03-2013, 10:25 AM
The wheel openings also look like they are rounded out. I think these are suppose to have a more squared off lip?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_099225202528Large2529JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/IMG_099325202528Large2529JPG-1.jpg

Firebird-Geek
06-03-2013, 10:26 AM
So... now my BIG question. Can these be fixed? I was thinking that I could use a dolly on the back of the panel and try and reshape the line by hammering it out a bit more pronounced. BUT, should I be doing this on Genuine GM panels? Are they still a better panel than the aftermarkets?

I know I have read about NOS panels having bad body lines before, but never read how they were fixed or handled?

Or am I better off just ordering some AMD front fenders and sell these GM NOS ones? It is not like my car has many GM panels left on it anyway.

PLEASE give me your thoughts! Just not sure which way to go...

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