Installing fenders & splash aprons on a '32

Posted by Marty or Marston On 2013/3/8 11:29:25

I'm getting close to the point where I want to install the fenders and various splash aprons on the my '32, 4 door, 5 passenger sedan. Since I don't want to figure the best way by trial and error, I thought I'd get some input from others who have gone down this road before me.

Just to bring everyone up to date, this is what I've done to date:

1. Made all necessary sheet metal repairs to fenders, splash aprons, doors, hood panel, body, etc. by replacing sections and filling as required
2. Primed, and block sanded sheet metal until it looked good
3. Mounted body to frame and installed doors (Note did not install lower splash apron that goes below the doors at this time
4. Blocked and shimmed body until doors aligned correct (note tightening all bolts after making each adjustment to shims)
5. Removed doors for final paint
6. Removed all body bolts & bagged all shims & blots as to correct location for re-installation
7. Removed body for final paint
8. Painted all body parts and color sanded
9. Placed body back on frame and installed the firewall that is in the engine compartment

I was thinking that one approach to this would be:

1. Correctly re-position body on frame
2. Lift one side of the car
3. Lay down a strip of anti-squeak material on frame where the splash apron that goes between the fenders
4. Install splash apron
5. Place blocks and shims in correct location between the body and apron and loosely install bolts
6. Install running board leaving bolt slightly loose
7. Install rear fender again leaving bolt loose
8. Install aprons at front of car (loose bolts)
9. Install front fender
10. Repeat process for other side
11. Install radiator and braces
12. Install hood
13. Tighten bolts and verify alignment and adjust accordingly

I could use some pictures of the correct installation of the fender welting and it's positioning and best type (if any) of what to use as anti-squeak material between the aprons and frame.